Why is my refrigerator not getting cold at the bottom?
If your Kenmore 11173025713 is warmer at the bottom, the most common causes are restricted airflow (blocked vents or overpacked shelves), frequent door openings, or a clogged condenser cover and vents that reduce cooling performance. Use the cleaning and temperature guidance in the owner's manual.
- Make sure food packages are not blocking interior air vents.
- Leave space between items so cold air can circulate to the lower shelves.
- Reduce long door openings; warm, humid air quickly raises compartment temperature.
- If the refrigerator was just installed or restarted, allow up to 24 hours to fully stabilize.
- Confirm the room is within normal operating range; performance drops in very hot spaces.
A clogged condenser or back cover area can make the refrigerator cool unevenly, including weak cooling at the bottom.
- Unplug the refrigerator.
- Use a vacuum with a brush/crevice attachment to clean the condenser cover and nearby vents.
- Do not remove the panel covering the condenser coil area.
These conditions commonly make the lower section feel warmer even when the unit is working.
| Situation | What you’ll notice | What we recommend |
|---|---|---|
| Recently installed | Temps drift, especially low shelves | Wait up to 24 hours |
| Doors opened often | Warm bottom after heavy use | Shorten openings, check door closure |
| Hot food loaded | Bottom warms first near stored items | Cool food to room temp before loading |
| Hot room | Longer run times, weaker cooling | Keep room below 110°F |
Use the model-family troubleshooting steps in Kenmore 111 model bottom freezer refrigerator error codes to interpret the display and narrow the failure to a fan, sensor, or defrost issue.
Bottom-warm symptoms usually come from airflow and heat rejection problems. Fixing vent blockage and cleaning the condenser area restores normal circulation and helps the compressor run efficiently.
You can look up diagrams and replacement parts for Kenmore 11173025713 by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
How to tell what model Kenmore refrigerator?
Your Kenmore refrigerator’s model number is printed on the appliance ID label; once you find it, match that exact number when looking up parts and documentation. For this parts page, the model is Kenmore 11173025713 (also shown in the 11173025713 owner's manual).
We typically see the model and serial label in one of these spots:
- Inside the fresh food (refrigerator) compartment on a side wall
- On the ceiling area inside the refrigerator compartment
- Behind or near a crisper drawer (you may need to slide the drawer out)
- Along the door frame area (open the door and look around the perimeter)
- Behind the lower kick plate or toe grille at the front
Kenmore refrigerators often show several identifiers. Use this quick guide:
- Model number: the key for parts lookup (example: 11173025713)
- Serial number: used to identify production run; not used for most parts searches
- “111.7302” style number*: a model series format shown in the Use & Care Guide; the asterisk usually indicates a color/variation
| What you see | What it means | What to use for parts/manuals |
|---|---|---|
| 11173025713 | Full model number | Use this exact number |
| 111.7302* | Model family/series shown in the guide | Use the full model number from the label |
| Serial number | Unit-specific identifier | Keep for records, not parts lookup |
Using the exact model number prevents ordering the wrong refrigerator water filter, door gasket, ice maker parts, or shelves. Even small differences in a Kenmore bottom-mount refrigerator series can change fit and wiring.
- Compare the label to the model shown on this page: 11173025713
- Use the parts list for this model first; for broader searching by model number, use Sears PartsDirect
- If you’re troubleshooting a display message or beeping, use the model-specific guide: Kenmore 111 model bottom freezer refrigerator error codes
Last updated: February 2026
Can you still get parts for Kenmore refrigerators?
Yes. You can still get replacement parts for Kenmore refrigerators, including the Kenmore model 11173025713. The most reliable way is to shop by the exact model number so the part fits your bottom-mount refrigerator correctly; use the parts list for your model or search on Sears PartsDirect.
Using the full model number helps match the correct version of common items like door bins, shelves, water system parts, and ice maker components.
- Confirm the model number from the rating label inside the fresh food section
- Use the model-based parts list first (best fit match)
- Compare the part description to what you are replacing (bin, shelf, gasket, valve, fan)
- Check for left or right orientation on door parts and drawers
- Keep your purchase date and serial number handy for reference (often listed in the owner's manual)
These are the most frequently requested categories for bottom-mount refrigerators like model 11173025713.
| Part category | What it affects | Common symptom |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator water filter | Water taste and flow | Slow dispensing, bad taste/odor |
| Door gasket (door seal) | Temperature stability | Frost, sweating, warm spots |
| Ice maker parts | Ice production/dispensing | No ice, clumped cubes |
| Door bins and drawers | Storage and door closing | Door pops open, bins cracked |
| Evaporator fan | Cooling performance | Warm refrigerator, noisy operation |
Ordering by model number prevents fit issues and repeat repairs. For example, the manual notes that door bins are removable but some bins only fit one location, so matching the correct bin style matters for proper door closing and safe storage.
If you are troubleshooting instead of replacing parts, use Kenmore 111 model bottom freezer refrigerator error codes to narrow down what system is failing.
Last updated: February 2026
What are the most common problems with Kenmore refrigerators?
The most common problems we see on Kenmore refrigerators, including model 11173025713, are poor cooling from restricted airflow, ice maker and water supply issues, water leaks, doors not sealing or closing, and noises that are either normal operation or vibration-related. Use the owner's manual for model-specific troubleshooting.
- Not cooling well or uneven temperatures: blocked vents, overpacked shelves, dirty condenser coils, or an evaporator fan problem.
- Ice maker not making ice: ice maker turned off, not enough cool-down time after install, shutoff valve closed, kinked tubing, or low water pressure.
- Water leaking or puddles: clogged/iced defrost drain, loose water line connection, or a damaged drain pan.
- Doors pop open or will not close: food packages blocking the door, bins or shelves out of position, or door seal issues.
- Noises (pulsating, dripping, water running sounds): often normal during compressor run or defrost; vibration can make it seem louder.
- Keep air vents clear; avoid packing food tightly so cold air circulates.
- After installation, let it run 2 to 3 hours before loading food; ice production can take up to 24 hours.
- Confirm the ice maker is ON; many Kenmore designs use a press-and-hold button (about 5 seconds) to toggle.
- Inspect the water line for kinks after moving the refrigerator; straighten and route it to prevent pinching.
- Make sure the cabinet is stable and not vibrating against a wall or cabinetry.
| Symptom | Often normal | Usually needs attention |
|---|---|---|
| Pulsating/high-pitched sound while running | Yes | If new, very loud, or constant |
| Dripping/water sound during defrost | Yes | If water ends up on the floor |
| Door pops open | No | Yes (alignment, bins, seal) |
| Slow ice after install | Yes | If still no ice after 24 hours |
Most repeat complaints trace back to airflow and water supply basics. Fixing those early protects food, prevents puddles and frost, and reduces strain on the compressor.
For DIY diagnostics by model family, use Kenmore 111 model bottom freezer refrigerator error codes. To find replacement parts by model number, search on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
Why is my Kenmore refrigerator leaking underneath?
Water under your Kenmore 11173025713 bottom-mount refrigerator usually comes from defrost water not draining (a clogged or frozen defrost drain) or from the drain pan being out of position or cracked. If the unit is plumbed for ice or water, a supply-line leak can also drip underneath.
- Look for clear water after a defrost cycle; some water draining to the pan during defrost is normal.
- Check whether the puddle is near the front/center (often defrost drain) or near the back (often water line).
- Inspect the drain pan for cracks, warping, or being shifted off its supports.
- Confirm the refrigerator is level and stable; wobble can cause drips to miss the pan.
- If connected to water, inspect the tubing for kinks, especially after moving the refrigerator.
- Unplug the refrigerator.
- Remove food and shelves as needed to access the back bottom area inside the fresh food section.
- Locate the drain opening.
- Flush with warm water (turkey baster works well), then use a pipe cleaner to remove debris.
- Dry any standing water, restore power, and monitor for 24 hours.
| What you see | Most likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Small amount of water in drain pan | Defrost water draining to pan | Normal; keep pan seated and clean |
| Water pooling under front/center | Defrost drain clogged/frozen | Clear the drain with warm water |
| Water near back where line enters | Supply line or fitting leak | Straighten tubing; snug fittings |
Leaks can damage flooring and can lead to recurring ice buildup and poor cooling if the defrost drain keeps backing up.
For model-specific access details and safety notes, use the 11173025713 owner's manual. For broader part lookup by model number, search Sears PartsDirect. For prevention tips on ice maker and water line issues, see how to prevent water dispenser and ice maker problems.
Last updated: February 2026





