What model is my Kenmore Elite refrigerator?
Your Kenmore Elite refrigerator’s model number is printed on the rating label; for this parts page, the model is 11172699910. On most bottom-mount refrigerators, that label is inside the fresh food compartment (often on a side wall) or inside the freezer compartment.
Where to look for the model number label
Check these common spots first (use a flashlight and look for a sticker or metal plate):
- Inside the refrigerator compartment on the left or right side wall
- On the ceiling of the refrigerator compartment near the light housing
- Inside the freezer compartment on a side wall or near the drawer track
- Behind the lower crisper drawers (on the back wall)
- Behind the toe grille or kick plate at the bottom front
What the label looks like (and what to write down)
We recommend copying the information exactly as shown so you can match parts and documentation correctly.
| Label item | What it’s used for | Example format |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | Identifies the exact refrigerator design | 11172699910 |
| Serial number | Identifies your specific unit | Letters and numbers |
| Electrical ratings | Helps with troubleshooting and safe testing | Volts/amps |
Why it matters
Kenmore Elite refrigerators can look similar across multiple model families, but parts like the water filter, control board, door gasket, and ice maker can vary by model. Using the exact model number prevents ordering the wrong refrigerator parts and speeds up troubleshooting.
Quick tips to avoid mix-ups
- Match every digit in 11172699910; one missing digit can point to a different parts list
- If the label is worn, take a clear photo and zoom in to confirm characters
- Use the documentation for your exact model when adjusting settings or diagnosing issues; start with the 11172699910 owner's manual
Last updated: February 2026
What is the average lifespan of a Kenmore Elite refrigerator?
A Kenmore Elite refrigerator typically lasts 10 to 15 years. For the Kenmore Elite 11172699910 bottom-mount refrigerator, consistent cleaning, correct temperature settings, and timely maintenance (like water filter changes) are what most often push service life toward the upper end of that range.
Typical lifespan and what affects it
Most refrigerators wear out due to compressor run time, airflow restrictions, and door seal leaks. These factors have the biggest impact:
- Condenser cleanliness (dust buildup makes the sealed system work harder)
- Door gasket condition (air leaks cause longer run times and frost issues)
- Proper airflow (don’t block vents in the fresh food or freezer sections)
- Stable temperatures (avoid frequent warm-ups from long door openings)
- Water system upkeep (filter changes help protect valves and reduce flow problems)
Maintenance checklist to help it last longer
Use this as a simple routine for a bottom-mount refrigerator like model 11172699910:
- Vacuum and brush the condenser area regularly
- Keep door gaskets clean; wipe with mild soap and water, then dry
- Confirm doors close and seal fully (no gaps at corners)
- Set and verify temperatures after power outages or moves
- Replace the water filter on schedule and flush after replacement
For model-specific care steps and intervals, follow the owner's manual.
Quick reference: lifespan expectations by component
| Component | Typical service life | What you notice when it’s wearing out |
|---|---|---|
| Compressor/sealed system | 10 to 15 years | Warm temps, long run times, weak cooling |
| Evaporator fan | 7 to 12 years | Noisy freezer, uneven temps |
| Door gaskets | 5 to 10 years | Moisture, frost, warm spots near doors |
| Ice maker/water valve | 5 to 10 years | Slow fill, no ice, leaking |
Why it matters
A refrigerator that runs longer than normal uses more electricity and puts extra strain on the sealed refrigerant system. Basic upkeep (cleaning, sealing, airflow, and filter maintenance) reduces run time and helps your Kenmore Elite refrigerator reach its expected lifespan.
Last updated: February 2026
Why is my Kenmore Elite refrigerator leaking from the bottom?
A Kenmore Elite bottom-mount refrigerator model 11172699910 usually leaks from the bottom when water is not draining correctly during defrost, or when the water supply/ice maker tubing is leaking and the water runs down into the base. Use the troubleshooting steps below to pinpoint the source fast.
Quick checks that find most bottom leaks
- Look for ice or debris in the defrost drain: a clogged drain can overflow into the freezer floor and down to the bottom.
- Check the drain pan: confirm it is seated correctly and not cracked; a shifted pan can spill water onto the floor.
- Inspect the water line connection: loose fittings at the rear inlet valve area can drip and track forward.
- Check the ice maker fill tube: if it is misaligned or frozen, water can miss the mold and leak.
- Inspect dispenser or internal water tubing (if equipped): cracks or rubbed-through spots can leak only when dispensing.
Step-by-step: isolate where the water is coming from
- Unplug the refrigerator and pull it out enough to access the back.
- Dry everything (floor, rear panel area, and under the freezer drawer) so you can see fresh water.
- Run these two tests:
- Ice maker test: turn the ice maker ON and wait for a fill cycle; watch for drips behind the unit.
- Defrost/drain test: check for water pooling under the freezer drawer after normal operation.
- Confirm your water pressure is in range: this model’s water supply needs 30 to 125 psi; pressure outside that range can contribute to leaks and poor ice maker fills.
What the symptoms usually mean
| What you see | Most likely cause | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Water/ice under freezer drawer | Clogged defrost drain | Freezer drain trough and drain hole |
| Water only when making ice | Fill tube issue or valve seep | Back of unit, ice maker fill area |
| Water only when dispensing | Cracked/loose tubing | Behind dispenser area and tubing runs |
| Random puddles, no pattern | Drain pan shifted/cracked | Bottom rear of cabinet |
Why it matters
Bottom leaks can soak insulation, create ice buildup in the freezer, and damage flooring. Fixing the source early also helps the refrigerator maintain stable temperatures and reduces repeat icing.
For model-specific diagrams, water line routing, and the troubleshooting guide, use the Owner's manual.
Last updated: February 2026
How many cubic feet is my Kenmore refrigerator by model number?
For Kenmore Elite model 11172699910, the exact cubic-foot capacity is listed on the refrigerator’s rating label and in the specifications section of the 11172699910 owner's manual. Using the model number alone is not a reliable way to calculate capacity because model numbers do not consistently encode cubic feet.
Fast ways to find the cubic feet (most accurate first)
- Check the rating label inside the fresh food compartment (often on a side wall near the crisper area) for “Capacity” or “Total volume.”
- Look in the specifications section of the 11172699910 owner's manual.
- If you still cannot locate it, measure interior dimensions and estimate volume (useful for planning, not exact).
Where to look inside the refrigerator
Capacity information is commonly found in one of these places:
- Left or right interior wall of the refrigerator section
- Near the crisper drawers
- Behind the lower drawer front lip (visible when drawers are removed)
- On a label that also lists the model and serial number
Estimating capacity (when you just need a planning number)
If you need a rough estimate for storage planning, you can approximate cubic feet from interior measurements.
| What you measure | How to measure | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator interior (W x H x D) | Measure usable space, not door bins | Approx. fresh food cu. ft. |
| Freezer interior (W x H x D) | Measure drawer cavity space | Approx. freezer cu. ft. |
| Total | Add both sections | Approx. total cu. ft. |
Quick math: cubic feet = (inches W x H x D) ÷ 1,728.
Why it matters
Knowing the true cubic-foot capacity helps you compare refrigerators accurately, choose correctly sized water filters and storage bins, and plan airflow clearance so the Kenmore Elite bottom-mount refrigerator cools evenly.
Last updated: February 2026
What are the common problems with Kenmore Elite refrigerators?
Common problems we see on Kenmore Elite refrigerators like model 11172699910 include no cooling or warm temperatures, food freezing in the fresh-food section, ice and water issues, and moisture or frost buildup. Many of these start with airflow restrictions, dirty condenser vents, door-opening habits, or control settings such as Demo Mode (cooling disabled); see the 11172699910 owner's manual.
Most common symptoms and what usually causes them
- Not cooling at all: unit unplugged, Demo Mode enabled, or the refrigerator is in a normal defrost cycle
- Too warm: frequent/long door openings, hot installation location (above 110°F), or warm food loads
- Food freezing in refrigerator section: items placed near an air vent, temperature set too cold, or room temperature too low
- Heavy frost or ice crystals: doors opened often or not sealing well, or excess humidity entering the compartments
- Long run times: warm room conditions; at about 70°F, compressor run time is commonly 40% to 80%
Quick checks we recommend first (safe, no tools)
- Confirm the refrigerator is plugged into a properly grounded 3-prong outlet.
- Check for Demo Mode and turn it off if enabled.
- Allow up to 24 hours after installation or relocation for temperatures to stabilize.
- Reduce door opening frequency and duration.
- Make sure air vents inside the compartments are not blocked by food packages.
Cleaning and airflow: a high-impact fix
A clogged condenser cover or rear venting can cause poor cooling and longer run times. We recommend vacuuming the condenser cover and vents using a brush attachment; do not remove the panel covering the condenser coil area.
| Problem you notice | What to check | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| No cooling | Demo Mode, power, defrost cycle | Disable Demo Mode; restore power; wait 30 minutes after defrost |
| Fresh food freezing | Air vent location, temp setting, room temp | Move items away from vents; raise temp 1 step; keep room above 55°F |
| Too warm | Door openings, hot room, hot food load | Limit openings; keep room below 110°F; cool food before loading |
Why it matters
Most “common problems” are really temperature control and airflow problems. Fixing vents, settings, and condenser airflow protects food safety, reduces energy use, and prevents unnecessary compressor strain.
Last updated: February 2026





