Kenmore Elite 79571073012 refrigerator Parts

A Kenmore Elite refrigerator like model 79571073012 typically lasts 12 to 15 years. With consistent care (clean condenser coils, keep doors sealing tightly, and avoid frequent long door openings), it commonly reaches the upper end of that range.

Typical lifespan and what changes it

Most modern bottom-mount and French door refrigerators land in a similar window; the biggest difference is how hard the sealed system and fans have to work day to day.

• 12 to 15 years is the normal expectation for this refrigerator type
• Heavy use (busy household, frequent door openings) shortens life
• Good airflow and clean coils reduce compressor run time
• Strong door seals prevent warm air leaks and frost issues
• Stable temperatures help the control board and compressor cycle normally

Maintenance that extends life (high impact)

These are the upkeep items we see make the biggest difference on Kenmore Elite refrigerators.

• Vacuum and brush the condenser coil area regularly (dust makes the compressor run longer)
• Keep the doors closing fully; avoid overloading door bins
• Clean and inspect door gaskets; replace if torn or warped
• Replace the water filter on schedule to protect the dispenser and ice maker flow
• Keep vents inside the fresh food and freezer sections unblocked for proper airflow

Quick guide: “repair vs replace” by age

Refrigerator age	What we typically recommend	Why
0 to 5 years	Repair is usually worth it	Most parts are still in their prime
6 to 10 years	Repair if the issue is isolated	Fans, valves, and gaskets are common fixes
11 to 15 years	Compare repair cost to replacement	Major sealed-system repairs can be costly
16+ years	Replace in most cases	Efficiency and reliability drop off

Why it matters

Knowing the expected lifespan helps you plan: if your 79571073012 is near 12 to 15 years old, issues like long run times, warm temps, or ice maker trouble can signal it is time to prioritize maintenance or evaluate major repairs.

For model-specific care and cleaning intervals, follow the 79571073012 owner's manual.

Last updated: January 2026

On Kenmore Elite refrigerator model 79571073012, DH typically indicates a defrost heating problem (the unit is not warming the evaporator enough during the defrost cycle). Start by checking for heavy frost buildup and then test the defrost circuit using the steps in the 79571073012 owner's manual.

What you’ll notice when DH shows up

• Frost or ice buildup on the rear freezer panel
• Refrigerator section warming up even though the freezer seems cold
• Fan noise changes (fan hitting ice) or reduced airflow
• Longer run times and temperature swings
• Water leaking after a defrost attempt (ice melt that cannot drain)

Quick checks we recommend first

1. Power reset: Unplug the refrigerator for 5 minutes, then restore power.
2. Look for frost: Remove freezer drawers and inspect the back panel for a thick frost blanket.
3. Confirm airflow: Make sure vents are not blocked by food packages.
4. Check door sealing: A poor seal can overload the defrost system.
5. Inspect the drain area: Ice around the drain can mimic a defrost failure.

Common causes and the parts that usually fix it

DH is usually tied to the defrost heater circuit, defrost sensor/thermistor, wiring, or the main control.

Likely cause	What it does	Typical symptom
Defrost heater not heating	Cannot melt evaporator frost	Solid frost sheet on evaporator cover
Defrost sensor/thermistor issue	Defrost ends too soon or never starts	Intermittent DH, temps drift
Control board problem	Does not power heater correctly	DH returns after reset
Air leak at door gasket	Adds moisture, creates excess frost	Frost near door edges

If you find the right door not sealing well, replacing the refrigerator door gasket, right ADX73550624 is a common fix.

Why it matters

A defrost heating fault lets frost build up on the evaporator, which blocks airflow. That can make the fresh food section warm, strain the compressor, and cause recurring temperature problems.

Last updated: January 2026

Common problems on the Kenmore Elite 79571073012 bottom-mount refrigerator include warm temperatures from restricted airflow or dirty condenser coils, long run times, door gasket air leaks, and ice maker or water dispenser issues. Many of these are resolved with cleaning, leveling, and targeted part replacement using the owner's manual.

Most common symptoms and what they usually point to

• Not cooling or weak cooling: dirty condenser coil, condenser fan issue, evaporator fan issue, or sealed system/compressor problem
• Compressor runs a lot: frequent door openings, warm room temperature, dirty back cover/condenser area, doors not closing fully
• Water leaking or puddles: clogged/iced drain path or drain tube issue
• Ice maker not making ice: water supply restriction, inlet valve problem, ice maker assembly failure
• Water tastes/flows poorly: overdue filter change or filter head issue

Quick checks we recommend first (fast, no parts)

1. Confirm controls are set correctly and vents are not blocked by food.
2. Clean the condenser area and make sure the back cover area is not packed with dust.
3. Check door closing and gasket contact all the way around.
4. If the unit vibrates or doors do not align, level the refrigerator.
5. For ice and water issues, verify household water supply is on and the line is not kinked.

Parts that commonly solve these problems on model 79571073012

Symptom	Common fix	Example part for this model
Poor water flow/bad taste	Replace water filter	Genuine Kenmore refrigerator water filter 9690 AGF80300801
No ice or slow ice	Diagnose water fill, replace valve if weak	Lg refrigerator water inlet valve AJU72992601
Door not sensing closed, lights/dispense issues	Replace door switch	Refrigerator door switch 6600JB1010A
Water under fridge/freezer	Clear drain, replace drain tube if damaged	Refrigerator drain tube 5251JA3003D

Why it matters

Cooling and ice maker complaints often start with airflow restrictions, dirty condenser coils, or doors not sealing. Fixing those early helps prevent food spoilage, reduces run time, and keeps the compressor from being overworked.

Helpful DIY reference

For model-family troubleshooting steps and display codes, use Kenmore 795 model bottom freezer refrigerator error codes.

Last updated: January 2026

On Kenmore Elite refrigerator model 79571073012, a “bad compressor” usually shows up as poor cooling plus abnormal compressor behavior (overheating, loud/pulsing sounds, or frequent clicking) even after you confirm the controls, doors, and airflow are correct. Use the checks below before replacing major sealed-system parts; see the 79571073012 owner's manual.

Quick checks we recommend first (before calling it a bad compressor)

• Confirm the refrigerator and freezer temperatures are set correctly (a warm setting can mimic failure).
• Make sure doors close fully and gaskets seal; air leaks can cause long run times and warm temps.
• Listen for normal operating sounds; many newer units run longer and can sound different.
• Clean dust from the condenser area; restricted airflow can overheat the compressor.
• Give the unit time after a power interruption or after loading groceries; run time increases.

Signs that point more strongly to a compressor problem

These symptoms are more consistent with a compressor that is not starting, not pumping, or overheating:

• Refrigerator is warm and the compressor is running a lot (or constantly) with little temperature improvement.
• Repeated clicking from the control/starting circuit as the cooling system tries to start.
• Compressor is very hot to the touch and then shuts off (overload behavior).
• You hear unusual loud buzzing or harsh humming from the compressor area.
• Breaker trips or the unit repeatedly stops and restarts (often tied to start/overload issues).

Normal vs. not normal: sound and run-time guide

What you notice	Often normal on 79571073012	More concerning
Longer run times	Yes, especially in warm rooms or after door openings	If temps never recover
Pulsating or high-pitched sound while running	Yes	If paired with no cooling
Clicking on/off	Sometimes	Rapid repeated clicking with warm temps
Rattling	Sometimes (items, water line)	If it is from compressor area and new/worsening

Parts that are commonly involved (and cheaper than a compressor)

Before replacing the compressor, we typically rule out start-protection components:

• Refrigerator compressor overload protector 6750CL0001D
• Condenser airflow issues (dirty coils, blocked grille)
• Control issues (less common, but possible)

Why it matters

A compressor replacement is a major repair and is only the right fix when the cooling system cannot maintain temperature after basic airflow, sealing, and electrical-start checks. Ruling out simple causes first saves time and avoids replacing the wrong part.

Last updated: January 2026

Kenmore Elite refrigerator model 79571073012 is a bottom-mount (bottom freezer) refrigerator; use the dimension chart in the 79571073012 owner's manual for the exact width, height, and depth for your specific configuration (with handles, without handles, and doors open). For space planning, this style commonly falls in the 30 to 36 inch width class.

How to get the exact size for model 79571073012

The most important measurements are the ones that affect fit through doorways and clearance to open the doors fully.

• Check overall width with handles installed
• Check overall height to the top hinge cover
• Check overall depth with handles and doors closed
• Verify depth with doors open (door swing clearance)
• Confirm required side, top, and rear clearances for airflow

Planning ranges (useful before you pull the refrigerator out)

These ranges help you estimate fit; then confirm the exact numbers in the manual.

Measurement	Typical range for this refrigerator style	What changes the number most
Width	30 to 36 in.	Handles, door design, trim clearance
Height	67 to 71 in.	Leveling legs, hinge cover
Depth	30 to 35 in.	Handles, door thickness, rear spacing

Why it matters

Accurate sizing prevents door-swing interference, poor ventilation (warm temperatures and longer run times), and installation problems with the water line and leveling.

Parts that can affect “fit” after installation

If doors do not close cleanly or you see gaps, sealing and alignment parts matter as much as cabinet space.

• Refrigerator door gasket, right ADX73550624 (helps prevent air leaks that cause frosting and warm temps)
• Refrigerator flipper assembly AGU75188619 (helps French doors meet and seal properly)

Last updated: January 2026

Water leaking from the bottom of your Kenmore Elite refrigerator model 79571073012 is typically caused by defrost water not draining (a clogged or frozen defrost drain) or a leak in the water supply system for the dispenser or icemaker. Start by identifying whether the water is coming from inside the freezer or from the rear water line.

Quick checks we recommend first

• Unplug the refrigerator before removing panels or reaching near the base.
• Look for a sheet of ice on the freezer floor; this points to a clogged or frozen defrost drain.
• Check the water filter area and tubing for drips, especially after dispensing water.
• Inspect the rear lower water line connections; re-seat tubing fully and tighten fittings.
• Empty the ice bin and watch for overfilling or water running in the ice compartment.

Most common causes and what to do

What you notice	Most likely cause	What to do next
Water under crispers or on floor	Defrost drain clogged or frozen	Melt ice, clear debris, flush drain with warm water
Leak after using dispenser	Cracked or loose water tubing	Inspect line, re-seat connectors, replace tubing if damaged
Slow drip at back/bottom	Water line fitting not sealed	Tighten compression nut, confirm tubing is fully inserted
Water near filter housing	Filter not seated or filter head issue	Reinstall filter, inspect housing and connections

Model-specific guidance from the manual

The 79571073012 manual emphasizes checking for leaks at water line connections, tightening any connections that leak, flushing tubing until water runs clear, and fully inserting tubing into connectors. Use the 79571073012 owner's manual for the exact connection points and access steps.

Parts that commonly solve bottom leaks

If you confirm the leak is from the water supply system (not the defrost drain), these model-matched parts are common fixes:

• Refrigerator water tubing MJU62070602 for cracked or pinched lines
• Lg refrigerator water inlet valve AJU72992601 for a valve that seeps or does not fully close
• Refrigerator drain tube 5251JA3003D if the drain outlet is damaged or misrouted

Why it matters

A bottom leak can create ice buildup, cause temperature swings, and damage flooring. Fixing the drain path or water line leak early helps protect internal components and keeps the icemaker and dispenser working reliably.

Last updated: January 2026