What are the common problems with Kenmore Elite refrigerators?
Common problems on the Kenmore Elite 79578769800 bottom-mount refrigerator include weak or no cooling, frost buildup in the freezer, water leaks or puddles, ice maker taste or odor issues, doors not closing fully, and louder-than-normal operating sounds. Many fixes start with cleaning, leveling, and checking airflow; our 79578769800 owner's manual covers these troubleshooting steps.
Most common symptoms and what usually causes them
- Not cooling well: dirty condenser coils, blocked vents, or a failed evaporator fan motor
- Frost or ice crystals on frozen food: door not sealing or door opened frequently (warm, humid air enters)
- Doors will not close completely: refrigerator not level, food packages blocking, bins or shelves out of position, sticky gaskets
- Water puddles: defrost drain issues or drain tube problems
- Ice tastes bad or smells: old ice, unwrapped food odors, dirty ice bin, or water quality issues
- Unusual noises: normal operating sounds vs. fan or compressor-related noise
Quick checks we recommend before replacing parts
- Confirm door closure: push doors firmly shut and make sure shelves, pans, and bins are fully seated.
- Clean the condenser coils: dirty coils reduce heat transfer and make the compressor work harder.
- Inspect and clean door gaskets: clean the gasket and the surface it touches; a thin coat of paraffin wax can help if gaskets stick.
- Check for airflow blockage: avoid packing food tightly against vents.
- Address ice odor/taste: discard the first few batches after a new install, dump old ice, and wash the bin.
| Symptom | What to check first | Common next step |
|---|---|---|
| Warm fridge/freezer | Condenser coils, vents, settings | Test/replace refrigerator evaporator fan motor 4681JB1027C |
| Frost on food | Door seal, door openings | Fix gasket seal, verify door alignment |
| Door won’t shut | Level, bin/shelf position | Adjust leveling, reseat bins |
| Bad ice taste/odor | Old ice, food odors, dirty bin | Follow how to replace the water filter in a Kenmore refrigerator if water quality is the cause |
Why it matters
Cooling, defrosting, and door sealing all work together. A simple issue like dirty condenser coils or a door that is slightly ajar can cause temperature swings, frost buildup, and extra compressor run time.
Last updated: January 2026
What does er ff mean on Kenmore Elite refrigerator?
On Kenmore Elite refrigerator model 79578769800, the ER FF error points to a problem with the freezer evaporator fan (often called the freezer fan). That fan moves cold air from the freezer into the fresh food section, so when it fails, cooling in the refrigerator compartment usually suffers. See the 79578769800 owner's manual.
What you’ll typically notice with ER FF
- Refrigerator section warming up while the freezer stays closer to normal
- Weak or no airflow from the refrigerator vents
- Unusual fan noise (grinding, buzzing) from the freezer area
- Frost buildup on the freezer back panel (airflow restriction)
- Temperature swings after door openings
Quick checks we recommend before replacing parts
- Power reset: Unplug the refrigerator for 5 minutes, then restore power.
- Check airflow: Make sure vents are not blocked by food packages.
- Inspect for frost: Heavy frost behind the freezer panel can stop the fan from moving air.
- Door switch test: If the fan never runs when the door is closed, a bad switch can prevent operation. For this model, see the refrigerator door switch 6600JB1010A.
- Listen for the fan: With the freezer door closed, you should typically hear the evaporator fan running during cooling cycles.
Common causes and what they affect
| Likely cause | What it does | Typical symptom |
|---|---|---|
| Evaporator fan motor issue | Fan cannot move cold air | Warm refrigerator section, ER FF |
| Frost/ice restricting fan | Fan blades hit ice or airflow is blocked | Rattling noise, weak airflow |
| Door switch problem | Fan may not run when it should | No fan sound, lights may act odd |
| Control or wiring issue | Fan not powered consistently | Intermittent cooling, recurring code |
Why it matters
The evaporator fan is the “air delivery system” for cooling. If it is not moving air, the freezer cannot share cold air with the refrigerator compartment, so food temperatures rise even if the compressor is running.
Last updated: January 2026
What size is Kenmore refrigerator model 79578769800?
Kenmore Elite refrigerator model 79578769800 is a bottom-freezer style (often described as a bottom-mount) in the Kenmore 795.7875/795.7876 family. For exact exterior dimensions and capacity for your specific color/trim version, we recommend confirming the specifications in the 79578769800 owner's manual.
What “size” usually means (and what to check)
When customers ask for “size,” it typically refers to one or more of these:
- Overall exterior dimensions (width, depth, height)
- Total capacity (cubic feet)
- Cutout/clearance needs (space around the cabinet for airflow and door swing)
- Door and drawer clearance (room to fully open doors and pull out the freezer drawer)
Typical size range for this style of refrigerator
Most Kenmore bottom-freezer refrigerators in this class fall into these general ranges (use these for planning, then confirm your exact spec):
| Spec | Typical range for bottom-freezer models | Why it varies |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 30 to 36 inches | Door style, trim, hinge design |
| Height | 66 to 71 inches | Leveling legs, hinge covers |
| Depth | 30 to 35 inches | Handles, door thickness |
| Capacity | 20 to 25 cu. ft. | Cabinet size and interior layout |
How we recommend measuring your refrigerator
Use a tape measure and record the largest points.
- Measure width across the cabinet, then again including any trim that sticks out
- Measure height from floor to the top (include hinge cover if present)
- Measure depth from the back to the front; note a second number including handles
- If you are moving it through a doorway, measure the narrowest doorway and compare
Why it matters
Accurate dimensions help prevent delivery and installation problems, and they also help when ordering shelves, bins, and drawers that must match the exact interior configuration.
For model-specific operating details (including installation, leveling, and setup guidance), use the 79578769800 owner's manual.
Last updated: January 2026





