What does er ff mean on kenmore elite refrigerator?
On Kenmore model 79578312802, the ER FF code means the freezer evaporator fan is not running correctly, so cold air is not being moved from the freezer into the fresh food section. This can cause warm refrigerator temperatures even if the freezer seems cold. See the 79578312802 owner's manual.
What ER FF affects (and what you may notice)
- Refrigerator section warming up while the freezer stays closer to normal
- Little or no airflow from the top vents in the refrigerator compartment
- Unusual fan noise, rattling, or intermittent buzzing from the freezer area
- Frost or ice buildup that blocks airflow through the evaporator cover
- Temperature swings after adding groceries (airflow cannot recover quickly)
Quick checks we recommend before replacing parts
- Power reset: Unplug the refrigerator for 5 minutes, then restore power.
- Confirm doors are sealing and closing: A door left ajar can drive frost buildup and airflow problems.
- Check for blocked vents: Make sure packages are not covering the air inlets/outlets.
- Listen for the fan: With the freezer door closed, you should typically hear the evaporator fan running during cooling.
- Look for heavy frost: If the freezer back wall is heavily frosted, the fan may be hitting ice or airflow is restricted.
Common causes and the most likely fixes
| Likely cause | What it means | Typical fix |
|---|---|---|
| Ice buildup around evaporator fan | Fan cannot spin or airflow is blocked | Defrost and correct the root cause (door seal, defrost issue) |
| Failed defrost sensor | Defrost system cannot regulate properly | Replace the refrigerator defrost sensor assembly 6615JB2005C |
| Control or wiring issue | Fan not getting proper power/commands | Inspect connectors; test circuits; service as needed |
Why it matters
This refrigerator relies on airflow to move cold air from the freezer to the fresh food compartment. When the evaporator fan system is compromised, temperatures rise, food spoils faster, and frost can build up and worsen the problem.
Last updated: January 2026
How to reset Kenmore bottom freezer ice maker?
On Kenmore refrigerator model 79578312802, the ice maker is effectively “reset” by power-cycling the refrigerator and restarting the ice maker; the manual uses an ice maker power switch (OFF/ON) rather than a dedicated reset button. Use the steps below and confirm normal operation in the 79578312802 owner's manual.
Quick reset steps (power-cycle + restart)
- Turn the ice maker power switch to O (off).
- Unplug the refrigerator (or switch off the circuit breaker) for 5 minutes.
- Restore power.
- Turn the ice maker power switch to I (on).
- Wait for the freezer to reach 15°F (-9°C) or below; the ice maker starts automatically at that temperature.
If it still does not make ice
These checks match the most common “no ice” causes for this model:
- Water supply: Make sure the shutoff valve is fully open and the water line is connected.
- Freezer temperature: Allow 24 hours after changes for temperatures to stabilize.
- Ice bin cubes piled up: Level cubes by hand so the shutoff arm/sensor is not blocked.
- Recent power interruption: Keep doors closed as much as possible and allow time for recovery.
- Door not closing tightly: Warm air leaks can slow ice production; inspect the gasket and door alignment.
What “reset” does (and does not) do
| Action | What it helps | What it won’t fix |
|---|---|---|
| Power-cycling the refrigerator | Clears minor control glitches and restarts the ice maker cycle | No water supply, failed valve, or a mechanical ice maker failure |
| Switching ice maker OFF then ON | Restarts ice maker operation after being turned off | Freezer too warm or bin/sensor blocked |
Why it matters
Ice makers depend on steady freezer temperature and water flow. If the freezer is above 15°F (-9°C) or the water supply is restricted, the ice maker will not cycle even after a reset.
Related DIY help
For model-family troubleshooting, use Kenmore 795 model bottom freezer refrigerator error codes.
Last updated: January 2026
What size is Kenmore refrigerator model 79578312802?
Kenmore refrigerator model 79578312802 is a bottom-freezer design in the Kenmore 795.7830_ / 795.7831_ series. For exact exterior dimensions (width, depth, height) and capacity for your specific color/version, we use the specifications listed in the 79578312802 owner's manual.
What “size” usually means for this model
When customers ask for the size of a refrigerator, it typically refers to one or more of these:
- Overall exterior dimensions: width, depth, and height (for fit in a cabinet opening)
- Total capacity: cubic feet (for storage planning)
- Door swing and clearance: space needed to open doors and pull out freezer drawers
- Installation clearances: airflow space around the cabinet
How to measure your refrigerator correctly
Use a tape measure and record in inches:
- Width: widest point of the cabinet (include hinges only if they stick out)
- Depth: from the back to the front of the doors/handles (note both “with handles” and “without handles” if needed)
- Height: floor to top of cabinet (include hinge cover if it’s the highest point)
- Clearance: space behind and above for ventilation and water line routing
Quick reference: what to write down
| Measurement | What to include | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Width | Cabinet (and hinges if they protrude) | Fit between cabinets |
| Depth | Doors and handles | Walkway clearance |
| Height | Highest point (often hinge area) | Overhead cabinet fit |
| Rear clearance | Space behind unit | Airflow and cord/water line |
Why it matters
A bottom-mount refrigerator like the Kenmore 79578312802 needs enough room for proper air circulation and for the doors and freezer drawer to open fully. Accurate measurements prevent installation problems and help avoid warm temperatures caused by restricted airflow.
Last updated: January 2026





