Kenmore Elite 11173315020 bottom-mount refrigerator Parts

A Kenmore Elite refrigerator like model 11173315020 typically lasts 12 to 15 years. With steady maintenance (cleaning condenser coils, keeping door gaskets sealing, and using correct temperatures), it’s common to reach the upper end of that range.

Typical lifespan ranges (what to expect)

Most modern bottom-mount refrigerators fall into these practical ranges:

• Average: 12 to 15 years
• Often achievable with good care: 15 years
• Replace-or-repair decision point: around year 10 to 12 if major sealed-system or control issues appear

Lifespan range	What it usually means	Common next step
0 to 5 years	Early-life issues are usually fixable	Repair under normal service/warranty terms
6 to 10 years	Wear items start showing up	Repair if cooling is strong and parts are available
11 to 15 years	Higher chance of costly failures	Compare repair cost vs. replacement
16+ years	End-of-life for many units	Replace unless repair is minor

What extends the life of a bottom-mount refrigerator

These habits make the biggest difference on Kenmore Elite units:

• Vacuum and brush condenser coils regularly (dust makes the compressor run hotter)
• Keep door gaskets clean and sealing tight (no warm-air leaks)
• Set stable temps: 37°F to 40°F fresh food, 0°F freezer
• Leave airflow space around vents; avoid overpacking
• Replace the water filter on schedule if your model uses one
• Level the cabinet so doors close fully and don’t drift open

For model-specific care steps and cleaning guidance, use the 11173315020 use & care guide.

Why it matters

A refrigerator’s biggest life-shorteners are heat buildup (dirty coils), air leaks (bad gaskets), and temperature swings (overloading or blocked vents). Preventing those reduces compressor runtime and helps the sealed refrigerant system last longer.

Last updated: February 2026

Common problems on the Kenmore Elite bottom-mount refrigerator model 11173315020 are warm refrigerator or freezer temperatures, heavy compressor run time, ice maker or water supply issues, and door sealing or airflow problems. Most are caused by airflow restrictions, dirty condenser ventilation, or defrost and fan-related faults.

Most common symptoms (and what they usually mean)

• Refrigerator or freezer too warm: frequent door openings, hot installation location, warm food load, or restricted airflow
• Compressor seems to run a lot: normal can be 40% to 80% of the time at about 70°F, but it increases with heat and heavy use
• Poor cooling after install: normal; allow up to 24 hours for temperatures to stabilize
• Weak airflow inside: blocked vents from overpacked shelves, frost buildup, or a fan issue
• Water/ice problems: water line connection issue, filter restriction, or ice maker fill problems

Quick checks we recommend first

1. Confirm temperatures and wait time: after changes or installation, give the unit up to 24 hours.
2. Check the room temperature: this refrigerator should not be operated above 110°F.
3. Inspect door sealing: look for gaps, torn gasket areas, or doors not closing fully.
4. Clear airflow paths: keep items from blocking return vents and supply vents.
5. Clean condenser ventilation: vacuum the condenser cover and vents; do not remove the panel covering the condenser coil area.

Troubleshooting guide: symptom-to-cause map

Symptom	Most likely cause	What to do next
Fresh food section warm	Doors opened often, warm food load, airflow blocked	Reduce door-open time; cool food before loading; clear vents
Freezer warm too	Hot room, heavy load, ventilation clogged	Improve room conditions; clean vents; verify door closure
Runs constantly	Warm room, frequent openings, dirty ventilation	Clean condenser cover/vents; reduce openings
Temps unstable	Recent install or setting change	Wait 24 hours; recheck settings

Why it matters

Cooling complaints on bottom-mount refrigerators are often not a “bad compressor” first; they are usually heat load, airflow, or ventilation issues. Fixing those basics protects food, reduces energy use, and prevents unnecessary part replacement.

For model-specific operating limits, cleaning guidance, and the full troubleshooting chart, use the 11173315020 owner's manual.

Last updated: February 2026

Your Kenmore Elite refrigerator’s model number is printed on the appliance ID label inside the fresh food (refrigerator) compartment or inside the freezer compartment. For Kenmore Elite model 11173315020, the Use & Care Guide also lists the model family as 111.7331* (the asterisk represents the color code). See the 11173315020 owner's manual for the exact label location and how the model is formatted.

Where to look for the model number label

Check these common label locations first (use a flashlight and look along the cabinet walls):

• Inside the refrigerator compartment on a side wall near the crisper drawers
• On the ceiling or upper side wall of the fresh food compartment
• Inside the freezer compartment on a side wall or back wall
• On the door frame area (hinge side) when the door is open
• Behind the lower crisper drawer area (label may be on the liner wall)

How to read the model number you find

Kenmore Elite bottom-mount refrigerators often show a full model plus a color suffix.

What you see on the label	What it means	Example
111.7331*	Model series/family shown in the manual	111.7331*
Full model number	The exact model used to match parts	11173315020
Color code (suffix)	Identifies finish/color variation	Varies by unit

Why it matters (for parts and manuals)

We use the exact model number to match the correct refrigerator parts, wiring diagrams, and troubleshooting steps. Even small differences (like a color code or revision) can change the correct door bin, control board, or water filter style.

Quick tips to avoid mix-ups

• Copy the model number exactly as printed (include all digits)
• Take a clear photo of the label before ordering parts
• If the label is hard to read, gently clean it with a damp cloth and dry it
• Use the manual’s “Product Record” section to write the model down for future reference

Last updated: February 2026

Water leaking from the bottom of your Kenmore Elite 11173315020 bottom-mount refrigerator is usually caused by a defrost drain clog that forces meltwater to overflow into the fresh food section and down to the floor, or by a water supply leak (filter, tubing, or connection) that drips and runs forward. See the 11173315020 owner's manual for the drain and water line locations and care guidance.

Most common causes (and what you will notice)

• Clogged defrost drain: puddle under crisper drawers; leak is worse after a defrost cycle.
• Drain pan shifted or cracked: water appears near the front even when the icemaker is off.
• Loose water line connection (behind unit or at inlet valve): slow drip, often constant.
• Cracked or pinched dispenser/ice maker tubing: leak shows up after dispensing water or making ice.
• Water filter not seated: dripping near the filter housing area.

Quick checks you can do safely

1. Unplug the refrigerator and protect the floor with towels.
2. Check the water pressure and supply: this model typically needs 30 to 125 psi on a cold water line; low or unstable pressure can contribute to leaks.
3. Inspect the filter area: remove and reinstall the filter firmly; look for cracks in the housing.
4. Look for ice or debris at the drain trough (inside, near the evaporator cover): clear visible blockage with warm water.
5. Pull the unit out and inspect the rear: look for wet fittings, a kinked line, or a pan that is out of position.

What to fix first (best order)

What you find	Most likely fix	Why it works
Water under crispers	Clear the defrost drain	Restores normal meltwater flow to the drain pan
Drip at rear fitting	Tighten/replace water line or fitting	Stops supply-side seepage
Leak after dispensing	Replace damaged tubing	Prevents pressure leaks during use
Wet around filter	Reseat/replace filter	Seals the filter-to-housing connection

Why it matters

A bottom leak is not just messy; it can damage flooring and can also point to a water line issue. The manual notes that water line installation is not covered by warranty and emphasizes careful setup to reduce expensive water damage, so it is worth correcting the source quickly.

Last updated: February 2026

Kenmore is a brand name, so replacement parts for a Kenmore Elite bottom-mount refrigerator like model 11173315020 are manufactured by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) that built that specific refrigerator and its components. The most accurate way to match the correct OEM part is to use the model’s parts information and diagrams in the 11173315020 use & care guide.

How Kenmore parts manufacturing works

Kenmore does not operate a single dedicated factory for all Kenmore appliances. Instead, different OEMs build different Kenmore models and supply the service parts for those models.

Common outcomes you will see when ordering parts:

• The part arrives in Kenmore packaging but is produced by the OEM.
• The part arrives in OEM packaging (the OEM supplies it directly).
• The same functional part may have multiple numbers (Kenmore number vs. OEM number).

How to make sure you get the right replacement part

For model 11173315020, we recommend matching parts by model number first, then confirming by the part description and where it installs.

Use this checklist:

• Confirm the full model number on the rating label: 11173315020
• Identify the system you are repairing (water filter, ice maker, door bin, drawer, fan)
• Compare the part description to the location in the refrigerator
• If the refrigerator is connected-ready, avoid swapping control parts without verifying compatibility
• Use the wiring and troubleshooting information in the 11173315020 use & care guide when diagnosing

Quick reference: what “OEM” means for Kenmore

Term	What it means	Why it matters
Kenmore	Brand on the appliance	Branding does not guarantee a single parts maker
OEM	Company that built the unit or component	OEM determines fit, wiring, and mounting
Replacement part	Service part used to repair	Must match model and application

Why it matters

Refrigerator parts are not universally interchangeable. Using the correct OEM-supplied part helps ensure proper fit, correct electrical connections, and normal operation for key systems like cooling airflow, water filtration, and ice production.

Last updated: February 2026