How to clean the coils on a Kenmore side by side refrigerator?
For your Kenmore 79551314012 side-by-side refrigerator, cleaning the condenser coils means safely removing dust and pet hair from the coil area and the condenser fan so the refrigerator can release heat properly. We recommend doing this every 6 to 12 months (more often with pets).
Steps to clean the condenser coils
- Unplug the refrigerator (or switch off power at the breaker).
- Pull the refrigerator straight out to avoid damaging the water line.
- Remove the lower rear access panel or front toe grille (whichever your unit uses); see the 79551314012 owner's manual for panel locations.
- Vacuum loose debris first using a crevice tool.
- Brush the coils gently with a coil brush, then vacuum again.
- Clean the condenser fan area (if accessible) so airflow is not restricted.
- Reinstall the panel/grille, push the unit back carefully, then restore power.
What to use (and what to avoid)
| Item | Recommended? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Vacuum with crevice tool | Yes | Removes loose dust without bending fins |
| Soft coil brush | Yes | Lifts packed lint from coil surfaces |
| Compressed air | Sometimes | Can help, but can blow dust deeper if used carelessly |
| Water or wet cleaning | No | Increases risk of electrical damage and mess |
| Hard wire brush | No | Can damage coil fins and tubing |
Signs the coils need cleaning
- Refrigerator runs longer than normal
- Cabinet feels hot on the sides
- Freezer or fresh food temps drift warmer
- You hear the condenser fan working harder than usual
Why it matters
Dirty coils trap heat, which forces the compressor to run longer. Keeping the condenser area clean helps maintain stable temperatures, improves energy efficiency, and can reduce wear on cooling components.
If you find the coil is damaged or the condenser fan area is obstructed by a broken mount or clip, we stock model-matched parts such as the refrigerator compressor mount retainer clip 4620JA3015A for Kenmore 79551314012. You can also search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
How many cubic feet is my Kenmore refrigerator model 79551314012?
The exact cubic-foot capacity for Kenmore model 79551314012 is listed on the model’s rating label and in the specifications section of the owner's manual. For most Kenmore 795 side-by-side refrigerators, capacity commonly falls in the 20 to 22 cu. ft. range.
How to find the exact cubic feet on your refrigerator
Check these common locations for the rating label (it typically lists total capacity in cubic feet):
- Inside the fresh food compartment on a side wall
- On the ceiling area inside the refrigerator section
- Behind the crisper drawers (on the liner wall)
- Inside the freezer compartment on a side wall
- On the hinge-side frame when you open the refrigerator door
Quick capacity guide (what you will typically see)
This helps you sanity-check what you find on the label for a Kenmore side-by-side.
| Refrigerator type | Typical total capacity | What that means day to day |
|---|---|---|
| Side-by-side (standard width) | 20 to 22 cu. ft. | Balanced fridge and freezer space |
| Side-by-side (larger) | 23 to 26 cu. ft. | More door storage and wider shelves |
Why the exact cubic feet matters
Capacity affects more than storage space. It helps us match the right replacement parts and troubleshoot performance issues (airflow, ice maker output, and temperature recovery) for your exact Kenmore configuration.
Parts that often relate to capacity and cooling performance
If you are checking capacity because cooling or ice production seems off, these are common related components for model 79551314012:
- Refrigerator thermistor 6500JB2002T (temperature sensing)
- Refrigerator evaporator fan motor 4681JB1029S (moves cold air through compartments)
- Refrigerator defrost heater ADL74581702 (prevents frost buildup that restricts airflow)
If you need to order parts after confirming your specs, we list model-matched parts on this page, and you can also search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
How to tell if a Kenmore refrigerator compressor is bad?
If your Kenmore 79551314012 side-by-side refrigerator is warm, runs nonstop, or clicks on and off, the compressor or its start components may be failing. We confirm compressor trouble by checking cooling symptoms, compressor behavior, and basic electrical indicators, then following the troubleshooting steps in the 79551314012 owner’s manual.
Quick signs that point to a compressor problem
Look for a pattern of symptoms (not just one):
- Refrigerator and freezer both warm or only weak cooling
- Repeated clicking every few minutes (start attempt then shutdown)
- Compressor runs but cabinet temperatures keep rising
- Compressor is very hot after trying to run (avoid touching bare tubing)
- Fans run, lights work, but cooling does not recover after several hours
Check these first (often mistaken for a bad compressor)
These issues can mimic compressor failure on model 79551314012:
- Dirty condenser coil restricting heat removal (clean the coil area)
- Evaporator fan not running; airflow stops (see refrigerator evaporator fan motor 4681JB1029S)
- Heavy frost blocking airflow; points to a defrost problem (see refrigerator defrost heater ADL74581702)
- Fresh food warm but freezer cold; often an air movement issue, not the compressor
Symptom-to-next-step guide
| What you observe | Test/area to check next | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Clicking, won’t stay running | Start device/overload, compressor windings | A locked or failing compressor often cannot start under load |
| Runs constantly, still warm | Sealed system or compressor efficiency | Compressor may run but not pump effectively |
| Freezer OK, fridge warm | Air damper/airflow | Cold air is not moving to fresh food |
Why it matters
A compressor replacement is a major repair; ruling out airflow, defrost, and fan problems first prevents unnecessary parts. If the compressor is confirmed failed, the model-correct replacement is the refrigerator compressor TCA37091210.
You can order model-specific parts from the parts list for Kenmore 79551314012, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What are the most common problems with Kenmore refrigerators?
The most common problems we see on Kenmore refrigerators like model 79551314012 are not cooling, water leaks, ice maker or dispenser failures, and unusual noises. These usually come from restricted airflow, defrost ice buildup, drain or water-line clogs, or a failing fan, sensor, or control.
Common symptoms and likely causes
- Not cooling or warm temps: dirty condenser coil, evaporator fan not running, air damper stuck, defrost system icing
- Water under the unit or inside: clogged/iced defrost drain, split drain tube, loose water tube fitting
- Ice maker not making ice: low water flow, frozen fill path, failed ice maker assembly
- Dispenser problems: auger motor issues, ice clumps in bin, chute door motor not opening
- Rattling or grinding noises: fan blade hitting ice, worn fan motor, vibration at compressor mounts
Quick checks before replacing parts
- Set temps to 37°F (fresh food) and 0°F (freezer)
- Keep vents clear; avoid overpacking
- Check for heavy frost on the freezer back panel (defrost issue)
- Look for leak location: front floor (drain) vs. dispenser area (tubing)
- Listen for noise source: freezer (evaporator) vs. back/bottom (condenser/compressor)
Parts that often fix these issues on model 79551314012
| Symptom | Example part | What it affects |
|---|---|---|
| No ice dispensing | Refrigerator auger motor EAU59551204 | Drives ice through the dispenser |
| Water leaks from drain | Refrigerator drain tube 5251JA3003D | Routes defrost water to the drain pan |
| Warm or noisy freezer | Refrigerator evaporator fan motor 4681JB1029S | Circulates cold air |
| Frost buildup | Refrigerator defrost heater ADL74581702 | Melts evaporator frost |
Why it matters
Most “big” complaints start as small airflow or water-flow problems. Fixing them early protects food, prevents ice buildup, and reduces strain on the compressor and electronic control.
Helpful references
- Use the owner's manual for temperature settings, control locations, and access guidance.
- For ordering, use the parts list for model 79551314012 or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
Why is my Kenmore side by side refrigerator leaking water?
Water leaking from your Kenmore 79551314012 side-by-side refrigerator is typically caused by a clogged or frozen defrost drain, or a drip from the ice maker and water dispenser tubing. Start by identifying whether the water is inside the compartments or underneath the cabinet.
Most common leak sources to check
- Defrost drain clog or ice plug: Water backs up during defrost and spills into the refrigerator or freezer.
- Drain tube not directing water to the pan: Water misses the drain pan and ends up on the floor.
- Water line connection drip: Push-in fittings can seep after the fridge is moved.
- Cracked water reservoir or internal tubing: Leaks show up as puddles under the fresh food section.
- Ice maker fill or dispenser area leak: Drips can track down the door or collect under the ice bin.
Quick troubleshooting steps we recommend
- Unplug the refrigerator and remove food as needed for access.
- Locate the leak:
- Water inside the fridge or freezer often points to the defrost drain.
- Water behind or under the unit often points to a supply line or fitting.
- Clear the defrost drain: Melt visible ice, then flush the drain with warm water until it flows freely.
- Inspect water tubing and fittings: Look for slow drips, reseat tubing fully, and check for kinks or rub-through.
Parts that commonly fix leaks on this model
| What you see | What it usually means | Part to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Water pooling inside, then dripping out | Drain not carrying defrost water away | Refrigerator drain tube 5251JA3003D |
| Drip at a connection | Worn or loose connector | Refrigerator water tube fitting 4932JA3002C |
| Puddle under fresh food section | Reservoir or internal water path leak | Refrigerator water tank MJM61904702 |
Why it matters
Stopping a small leak early prevents ice buildup around the evaporator area, helps maintain stable temperatures, and protects flooring and nearby cabinetry.
For access panels, drain locations, and safe disassembly steps for model 79551314012, use the 79551314012 owner’s manual. If you need to order parts, use the parts list for this model or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026





