79577563600 Kenmore Freezer - Instructions

Remove water filter and water filter holder. Removed cover on back of frig. Removed clip where water line connects to back of water filter. Took half inch wrench pushed in on water line lock to release line. Repeat at other end. Reverse steps to put on new line. Easy repair.

This refrigerator/freezer problem had been escalating for almost a year, requiring me to frequently knock the ice buildup free with a rubber mallet. I finally decided to try to identify the problem by removing the freezer door and all of the shelves and shelf tracks (easily removed with only a phillips screwdriver). Then I removed the back plastic panel to expose the cooling coils, which were partially encased in ice. I deduced that the evaporator fan motor was failing, which blows air over the freezer cooling coils and forces the cool air up into the upper refrigerator section (which was not staying cold). I then found and ordered the fan motor from part select. Their search function and exploded drawing schematics made it easy to identify the part and part number. It seems the original part number had been superceded with a new number, which I ordered. Once it arrived after about a week, I transferred the fan blades from the old motor to the new fan motor, and after completely drying out the freezer compartment, I reinstalled all of the parts and plugged in the unit and waited. By the next day, the refrigerator was operating at peak efficiency, and the ice buildup in the freezer has not returned. I was very close to scrapping the entire refrigerator as junk, but with a little diagnostic effort and about $110 for the new motor, I have a fully functioning refrigerator again. Thanks to Part Select for a great experience.

1. Shut off water to refrigerator. 2. Removed bottom sheet metal cover (6 screws). 3. Removed leaking water inlet valve assembly from refrigerator (1 screw). 4. Remove water inlet tube (loosen nut) and tube back to refrigerator (pull from water valve after remove cotter pin washer). 5. Detach two electrical wire harnesses. 6. Install new water inlet valve assembly to refrigerator (1 screw). 7. Replace both water tubes to water inlet assembly. 8. Re-attach both wiring harnesses. 9. Turn water to refrigerator on. 10. Check for leaks. 11. Re-attach bottom sheet cover (6 screws).

Video makes it look easy. Kenmore refrigerator does not have "groove" along the right hand side of switch that allows for pushing down on release. Used a thin screwdriver to get under to push while holding switch edge with pliers. Kept slipping. Tape sides to avoid scratching inside of refrigerator.

Turn off power, remove upper and lower drawers (may need to open upper refrigerator doors to remove large freezer bin,) remove drawer supports (upper and lower), remove rear freezer panel (trick is to loosen 4 screws on fan bumpout to get the panel to come free from the freezer side wall), test thermistor with multimeter (should have continuity or near zero resistance across 2 orange fuse wires) before cutting zip ties, cut zip ties holding Thermistor in place, remove old Thermistor, install new Thermistor, install new zip ties, replace rear freezer panel, install upper and lower drawer supports, install drawers, turn on power, should be fixed if error code doesn't return after 6 hours.

The Refrigerator now runs very quite.
After watching several videos I started on mine and found that it was a bit different than any in the videos. However all but the back panel was shown and that was helpful.
The back panel was a bit difficult but a hair dryer seemed to help .
All in all it was a good choice to do it myself as it was done quicker than waiting on a repair man.

Shut off water supply. Disconnect main supply line. Remove rear lower panel on back of refrigerator. Remove all tubing clamps on back. Disconnect leaking tubing from water supply valve. Remove water filter and unscrew/remove water filter housing. Replace tubing - connect to water filter housing then to water supply valve. Reconnect filter housing and filter. Reinstall lower panel, then main water supply line, then all tubing clamps. Turn water back on and check for leaks after discarding several glasses of water to fill filter. Job complete!

Examined old ice maker. It is held by some Philips screws. There are many screws you don't need to unscrew so look carefully. Then disconnected th dual in line connector. There is a little push tab to squeeze to release. Then the ground is connected with a screw. It's a little hard to see but unscrew that. My replacement came with no instructions or screws so try not to drop the screws down in the netherlands of the fridge. The hardest part was maneuvering the icemaker to reattach the power and ground. Even with that pretty straight forward replacement.

Pretty simple fix.

1) Removed the screws from lower back plate
2) Removed the screws holding the plastic water lines in place (little plastic brackets - several of them)
3) Take a picture of how the tubing and what hose goes into what part - the 5/16" hose can go into 2 different spots - I didn't do this and I had to fix this
4) Pull out the hose "tabs" that lock the clamp into place (several)
5) Push in new hose
6) Put in clamp
7) I had to remove the filter on the inside of the fridge. Remove the filter, there is one screw that comes out, then you will have access to the hose clamps
8) Repeat for all the other hoses
9) Put the plate and brackets back into place (the picture really helps on how to orient and route the 3 different tubes
10) Test the water
11) Crack open a beer for a job well done

Super easy - take a picture! It will save you time!

I was unable to replace the shelf (no assembly required) because I was sent the incorrect part even though I gave the model #,
serial # and exact description and measurement to the agent to whom I spoke. Even worse, I was told that I was responsible for returning the part at my expense. Rather than risking getting another incorrect part I will have a replacement plexiglass made to fit my shelf.

Took out shelf were the drawer slides are, out of the fridge.
Took a look of broken plastic slides to see how they were mounted before unsnapping them off the shelf, also compared with new slides before continuing. Unsnapped broken plastic slides by pressing the plastic clips off the shelf, pressing with my fingers, no tools used.
Installed new slides the same way old slides were. Slides have a top and bottom, so make sure to compare before unsnapping them off. When aligned, they snap right in.
Installed the shelf back in the fridge with all the items that were on it, then slid the drawer back in and VIOLA! back like new.
VERY EASY, no tools needed for my fridge, not sure for different fridges.

Remove 2 screws and then disconnect wires to the bulb sockets. Reconnect the wires Reinstalled lamp case , tab end first then replaced the 2 screws and the Lens cover. In addition, I changed out the incandescent bulbs to a much cooler LED bulb.

The heavy work is moving the fridge, then take off the lower plans. Use a bowel or cup for screws and the water line connector spacers so you don't loos them.
undo connections holding water line, including the bottom brakes for the solenoid. Reuse the spring around the lower waterline to prevent external wear on the line.

NOTE: remove the waterline connector spacers and save!
NOTE: you must compress (not pull) the connect to then pull the waterline out of the connectors.
NOTE: You must also remove the water filter and housing inside the fridge but this is easy.
MOTE: Test the line for leaks by turning on the water and then using the door water. The filter will need to refill so it may take a minute before water comes up. This line only have pressure when the door water is used or the ice maker needs to make ice.


After replacing the line, test the line for leaks by using the door water so the solenoid fills the lines

I replaced solenoid, flapper heated door, and broken spring. Very easy instructions on "YouTube"

I followed the directions! It was so easy that I bought another switch for my sister's fridge (same as mine). Her light was out too!