79578279901 Kenmore Refrigerator - Instructions

pried out old switch, disconnected wires ,placed wires on new switch

Cleaned out all the foods, lifted out the old basket, hooked the new basket to the slots in the door, replaced the foods. Recycled the old part.

Pulled fridge away from wall, unplug electrical connection, open fridge door, use knife to prize out door switch, pull off and replace switch from electrical wiring.

Plug in the replacement ice maker to the socket in the frig, fit the back of the new ice maker into the slot to the rear, attach with 2 screws saved from removing old ice maker. Simple.

I had previously watched a YouTube video (do this first!!) on a similar Kenmore model so I knew what to look out for: (1) turned off power, (2) took thin putty knife to slip under outer lip of switch (most screwdrivers are too thick), (3) wiggled switch at front end to release the tab, (4) unplugged from the socket, (5) plugged in new switch, (6) popped new switch back into door, (7) turned on power. Voila !! Super easy. I couldn't believe it.

I removed the old water valve, disconnected the water tube going in and tube going out to the back of the refrigerator. New water valve bracket different than the previous one which resulted in my having to modify it to fit. Not an easy task as it was preformed metal. Once hooked up, water turned on, and ice maker turned on, the sound I'm getting now is clunking and not making ice. My debate is whether or not to purchase a new ice maker or revert to the tried and true method with ice trays which work every time.

I took a very thin bladed screwdriver and took the old part out -carefully.
The new part fit in quite easily.

Replace with new switch. this is the third switch i have replaced in 10 years. the only part, besides a light bulb, that has gone bad. obviously this is a problem with this model for Kenmore, or just poor switch design.

Followed instructions online

replaced the ice maker with the new assembly kit, the longest time taken was to fit back the pull out door .. had to align the slots correctly and check that it slid back and forth easily.

Easy install, small screwdriver under back of old switch push out and pull out with small pliers. unsnap the old plug and install new. YOUR DONE

I just popped in the new cover lamp. It took less than 5 mins. if that much.

Read previous tips
Taped off area around switch to protect surface
Used putty knife to extract switch
Used screwdriver to separate connector from switch
Plugged in connector
Pushed switch assembly into opening
Removed tape

Covered the sidewall with tape to protect. Pried the switch out with knife blade and removed electric plug with needle nose pliers. placed plug in new switch and pushed switch into the hole in the side wall. Took about five minutes.

Used a small screw driver inserted into the front of the switch (facing the front) and pried until the switch was coming out. When out, I removed the connect harness and replace the switch with a new one.