The lights did not go out on my Kenmore Trio model 795.77312600.It melted the bulb housing right off the top of the refrigerator. You quoted a service flash "SF46-515" that covers this problem under warranty going back 3 years. My refrigerator is 18 months old and when I contacted Sears they said they have no such service flash for this model. How do I get a copy or some proof of the existence of this service flash for this model? There are quite a number of similar instances on this site and elsewhere on the web reporting this dangerous defect.
Thanks, FixYa, for posting this problem. My husband and I were about to buy one of these and were able to save ourselves a headache. We found out some updated information obtained from Sam, a lead tech at the national Kenmore service center, 888-536-6673:
There are 4 potential manufacturers of this fridge type, only 1 of which made the faulty part, which was apparently finally recalled last month. You cannot tell the manufacturer by the brand name, only by the first 3 digits of your trio fridge's MODEL number (usually listed somewhere on the fridge as well as on the printed manual you received at the time of purchase):
795 -- LG Korea -- some fridges affected, determined by SERIAL number
596 -- Amana/Whirlpool -- not affected
464 -- Maytag -- not affected
106 -- Whirlpool -- not affected
If you have a model number beginning with 795, call Sam or his colleagues, reference the service flash sf46-515, and have them look up your fridge by serial number to determine whether your fridge contains the recalled part. Good luck to all of you, and thanks again!
Call Sears rework/recall dept. at 800-659-7026
An upgrade kit is available at no cost to the customer.
I contacted the Sears Recall above and got the run around saying my serial number was not covered. Mine is the model #795 which is the recalled model but not the recalled serial number. At midnight I woke up and came down the stairs and noticed the light on through the doors despite it being properly closed. The light housing cover was melted, and the inside of the refrigerator was very hot. I managed to disconnect the cover and use an over mitt to remove the bulb. I filed a complaint with the US Product Safety Commission and also with Sears Customer Solution (800) 479-6351 to document that other serial numbers besides their recalled serial numbers on Model 795 needs to be recalled. So if you have a problem and your serial number is not covered then as a Public Safety Advocate I recommend you file a complaint with both above.
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After 20 calls and a lot of frustration I found someone who could help. You need to contact the "recall dept" at sears, they are in san antonio 1800 659 7026. they knew what the SF46-515 was and changed my service order. no charge and $100.00 credit card
The service guy just left after fixing our unit. I found this thread, called in the complaint this morning that our housing was melting (and the food on the top shelf was HOT...had to toss out some melon), and mentioned SF46-515. To my surprise they sent out a repairman this afternoon, he replaced the bulb assembly, replaced the controller board, and ordered a new bulb cover (he didn't have one). Total cost to me: $0.
The new bulb assembly includes a thermostat...if it gets hot due to the bulbs being on too long the thermostat shuts them off. The first person who answered the phone seemed to be in an overseas call center (just a guess), and when I mentioned the SF number he put me through to an American person (based on the accent) who set up the service call. No muss, no fuss.
Anyone having this problem, call the service number on your manual and mention the SF46-515. LG apparently has agreed to fix this problem whenever it occurs. No time limit, per the service guy. I am satisfied with the service I received today.
I also have the same problem. One month out of warranty! Sears wanted to send out a repairman at my cost to repair this. I don't think so.. I think with this ammo I can get this repaired at "No Cost". Be aware that these units are made by "LG", the model equivalent is LFRD22850. You can find out more information by looking at this as well. Same problem exists for the LG.. no surprise!
As
a follow up to my last post. I went to the Sears Service Center and found out “Service
Flash SF46-515” is a valid manufacturer’s extension warranty for this problem.
Be aware that the last digit of the fridge model number is the trim color;
therefore the last digit can be anything for this service flash. The procedure
to get the fridge fixed:
1. 1. Call Sears service to
get a tech to look at it. Don’t bother trying to explain the service flash; the
tech will handle that part of it.
2. 2. The tech will confirm
the problem and order the parts to be shipped directly to your address. This
will consist of the main pcb, case assy, lht cvr and sub drawings.
3. 3. The tech will reschedule
about a week later when the parts arrive.
Overall
the process is a little lengthy, but the outcome is a free $560.86 repair (as
of 10/08).
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Hey kibjawa you made such a outstanding demonstration of the what to's and the what not's about this I added you to my website and comments bringing peoples attention to these hazards! If you have any positive reports or negative I meant to say, I think the country and the world would like to hear from you! Here is a link to our page=> Appliance Consumer Reports
Thanks, Sea Breeze
Sam64, Thank you for your information! I understand the issues with LG and really have nothing to say good about them. There was some other problems in the past that Maytag had with their models but Maytag is a company that supports its customer to the end and even beyond. Sears did buy the LG Brand in good faith from LG and to this day I have heard nothing good about their products, quality or Responsibility! Until they prove that they can the same idea that Maytag has (SERVICE MATTERS) I believe that we should reject anything bearing the name
LG (LIFE IS GOOD) I have discussed this with LG and as always I along with everyone are ignored by LG. Thanks, Maytag...Sea Breeze
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Interestingly enough, your model number is not listed on the service infomation as it is, however, re-check your model number because model 795,77312601 is listed.
even if your model number isn't listed contact customer service or a dept called --source one -- and explain the situation and insist they cover the repair. With some persistance you should get results
We bought the unit in late 2007 and just experienced the problem this week. Called Sears and they were not helpful. After 45 minutes of phone menus and waiting I finally spoke to someone in another country who tried to persuade me that the problem was a faulty door switch. I should order the switch and when it arrived they would schedule someone to come out and install it.
I checked both switches with a voltmeter - they were fine. Called back to Sears and they had no record of the previous call in their system.
I then found this online and I KNOW it is the problem. Called Sears again, gave them the model # for the third time and said "There is a recall on this unit." They checked, then asked "Are you still at (address) with (phone #). I answered 'yes' and they said they would order the part and schedule a service call when it arrived (about 2 weeks from now).
What I don't get is: 1) If they know they have a problem, 2) they know I have this Model #, 3) they know my address and phone number - they why the heck don't they call me?!?
And when I call them with this model # and problem description, why do they try to sell me a door switch instead?
We received this refrigerator as a gently used gift from my in laws-they're redoing their kitchen and it's only 2yrs old. I was researching buying an extra ice bin for it last night and read some of the horror stories and was just glad it was not a problem in ours...until my kids called me saying they smelled electrical fire from it tonight!
It was truly very easy when I called sears recall line-parts are being shipped to us and we will call when they arrive to have installation done. They also transferred me to tech support to confirm there is nothing we need to do while we wait other than take the bulbs out.
I did find out that the official recall only happened late in 2012, but honestly Sears was quick to resolve the issue and very professional about it.
Although I'm not happy that it happened, I do not blame the brand, per say. I am just disappointed that it took so long for them to make the recall official.
The recall hotline is 1-800-659-7026. All they need is the model and serial numbers to check if the fridge is part of it.
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Usually answered in minutes!
I have the exact same issue with mine. Model number is: 795-77556600
Sears will not help me with this (at their cost) until there is a recall. They did say they feel "really bad about it" though, and that makes me feel a lot better..?
I have this same problem. The light bulb cover melted this morning and I had a burning smell in my fridge. Also, the temperature became very warm in the fridge.
I have the exact same problem but a totally different model--# 795.75563600. Yesterday I could smell the burning in the fridge and I had a tupperware on the top shelf that got very hot. I can't seem to get the cover off the light fixture to just take the bulb out but I can see in there that one of the wires is getting brown. We did purchase the 3 year coverage plan so I'm going to call Sears to get them to come fix it but I'm really concerned about the fire hazard. This is a big problem, I think.
I had the same problem today, Kenmore Elite Trio 795.75542600, noticed a burning smell coming from inside refrigerator, found the inside temp very warm, and the light cover hot to the touch and very disfigured. The refrigerator lights would not go out, had to disconnect the connector or unscrew the bulbs to get them off.
Finally tried tripping the circuit breaker powering the fridge, now the light goes on & off normally when shutting the doors. However the plastic portion of the light fixture is no longer usable, have removed from my fridge.
My unit is 2 years old no longer under warranty, called Sears, they will charge me for a service call.
Unless someone has a better idea, my next stop is the St Louis Better Business Bureau. I think we have a consumer safety hazard with this particular product line.
Kenmore Trio lights staying on melting the bulb housing problem
795.77312600 Kenmore Trio puchased 11/02/2006 repaired out of warranty by sears 11/05/2008- NO CHARGE!!!!!
1) CALL SEARS ONE SOURCE AT 1-800-479-6351-get a case number for service flash sf46-515.Tell operator you will not pay Sears tech to look at refrig for a known manufacturer authorized '' warranty extension''
2)MAKE SERVICE APPOINTMENT WITH SEARS
3)WHEN SERVICE TECH SHOWS SHOW MELTED HOUSING AND SHOW ALL OF THIS BLOG COPIED,MENTION YOU WILL NOT PAY AND HAVE THE SERVICE TECH CONFIRM WITH OFFICE.YOU NOW HAVE PROOF,A CASE NUMBER,AND THE TECH WILL GIVE YOU AN ANSWER BEFORE LEAVING.IF YOU HAVE THIS CONDITION THEY WILL REPAIR FREE. FORGET ABOUT WARRANTY-THIS IS NOT A BROKEN PART,IT IS A HUGE UNSAFE CONDITION ,AND SEARS HAS TO AND WILL MAKE IT RIGHT FOR FREE.
4) IF THIS IS STILL A SERVICE FLASH RATHER THAN A RECALL CONTACT CPSC (CONSUMER PROUCT SAFETY COMMISSION) AT:
www.cpsc.gov AND REPORT THIS SO THAT IT DOES BECOME A RECALL ,AND OTHERS WILL NOT HAVE TO GO THROUGH THIS PROCEDURE.
5)THIS WEBSITE SAVED ME $584.62.GIVE THE GLORY TO GOD. HELP
SOMEONE LESS FORTUNATE-PAY IT FORWARD!!!!
We had the same problem. We ordered a new light kit, and it did not fix it. We ordered a new switch for the door, it did not work. We eventually disconnected the light. This should be a recall!!
I too have the Kenmore Elite Trio and have replaced the light case/cover once on my own only to have this happen again 6 months later! This is a fire hazard and when I informed local Sears repair representative, Stacey NO LAST NAME from the Danvers, MA repair center employee #788356, she told me it was my own fault for operating the fridge when I was aware of the problem. Fortunately I was finally able to get through to a representative from the rework/recall dept. at 800-659-7026 that although there is no recall on this there is an upgrade kit available which they order/replace AT NO FEE TO THE CUSTOMER. My fridge is also the model 795-77549600 and it was on their list of "affected" models.
We just had the very same problem happen this morning on the exact same model. I opened the fridge door and immediately smelled that "lovely" burning smell. I did the sniff test to find out where it was coming from, hoping it was not somehow our heater, and found the lighting housing in the fridge melted and deformed. I took out all the light bulbs including the freezer light bulb since anything faulty with electrical can mean a fire hazard and I wanted to be safe rather than sorry.
I found this site and others that complained about the same problem. I called Sears and they did say that it is a "service flash." So, we are scheduled for the "fix" but we had problems with this model in the very beginning and ended up with a replacement at that time. It was also related to the main board as this is. The reference that this model is a LG is completely correct. Sears confirmed that.
My take is the same as everyone's that this should be a recall and we should get a replacement. I am for something with as little electronics as possible at this point!
I am in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho and the Sears service number is 800-469-4663.
Good luck everyone!! This is obviously a defect that comes up after two years as I am seeing all the complaints are happening a the same general time.
the same thing happened to my kenmore elite refrigerator it cooked the mayonnaise it is only 2 months old so is under warranty it is very dangerous and could have caused a fire luckily my son came home late and wanted a sandwich otherwise it would have been on all nite
I HAD the same problem. My Kenmore Elite 25 cu.ft. TRIO French Door, Bottom Freezer had the intermittent malfunction of the lights staying on when the doors were closed. I had posted the original problem here, but here's my update. First, my husband replaced the light bulbs with a GE Fluorescent Helical 15Watt. This reduced the heat value to almost nil, so when the lights did stay on, no harm done. Then, when one of the bulb castings did fail and the bulb housing needed to be replaced, I called Sears service, made the appointment, told the operator to add the Service flash "sf46-515" to the order complaint for the technician. When, the technician came, he verified the model number, ordered the parts (4 of 'em) needed to be shipped to my home, rescheduled the service for installment and added there was "no charge". Very easy! THANK YOU ..... FIXYA Technical Support for your instructions and ideas. VERY HELPFUL!
Wow.. I just had this problem this morning. I popped the melted clear housing off, and used a silicone oven mitt to unscrew the bulbs. No idea how long the lights were on, but I was in the fridge once about 1/2 hour before it happened. I don't want to think about what would have happened if it was like that all night.
I haven't called Sears yet, but you can be sure I will.
My Kenmore Elite Trio had this issue. The plastic housing around the light was melted, the area around the light bulbs were brown and the food in my fridge was ruined. Thankfully we were home at the time so it wasn't more serious. Unfortunately my model 795.77253600 is not covered by the SF46-515. I filed complaints with the CPSC and am going to be contacting my local news media.
Same Problem.. same Frig.. I'm not gonna tell my story over again.. burnt plastic.. brown housing from burning..
Bottom line: i just hung up with Sears.. talked to 7 (yes .. that's SEVEN) different ppl. None of them knew what I was talking about. Opened a case number with "One Source" (800-479-6351).. then found THIS web page while talking to them and gave the SF # listed above..
Suddenly, I wsa told that the whole repair would be covered.. Up till then, NO ONE at Sears offered to fix my problem.. was told that I had to pay for it cause it was out of warranty..
THANK U FIXYA!!!!!
hello all. do NOT believe that this refrigerator can be fixed... we had the same problem. the housing unit melted into the shelf. I am on the second bulb housing unit which is now also melting. there is a SERIOUS problem with this appliance. don't take an upgrade.. your home and family are at risk.
PEOPLE.. please listen... this appliance is a disaster waiting to happen.. PLEASE do NOT trust Sears with the welfare of you home and family. I have had the exact same experiences with customer service. We actually recorded the conversation with one of their reps. It is disgracefull. I was hung up on many times. I was trying at the executive level but even they are ignoring me. I am by mail, sending a three page letter to Sears, as well as my news stations and the bbb. We are a family of five. They replaced the housing at no charge..it was 14 months old.. but i did have to pay for the service.. guess. what.. the replacement is burning... the replacement bulb housing is less than a year old. We have to fight.. SEARS is ignoring all complaints. Hanging up on customers seems to be the answer. I would like to form a group.. you can reach me at [email protected] i am not accepting this hazard in my home. my family is at risk, and so is yours.
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