I purchased this model smoothtop range with regular/convection oven in Feb 2005 from a Sears warehouse. It was over $700 and listed as new with a cosmetic flaw (slight dent on one side). I rarely used the oven, and initially had problems convection baking a turkey due to smoke pouring out along the top of the door. Being naive, we thought it was at too high a temp or that the convection had to breathe. Using the slow cooker and rangetop, we neglected using the oven. But we also noticed the door space along the sides was set closer to the stove on the bottom, and looser on the top, but since the other stoves where we purchased it looked similar, we thought it was normal. This fall we have started using the oven more often, and have since noticed after baking while the oven is still warm, the door remains open enough on top that the light stays on. This problem has gotten worse so when we walk past the stove the light flickers on and off. It is impossible to convection bake, since the pressure of the fan air keeps the door open. I have taken to wedging a broom between the fridge and oven door to keep it closed while regular and convection baking, so I can maintain oven temp and keep the light off.
We confirmed that their is no door hinge adjustment on this model. It looks like it is possible that the door was mounted too closely on the bottom so it won't close tightly on the top, or that the door was mounted too low so that the fabric door seal might be interfering with closing. We cannot adjust for either of these problems. I think it is a manufacturer's flaw. It truly does not appear that the frame is crooked. I am wondering if there are other consumers out there with the same problem with this model, or if there is a fix for this. It's a shame to buy a new stove and need a broom to keep the oven closed.
Of course I called Sears Warehouse where I purchased the stove, and they indicated since I had waited beyond the 1 yr warrantee that I was out of luck for any consideration. I could however cough up $80 to have them look at it and tell me it probably can't be fixed inexpensively. I will not shop at Sears for appliances again, but hopefully someone out there has some experience with this issue and some helpful suggestions.
Thanks a bunch!

Yes, you will need to hinges to fix this problem.

I imagine it had shipping damage to it, thats why they sold it as a scratch and dent item, the oven door hinges might have been damaged as well, but barely noticeable.

790.9661 is a partial model#,Whats the complete model#?

Jake

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Jake - The complete model number is 790.96612, Sears item #02296612000. Those hinges look pretty sturdy. Apparently you have seen this problem before? Any additional info is appreciated!

The model# tag should be on one side of the bottom of your range, where you pull out your storage drawer.

Here's a list of the models that match that number:

Model Number		Model Description	Brand
	79096612400	ELECTRIC RANGE	KENMORE
	79096612401	ELECTRIC RANGE	KENMORE
	79096612403	ELECTRIC RANGE	KENMORE
	79096612404	ELECTRIC RANGE	KENMORE
	79096612406	ELECTRIC RANGE	KENMORE
	79096612407	ELECTRIC RANGE	KENMORE
	79096612408	ELECTRIC RANGE	KENMORE
	79096612409	ELECTRIC RANGE	KENMORE
	7909661240A	ELECTRIC RANGE	KENMORE

Yes I have seen this problem many times before.

Jake

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Jake - Thanks for your help. Looks like a go with trying the hinges. The Repair Clinic link doesn't seen to recognize the model number for Kenmore, but there is an 800#. Is installation pretty easy? It looks like if we take the screws out, the hinges will slide out and we can replace them easily. Doesn't appear that we will have to dissassemble the door - or do we? I don't suppose instructions come with the hinges. Appreciate the help you have provided.

Yes, its fairly easy to install them, just remove the screws that they mount to the front with, and your good to go.

Jake

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Appliance Repair School 1987-1988
Star Appliance Tech. 2 yrs. 1988-1990
Wards Appliance Tech. 11 yrs. 1990-2001
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I got my Kenmore back in Novermber of 04, for the past 2 yrs my door would not close. The Sears Repair man just left and he fixed them just fine.
He said that when this range was built the vendor sent the wrong hinges. Sears did not know this till it was to late. I think that this should be something that Sears should fix for free. My parents gave me this range as a gift and they also bought a 5 yr contract on it so this did not cost me anything but it would have cost $130.00 for the labor and $58.80 for the parts. This took all of 1 hour.

Yea, Sears should have issued a re-work on these. Actually Frigidaire makes this for Sears, so Frigidaire should have.

Here's the hinges for your model, in case others need them as well:
Manufacturer's Number: 5304445529



Jake

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Glad I found this thread because I'm having the same problem. My book says I have a 790.9661 but my model number inside the storage drawer is 790.96512400 not 9661 and I looked more than once to make sure. Will the part number you're showing also fit my door? I bought mine in '05 and had a repairman out during the warranty. He stuck a screwdriver handle down by the hinge and "tweaked" the door saying this was the only fix and if I had any more problems to do it again, but be careful not to break the glass. I asked about another stove and was told my $100 delivery fee was not refundable and would have to be paid again to exchange the range. I've been "tweaking" the door I need a more permanent fix..

Yes, that hinge kit I post above is for your model as well.

Jake

__________________
Appliance Repair School 1987-1988
Star Appliance Tech. 2 yrs. 1988-1990
Wards Appliance Tech. 11 yrs. 1990-2001
Sears Appliance Tech. 4 yrs. 2001-Oct. 2005
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If you need more repair advice help on your appliance, click Here

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