What causes a side-by-side refrigerator to stop cooling?
On Kenmore side-by-side refrigerator model 10656789603, a “stopped cooling” complaint is most often caused by a control set to OFF, blocked air vents that prevent airflow between compartments, or a failed cooling-air component (like the evaporator fan). Use the 10656789603 owner's manual to confirm control settings and airflow paths.
Quick checks we recommend first
- Confirm the refrigerator has power and the interior lights come on.
- Make sure the Refrigerator Control is not set to OFF (this model will not cool in OFF).
- Check that air vents are not blocked by food packages (blocked vents stop proper cooling).
- Wait a full 24 hours after changing settings or after a power outage before judging temperatures.
- Listen for normal operating sounds (fans, compressor cycling); a sudden change can point to the problem area.
Airflow and control settings (most common causes)
This model relies on air moving from the freezer to the fresh food section and back again. If vents are blocked, the temperature controls cannot regulate properly.
| What you notice | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Freezer cold, refrigerator warm | Airflow blocked or evaporator fan issue | Clear vents; listen for fan; inspect for frost buildup |
| Both sections warm | Controls OFF, power issue, sealed-system/compressor issue | Verify controls and power; then move to advanced checks |
| Temps drift after loading groceries | Normal recovery time | Allow 24 hours; avoid blocking vents |
Parts that commonly fix “not cooling” symptoms
If the basic checks do not restore cooling, these model-compatible parts are common next steps depending on symptoms:
- If you do not hear air movement inside: refrigerator evaporator fan motor WP2315549
- If cooling is inconsistent or warm: refrigerator temperature control WP2315562
- If the compressor struggles to start or clicks: run capacitor WPW10662129
Why it matters
When airflow is restricted or controls are set incorrectly, the refrigerator can look like it “quit cooling” even though the compressor is running. Fixing vent blockage or a fan/control problem quickly helps prevent food spoilage and reduces strain on the compressor.
For step-by-step diagrams, part locations, and control illustrations, use the parts list for model 10656789603 on this page, or search by model on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
How can I tell how many cubic feet my Kenmore refrigerator is?
For your Kenmore 10656789603 side-by-side refrigerator, the most reliable way to confirm cubic feet is to read the rating plate inside the fresh food compartment; it typically lists total volume (capacity) in cubic feet or liters. We also outline where to look in the 10656789603 owner's manual.
Where to find the capacity on the refrigerator
Check these common rating plate locations first:
- Inside the refrigerator section on a side wall (upper or mid-level)
- Behind or beside the crisper drawers
- Near the ceiling of the fresh food compartment
- Along the door frame (fresh food side)
- Occasionally behind the base grille area (less common)
If you find a “Total volume” value in liters, convert it to cubic feet using the quick conversion below.
Quick ways to calculate cubic feet (if the label is missing)
If the rating plate is unreadable or missing, we use one of these methods:
- Measure interior space (fresh food plus freezer) in inches and calculate volume
- Convert liters to cubic feet if the label lists liters only
- Use model-based lookup by confirming the exact model number (10656789603) on the rating plate
Simple calculation
- Measure usable interior height, width, and depth (in inches) for each compartment.
- Multiply:
H x W x Dto get cubic inches. - Divide by 1,728 to get cubic feet.
| What you have | What to do | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Inches (H x W x D) | Multiply, then divide by 1,728 | Cubic feet |
| Liters | Divide by 28.316 | Cubic feet |
Why it matters
Knowing cubic feet helps us match the right refrigerator water filter, shelves, bins, and storage parts, and it also helps when comparing capacity to your kitchen space and food storage needs.
Parts that often depend on the exact model (not just size)
Even if two refrigerators have similar cubic feet, parts still vary by model. For 10656789603, common examples include:
- Genuine Kenmore refrigerator water filter EDR3RXD1 (filter fit and housing style)
- Door bins and shelves (mounting style and width)
- Crisper and meat pans (rail and frame design)
- Ice maker components (harness and fill system)
If you need to order parts after confirming capacity, we recommend starting with the parts list for model 10656789603, or searching by model 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 10656789603 are cooling issues, water leaks, ice maker or dispenser failures, and unusual noises. These problems usually trace back to airflow restrictions, defrost system trouble, worn door seals, or a failing water or fan component; the 10656789603 owner's manual troubleshooting section helps narrow it down fast.
Most common symptoms and what they usually mean
- Not cooling or warm temperatures: dirty condenser coils, evaporator fan not running, frost buildup from a defrost problem
- Water under the refrigerator: clogged defrost drain, loose water line, leaking valve
- Ice maker not making ice: restricted water supply, frozen fill tube, bad ice maker module
- Water dispenser slow or not dispensing: clogged filter, low house water pressure, inlet valve issue
- Buzzing, rattling, or clicking: fan blade hitting ice, condenser fan noise, compressor start components
Quick checks you can do before replacing parts
- Confirm the controls are set correctly and doors close tightly.
- Clean condenser coils and make sure airflow around the cabinet is open.
- Look for frost or ice buildup on the freezer back wall (often points to defrost or fan issues).
- Check the water filter age; many water and ice issues start with a restricted filter.
- Inspect for drips at the water inlet connection and tubing.
Common parts that solve common complaints (when symptoms match)
| Symptom | Common cause | Example part for this model |
|---|---|---|
| Slow water, weak dispenser | Restricted filter | Genuine Kenmore refrigerator water filter EDR3RXD1 |
| No water to ice maker/dispenser | Inlet valve not opening | Refrigerator water inlet valve W10408179 |
| Warm fridge, noisy freezer | Evaporator fan issue | Refrigerator evaporator fan motor WP2315549 |
| Ice maker not producing | Ice maker failure | Refrigerator ice maker WPW10190965 |
Why it matters
Catching the root cause early protects food safety and helps prevent secondary damage, like compressor overwork from poor airflow or water damage from a slow leak. For this model, the manual also notes that water temperature and performance can change after installation or heavy use, so timing and usage patterns matter during diagnosis.
You can order the exact replacement parts listed for model 10656789603 from the parts list for this refrigerator, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
Where is the model number on a Kenmore side by side refrigerator?
On Kenmore side-by-side refrigerator model 10656789603, the model number is printed on the appliance identification label (the same label that lists the serial number). We use that model number to match the correct parts list, diagrams, and specifications in the 10656789603 owner's manual.
Common places to check first
On most Kenmore side-by-side refrigerators, the ID label is easy to spot once you open the doors. Check these locations in order:
- Inside the fresh food (refrigerator) compartment on a side wall near the front
- On the ceiling of the fresh food compartment near the temperature control area
- Inside the freezer compartment on a side wall
- Behind the base grille or near the lower front frame (less common)
- On the hinge-side door frame area (open the door and look along the frame)
What the label looks like (model vs. serial)
The same sticker typically includes both identifiers. Use this quick guide so you copy the right one.
| What you need | How it’s labeled | What it’s used for |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | “Model” (for example, 10656789603) | Finding the correct parts and diagrams |
| Serial number | “Serial” | Tracking the unit’s production information |
Tips for reading it accurately
- Write the model number exactly as shown (all digits, no spaces).
- Take a clear photo before ordering parts.
- If the label is worn, look for a second copy inside the cabinet (some units have more than one).
Why it matters
Kenmore model numbers (especially the 106 series) determine which version of parts fit your refrigerator, including water filter styles, door components, and ice maker parts. Using the correct model number helps avoid ordering the wrong replacement.
If you’re ordering a water filter for this model, the parts list for 10656789603 includes the genuine Kenmore refrigerator water filter EDR3RXD1, and you can also search by model on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
How to tell if a Kenmore refrigerator compressor is bad?
On your Kenmore 10656789603 side-by-side refrigerator, a bad compressor typically shows up as poor cooling with long run times, repeated clicking as it tries to start, or no steady compressor hum when cooling is needed. Use the sound and cooling guidance in the 10656789603 owner’s manual to separate normal operation from a failure.
Signs that point to a compressor or start problem
- Both refrigerator and freezer are warm while the unit keeps trying to run
- Repeated click every few minutes (start attempt, then shutoff)
- Compressor shell gets very hot after repeated start attempts (use caution)
- No steady vibration or hum from the compressor when cooling is demanded
- Cooling is weak even though fans appear to run
Rule out common look-alikes first
Your manual notes that high-efficiency compressors and fans can run longer, and some pulsating or high-pitched sounds can be normal.
- Confirm controls are on and set correctly
- After installation or a power outage, allow up to 24 hours to reach full temperature
- Clean the condenser area and make sure airflow is not blocked
- Verify the evaporator fan is moving air; a failed fan can mimic compressor trouble
What the symptoms usually mean
| What you observe | Most likely area | What to check next |
|---|---|---|
| Clicking, won’t stay running | Start components or compressor | Inspect wiring, then test start parts; replace run capacitor WPW10662129 if failed |
| Runs a lot, slowly warms | Airflow or heat rejection | Clean condenser, check door seals, confirm fans |
| Freezer OK, fridge warm | Airflow/damper issue | Clear vents, confirm evaporator fan operation |
Why it matters
The compressor is part of the sealed system; confirming airflow, controls, and normal operating sounds prevents unnecessary compressor replacement.
If replacement is needed, the model-matched part is refrigerator compressor W10309990. You can order parts from the list for model 10656789603 or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026





