Where is the filter located on a side by side refrigerator?
On Kenmore side-by-side refrigerator model 10656989601, the water filter is located in the base grille at the bottom front of the refrigerator. You access it from the front by pressing the eject button and pulling the filter out by the cap; see the owner's manual.
How to find and access the filter
- Go to the bottom front of the refrigerator.
- Look for the base grille (the kickplate area).
- Locate the filter cap and eject area in that grille section.
What you will typically do
- Press the eject button to release the filter.
- Pull the filter out by the cap.
- Keep the cap; it transfers to the replacement filter.
- After installing a new filter, flush the system by dispensing and discarding about 1.5 gallons of water.
- Expect some spurting at first as air clears from the line.
Filter parts that commonly apply to this model
If you need replacement parts related to the filter housing area, these are commonly used on this Kenmore model:
| What it is | What it does | Example part on this model page |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator water filter | Filters drinking water and ice | Refrigerator water filter EDR3RXD1 |
| Refrigerator water filter cap | Reuses your existing cap on the new filter | Refrigerator water filter cap (black) WP2260518B |
Why it matters
A correctly installed, unclogged filter helps maintain normal dispenser flow and ice quality. A clogged or misinstalled filter can reduce water flow, and a new filter often needs flushing to prevent discoloration or off-taste.
Last updated: February 2026
Where to find model number on Kenmore side by side refrigerator?
On your Kenmore side-by-side refrigerator model 10656989601, the model number is printed on the model and serial tag, typically located inside the fresh food (refrigerator) compartment around the door opening. Use the tag information to match the correct parts and instructions in your owner's manual.
Common places to check first
Look for a paper or metal tag in these spots:
- Inside the fresh food compartment on the side wall near the front
- On the ceiling of the fresh food compartment near the light housing
- Along the door frame (hinge side) when the refrigerator door is open
- Behind the base grille area (less common, but worth a quick check)
- On the back exterior panel (usually harder to access)
How to read the tag (what matters)
The tag usually includes both a model number and a serial number.
| What you see on the tag | What to use it for |
|---|---|
| Model number (example: 10656989601) | Finding the correct parts list and diagrams |
| Serial number | Identifying production details for service and compatibility |
Why it matters
Kenmore model numbers can look similar across different refrigerator designs. Using the exact model number from the tag helps ensure you get the right items, such as a water filter, ice maker, or door parts, and prevents ordering a part that does not fit.
Quick tip for parts matching
If you are replacing filtration parts, this model uses the base grille style water filter listed as Part #9030 in the documentation; on our parts list you will see it as genuine Kenmore refrigerator water filter EDR3RXD1.
Last updated: February 2026
How to replace an ice maker in a side by side refrigerator?
To replace the ice maker in your Kenmore 10656989601 side-by-side refrigerator, we disconnect power, remove the ice bin and any covers, swap the ice maker assembly, then restore power and water. Follow the step-by-step procedure and safety notes in the 10656989601 owner's manual.
Safety first (do this before any disassembly)
- Unplug the refrigerator (disconnect power before servicing).
- If your unit is connected to a water supply, shut off the water supply valve.
- Use a sturdy glass when dispensing ice (on some models).
- Never use sharp tools to break up ice in the bin; it can damage the container and dispenser mechanism.
- Reinstall all parts and panels before operating.
Basic replacement steps (typical side-by-side process)
- Turn ice production off: lift the wire shutoff arm to the OFF (up) position (if equipped).
- Remove the ice storage bin:
- Pull the covering panel up from the bottom, then slide it back.
- Lift up the front of the bin and pull it out.
- Access the ice maker: remove the ice maker cover(s) and mounting screws.
- Disconnect wiring: unplug the ice maker harness connector.
- Remove and replace the ice maker: transfer any brackets or “stripper” style pieces from the old unit to the new one if they match exactly.
- Reassemble and restart:
- Reinstall the bin fully (if it is not pushed in all the way, the dispenser may not work).
- Lower the shutoff arm to ON (down).
- Restore power and water.
What to expect after installation
Ice makers often need time to cycle and purge air from the water line.
| After replacement | What’s normal | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| First day | Smaller or irregular cubes | Discard the first few batches of ice |
| First 24 hours | Slow production | Keep freezer at normal setpoint and door closed |
| Ongoing | Ice quality depends on water quality | Avoid softened water when possible |
Why it matters
A correctly installed ice maker and fully seated ice bin help the dispenser work properly and prevent damage to the ice container and dispenser mechanism.
Parts that are commonly replaced with an ice maker
If you still have no ice or no water fill after replacement, these model-compatible parts are common suspects:
- Refrigerator inlet valve W10408179 (controls water flow to the ice maker)
- Refrigerator water filter EDR3RXD1 (a restricted filter can reduce water flow)
- Refrigerator ice bin WPW10670845 (cracks or fit issues can affect dispensing)
Last updated: February 2026





