Kenmore Elite 10659966801 side-by-side refrigerator Parts

Yes. For the Kenmore Elite 10659966801 side-by-side refrigerator, the most reliable reset is a power reset: turn the temperature control(s) OFF, disconnect power for several minutes, then reconnect power and set the controls back to your normal settings (per the owner's manual).

1. Turn the refrigerator/freezer control(s) to OFF.
2. Unplug the refrigerator (or switch off the dedicated circuit breaker).
3. Wait 5 minutes.
4. Restore power.
5. Set the control(s) back to the desired temperature and allow 24 hours for temperatures to stabilize.

• Confirm the outlet is a grounded 3-prong outlet.
• Avoid using an extension cord.
• Use an outlet that cannot be turned off by a wall switch.
• If you are removing doors or working near wiring, disconnect power first.

Some “no water” or “no ice” symptoms look like a control glitch but are usually water supply related. For this model, the manual calls out these common causes:

• Freezer door not fully closed (dispenser may not run)
• House water shutoff valve not fully open
• Kinked water line
• Low water pressure (needs 30 to 120 psi)
• Clogged filter or restricted filter housing

If you suspect a restriction, replacing the filter is a common first step; use the exact filter listed for this model: genuine Kenmore refrigerator water filter EDR3RXD1.

A reset clears temporary control-board logic issues and restores normal operation after a power interruption. It also forces you to re-check basics like power supply, door closure, and water pressure, which are the most common root causes of dispenser and ice maker complaints.

Last updated: February 2026

On the Kenmore Elite 10659966801 side-by-side refrigerator, DH indicates a defrost heating problem (the unit is not sensing the expected temperature rise during the defrost cycle). This typically points to the defrost heater circuit, defrost thermostat, wiring, or the electronic control.

• Unplug the refrigerator before removing panels or touching wiring.
• Confirm the doors are closing fully and the freezer is not overpacked (restricted airflow can mimic defrost issues).
• Look for heavy frost on the freezer back wall; that strongly supports a defrost system problem.
• Power-cycle the refrigerator (unplug for 5 minutes, then plug back in) and see if the code returns.
• Review the defrost and troubleshooting guidance in the owner's manual.

A DH/defrost heat issue is usually caused by one of these components failing open, losing connection, or not being energized.

If you’re replacing parts, these model-matched options are commonly involved in DH symptoms:

• Refrigerator defrost heater WP2323198
• Refrigerator bi-metal thermostat WPW10225581

When the defrost system can’t melt frost off the evaporator, airflow through the freezer drops. That leads to warmer temperatures, poor ice production, longer run times, and can eventually cause food spoilage.

Last updated: February 2026

Common problems on the Kenmore Elite 10659966801 side-by-side refrigerator include warm temperatures from airflow or defrost issues, ice maker or dispenser troubles, water leaks around the filter or valve, and louder-than-normal fan or compressor noise. Our owner's manual troubleshooting section is the fastest way to match symptoms to checks.

• Not cooling or weak cooling: blocked air vents, dirty condenser coils, evaporator fan not moving air, or a defrost failure (ice buildup on the evaporator)
• Freezer cold but refrigerator warm: restricted airflow between compartments, iced-over evaporator, or a weak evaporator fan blade
• Ice maker not making ice: water supply issue, inlet valve problem, or ice maker assembly failure
• Water dispenser slow or no water: clogged filter, filter housing issue, kinked water line, or inlet valve problem
• Water leaking: loose filter seating, cracked filter housing, or a seeping inlet valve connection
• Noisy operation: normal operating sounds, fan blade rubbing ice, or a failing fan motor (noise often changes when doors open)

1. Confirm the controls are on and allow 24 hours after a new install or major setting change for temperatures to stabilize.
2. Make sure vents inside both compartments are not blocked by food packages.
3. Clean condenser coils and verify the unit has space for airflow around it.
4. If you suspect defrost trouble, look for frost buildup on the back freezer panel.
5. For ice and water issues, verify the shutoff valve is fully open and the supply line is not kinked.

Cooling, ice, and water symptoms often overlap. A simple airflow restriction can look like a sealed-system failure, and a clogged filter can mimic an inlet valve problem. Using the step-by-step checks in the owner's manual helps you avoid replacing good parts.

Last updated: February 2026

If your Kenmore Elite side-by-side refrigerator model 10659966801 is warm and the compressor repeatedly clicks, runs very hot, or never starts (while fans may still run), the compressor start circuit or the compressor itself is failing. Use the owner's manual troubleshooting checks first to rule out power, control, and airflow issues.

These steps catch the most common look-alikes (and they are faster than sealed-system testing):

• Confirm the outlet works (plug in a lamp) and reset any tripped breaker.
• Make sure the temperature controls are turned on and set correctly.
• If it is a new install or was unplugged, allow 24 hours to cool fully.
• Listen for normal operating sounds; a high-efficiency compressor can run longer and sound different than older units.
• Check that doors are closing and sealing; frequent door opening can mimic “not cooling.”

A failing compressor usually shows up as a cooling problem plus one or more of these signs:

• Clicking every few minutes (overload protector cycling) with little or no cooling.
• Very hot compressor shell and the unit still does not cool.
• Loud buzzing/humming followed by a click and shutdown.
• Runs constantly but temperatures never reach setpoint (can also indicate a sealed-system restriction or refrigerant issue).

Your manual notes several sounds that are normal on this model family, including pulsating or high-pitched compressor/fan sounds as the refrigerator optimizes performance.

If the compressor is not starting, technicians often test the start components and controls first. For this model, common related parts you may see in a repair path include:

• Refrigerator run capacitor WPW10662129 (start/run circuit support)
• Refrigerator electronic control W11629974 (cooling control logic)
• Refrigerator compressor W10233961 (sealed-system component)

A compressor that cannot start or cannot pump refrigerant will leave both compartments warm and can cause long run times, unusual clicking, and food-safety issues. Ruling out power, control settings, and normal “new refrigerator” sounds prevents unnecessary sealed-system work.

Last updated: February 2026

The Kenmore Elite 10659966801 is a side-by-side refrigerator; most Kenmore Elite side-by-side models of this type are about 24 to 26 cu. ft. total capacity. For the exact published cubic-foot rating for your specific configuration, use the specifications section in the owner's manual.

Use these quick checks to match the correct spec to your exact unit:

• Look for “Specifications”, “Product data”, or a capacity line in the owner's manual
• Confirm the model number 10659966801 on the model and serial tag inside the fresh-food section
• If your manual includes a performance data sheet, check it for capacity and system details

Even when total capacity is the same, usable space changes with features like in-door ice.

• In-door ice and water can reduce usable door and shelf space
• Shelf layout and bins affect how well large items fit
• Air channels and covers take space but improve temperature control

Knowing the exact cubic feet helps you compare replacement refrigerators accurately and set storage expectations, especially if you use an ice maker such as the refrigerator ice maker 2198597.

Last updated: February 2026