Owner’s manual
Error Codes
Where is the model number on a Kenmore side by side refrigerator?
On Kenmore side-by-side refrigerator model 10657765791, the model number is printed on the model and serial number label located on the inside side wall of the fresh food (refrigerator) compartment. Use that label to record both the model and serial number for parts and service reference; see the owner's manual.
- Open the refrigerator (fresh food) door, not the freezer door
- Look along the inside side wall near the front edge of the liner
- Use a flashlight; the label can be easy to miss in low light
- Write down the full model number and serial number exactly as shown
- Take a clear photo of the label for ordering parts later
Most labels include both identifiers. Here is what to capture:
| Item to record | Why you need it |
|---|---|
| Model number (example: 10657765791) | Ensures diagrams and parts match your exact refrigerator |
| Serial number | Helps confirm production details when selecting compatible parts |
Kenmore 106 model refrigerators can look similar across multiple versions. Using the exact model number from the side-wall label helps us match the correct parts list and avoid ordering the wrong items (for example, an ice maker or door gasket that does not fit).
- Use the model number to choose the correct replacement part category (ice maker, door gasket, lighting, cooling)
- If you are troubleshooting ice production, check the ice maker assembly 4317943 and related ice bin parts
- If you are troubleshooting temperature swings, the refrigerator thermostat WP2198202 is a common control component to verify
Last updated: February 2026
How wide is a Kenmore side by side refrigerator?
Most Kenmore side-by-side refrigerators are about 32 to 36 inches wide; your Kenmore 10657765791 is designed to fit standard side-by-side openings, but the exact cabinet width and required clearances should be confirmed in the owner's manual.
Side-by-side refrigerator widths commonly fall into these buckets:
- 32 to 33 inches: narrower side-by-side models
- 35 to 36 inches: most full-size side-by-side models
- 36+ inches: larger capacity or specialty configurations
If you are measuring for a replacement or a tight alcove, we recommend measuring your current unit rather than relying on “typical” sizing.
Measure with the doors closed and the refrigerator in its normal position.
- Measure the cabinet width (left to right across the main box)
- Measure the overall width at the widest point (often the door handles)
- Confirm you have clearance for door swing next to walls or cabinets
- Allow ventilation space at the sides and top (the manual calls for about 0.5 inch on each side and at the top)
- If you have an ice maker and water line, allow extra space behind for connections
Even if the cabinet width fits, clearances can make the installation work or fail.
| What you are checking | Typical guidance for this style | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Side and top ventilation | About 0.5 inch each side and top | Prevents overheating and poor cooling |
| Door swing near a wall | About 2 inches minimum (varies by model) | Lets doors open fully and drawers slide out |
| Space behind for water line | Extra room if ice maker is connected | Prevents kinks and leaks |
Width is only part of the fit. Door swing clearance, handle depth, and ventilation space affect cooling performance and whether you can fully open the doors to access bins, shelves, and the ice maker.
If you are also shopping for replacement parts while you measure, you can order model-specific items like the ice maker assembly 4317943 from the parts list for Kenmore 10657765791, or search 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 10657765791 are poor cooling (often tied to dirty condenser coils or airflow issues), water leaks, ice maker not making ice, and louder-than-normal running sounds. Many of these start with basic maintenance and control settings in the owner's manual.
- Not cooling well or warm freezer: dirty condenser coils, blocked vents, or a defrost system problem causing frost buildup
- Motor runs a lot: frequent door openings, controls not set for conditions, dirty condenser coils, or doors not fully closed
- Water leaking or puddles: clogged/iced defrost drain, loose water line connections, or a door not sealing
- Ice maker not producing ice: freezer not cold enough, ice maker arm in OFF position, or water shut-off valve closed
- Noisy operation: normal operating sounds, fan noise, or vibration from the cabinet or items inside
- Confirm temperatures: set the freezer to about 0°F and the fresh food section to about 37°F.
- Check door closure: push doors firmly shut; look for packages or bins preventing full closure.
- Clean condenser coils: dirty coils make the compressor work harder and can reduce cooling.
- Look for frost on the freezer back wall: heavy frost points to a defrost problem.
- For ice maker issues: wait 24 hours after turning it on or after a water hookup; verify the shut-off valve is open.
If the basic checks do not fix the issue, these parts are commonly involved on side-by-side refrigerators:
| Problem you notice | Common part area | Example part for this model |
|---|---|---|
| Frost buildup, warming, poor airflow | Defrost system | Refrigerator defrost bi-metal WPW10225581 or refrigerator heater WP2323198 |
| Ice maker not making ice | Ice maker assembly | Ice maker assembly - refrigerator ice maker by whirlpool 4317943 |
| Doors not sealing, sweating, warm spots | Door gasket | Whirlpool refrigerator door gasket, black 2159083 |
Cooling, ice production, and energy use all depend on airflow and tight door seals. Dirty condenser coils and doors that do not close completely can make the compressor run longer, raise temperatures, and lead to food spoilage.
You can also look up model-specific troubleshooting and operating tips in the owner's manual, and order parts for model 10657765791 from the parts list for this model or by searching on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
How to tell if a Kenmore refrigerator compressor is bad?
If your Kenmore 10657765791 runs a lot but won’t cool, repeatedly clicks while trying to start, or the compressor is unusually hot, the compressor or its start components may be failing. We confirm by ruling out airflow, dirty condenser coils, and normal operating sounds listed in the owner's manual.
- Refrigerator and freezer temperatures stay warm even though the unit runs
- Repeated clicking (start attempt, then shutoff) every few minutes
- Compressor is very hot to the touch after trying to run (use caution)
- Little to no vibration or steady hum from the compressor when it should be running
- Frost pattern is weak or uneven on the evaporator (cooling system not moving heat well)
- Unit runs constantly with no temperature recovery
Many “bad compressor” complaints are actually airflow, maintenance, or control issues.
- Dirty condenser coils: Dirty coils make the compressor work harder and run longer
- Doors not sealing: Leaky gaskets can cause long run times and poor cooling
- Controls not set correctly: Incorrect settings can mimic cooling failures
- Normal sounds: Buzzing (water valve), clicking (defrost timer/control), gurgling (refrigerant), and fan noise can be normal
| What you notice | More likely cause | What we check next |
|---|---|---|
| Runs long but temps are close to normal | Dirty coils, frequent door openings | Clean coils; verify door habits and settings |
| Clicks, then stops; no cooling | Start device/overload, compressor locked | Electrical checks; inspect wiring and start components |
| No compressor sound but fans run | Control issue or start circuit | Thermostat/control checks; wiring and connections |
| Poor cooling plus heavy frost issues | Defrost system problem | Defrost heater and defrost bi-metal testing |
If troubleshooting points away from the compressor, these model-compatible parts often come into play:
- Refrigerator thermostat WP2198202 (temperature control issues)
- Refrigerator defrost bi-metal WPW10225581 (defrost termination/safety)
- Refrigerator heater WP2323198 (defrost heater)
- Refrigerator compressor W10309994 (sealed system compressor)
A compressor is part of the sealed refrigeration system; misdiagnosing it can lead to unnecessary cost. Checking coils, door sealing, and defrost operation first helps us pinpoint whether the issue is truly the compressor or a simpler fix.
Last updated: February 2026
What causes a side-by-side refrigerator to stop cooling?
A Kenmore 10657765791 side-by-side refrigerator usually stops cooling because cold air is not circulating between compartments (blocked vents), the temperature controls are set incorrectly, or a cooling-system component is not running (evaporator fan, condenser fan, or compressor). Use the owner's manual to confirm vent locations and control settings.
- Confirm the refrigerator has power and the interior lights come on.
- Make sure both doors close completely and seal tightly.
- Clear packages away from the air vents in both compartments (blocked vents prevent proper airflow).
- Verify the temperature controls are set correctly for your room conditions.
- Listen for normal operation sounds: evaporator fan airflow, condenser fan airflow, and compressor cycling.
| Likely cause | What you notice | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Blocked air vents | Freezer may be colder than fridge; uneven temps | Remove items blocking vents; allow several hours to stabilize |
| Doors not sealing or not closing | Warm temps, moisture, frequent running | Re-seat bins/pans; inspect gasket for gaps or tears |
| Controls set too warm | Both sections warmer than expected | Adjust controls; recheck temps after 24 hours |
| Evaporator fan issue | Little or no airflow from vents; warm fridge | Inspect for ice buildup; check fan area for obstruction |
| Defrost system problem | Frost/ice on freezer back wall; airflow drops | Check defrost components such as the refrigerator defrost bi-metal WPW10225581 |
This model relies on airflow from the freezer to cool the refrigerator section. When vents are blocked or frost builds up, the controls cannot regulate temperature correctly, so the refrigerator can seem like it has “stopped cooling” even though some components are still running.
If airflow is blocked by frost or the unit is not cycling correctly, these model-matched parts are often involved in cooling complaints:
- Refrigerator defrost bi-metal WPW10225581 (defrost temperature sensing)
- Refrigerator thermostat WP2198202 (temperature control)
- Refrigerator compressor W10309994 (sealed-system cooling)
For ordering, we list replacement parts for Kenmore 10657765791 on this model page; you can also search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
