How to replace an ice maker in a side by side refrigerator?
To replace the ice maker in your Kenmore 10654502300 side-by-side refrigerator, we disconnect power, shut off the water supply, remove the ice bin, swap the ice maker assembly, then restore power and water and confirm the shutoff arm or switch is set to ON. See the 10654502300 owner's manual for your exact ice maker on/off style.
Before you start (safety and prep)
- Unplug the refrigerator or turn off power at the breaker.
- Turn OFF the main water supply to the refrigerator.
- Empty the ice bin or bucket; use warm water to melt stuck ice (never use sharp tools).
- Protect the floor with towels; keep a sturdy glass handy for dispenser testing.
- Keep screws organized so all panels go back on before operation.
Replacement steps (typical side-by-side procedure)
- Turn the ice maker OFF:
- Style with wire arm: lift the arm to the OFF (up) position until it clicks.
- Style with switch: slide the switch to OFF.
- Remove the ice storage bin/bucket:
- Pull the bin out (or press the release button and lift up, depending on style).
- Remove the ice maker assembly:
- Remove the mounting screws, unplug the wire harness connector, and lift the ice maker out.
- Install the new ice maker:
- Hang/position it on the mounting points, reconnect the harness, and tighten screws.
- Reinstall the bin/bucket fully:
- Push it all the way in; if it is not seated, the dispenser may not work correctly.
- Restore water and power:
- Turn water back on, plug in the refrigerator, then set the ice maker back to ON.
Quick checks after installation
- Confirm the freezer door closes tightly.
- Verify the ice maker is ON (arm down or switch ON).
- Check for leaks at the rear water connection and at the valve area.
- Allow time for ice production to resume; adjust freezer temperature only in small steps.
| Symptom after replacement | Most common cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| No ice after 24 hours | Ice maker left OFF | Set arm down or switch ON |
| Small or hollow cubes | Low water flow | Check supply valve, kinked line, filter restriction |
| Water leaking | Loose connection | Tighten fittings; recheck tubing |
Parts that commonly apply
If you are replacing the complete assembly for this model, use the exact match: ice maker assembly - refrigerator ice maker by whirlpool 4317943.
Why it matters
Replacing the ice maker correctly prevents leaks, protects the dispenser system, and helps the freezer maintain stable temperatures for consistent ice production.
Last updated: February 2026
Where is the model number on a Kenmore side by side refrigerator?
On Kenmore side-by-side refrigerator model 10654502300, the model number is printed on the model and serial number label on the inside wall of the refrigerator compartment. Open the fresh food door and look along the interior side wall for the rating label.
Where to look first
Check these common label locations inside the fresh food (refrigerator) section:
- Inside wall near the top front (left or right side)
- Inside wall around crisper drawer height
- Side wall behind a bin or shelf edge (you may need to slide a shelf forward)
- Near the ceiling light housing area
For the exact label location and what the label looks like, use the 10654502300 owner's manual.
What information is on the label
The same label typically includes both identifiers you may need for parts or service.
| What you need | What it’s used for | Example format |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | Matching parts and diagrams | 10654502300 |
| Serial number | Date/production tracking and service | Letters plus numbers |
Why it matters
We use the full model number to match the correct Kenmore parts list for your refrigerator, including items like the refrigerator inlet valve W10408179 or the ice maker assembly 4317943. Even one digit off can point to a different door style, dispenser setup, or wiring harness.
Quick tips before you write it down
- Copy the model number exactly as printed (all digits)
- Take a clear photo of the label for future reference
- If the label is hard to read, improve lighting and wipe dust off gently
Last updated: February 2026
What's the average lifespan of a Kenmore refrigerator?
Most Kenmore refrigerators average 10 to 15 years of service life. For a Kenmore 10654502300 side-by-side refrigerator, lifespan depends most on routine care (cleaning, door seal condition, and airflow) and addressing cooling or ice maker issues early using the 10654502300 owner's manual.
Typical lifespan ranges (what we see most often)
| Refrigerator type | Typical lifespan | What usually ends it first |
|---|---|---|
| Side-by-side (like model 10654502300) | 10 to 15 years | Sealed system wear, airflow/defrost problems |
| Top freezer | 12 to 18 years | Thermostat or defrost issues |
| French door | 10 to 15 years | Ice maker and dispenser system wear |
What extends the life the most
- Clean condenser coils regularly so the compressor runs cooler and less often.
- Keep door gaskets clean so doors seal without sticking or leaking air.
- Maintain airflow: do not block vents with food packages.
- Fix frost buildup early (often tied to defrost components or door sealing).
- Use correct temperatures: about 37°F for fresh food and 0°F for freezer.
Quick “wear item” checklist for this model
These are common service areas on side-by-side units; replacing a failed part early often prevents bigger cooling strain:
- Ice maker not producing: consider the ice maker assembly 4317943
- No water to dispenser or ice maker: consider the refrigerator inlet valve W10408179
- Frost buildup or warm freezer: defrost system checks (heater, bi-metal)
- Doors not closing smoothly: hinge/cam wear such as the refrigerator door cam (black) WP2182179
Why it matters
A refrigerator that is running hot (dirty coils), leaking air (worn gaskets), or icing up (defrost trouble) forces longer run times. That extra load shortens the life of major components like the compressor and evaporator.
Last updated: February 2026
How to read Kenmore model numbers?
Kenmore model numbers are read in sections: the first 3 digits identify the manufacturer, the middle digits identify the product platform, and the last digits show feature and production variations. For your Kenmore side-by-side refrigerator model 10654502300, the 106 prefix is the key identifier.
Where to find the model number on a refrigerator
On most Kenmore side-by-side refrigerators, we see the model/serial tag in one of these spots:
- Inside the fresh food compartment on a side wall
- On the ceiling of the fresh food compartment near the light
- Along the door frame (hinge side)
- Behind the base grille or lower kickplate area
- On the back of the cabinet (less common for daily access)
How to break down a Kenmore model number
Kenmore model numbers typically follow this pattern.
| Section | Example (10654502300) | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer prefix | 106 | Who built the unit (manufacturer family) |
| Platform/series | 54502 | Design series and major configuration |
| Variation digits | 300 | Feature package, color, revision, or production run |
Why the prefix matters when ordering parts
The prefix helps us match the correct parts diagrams and compatible components (like an ice maker assembly, water inlet valve, or thermostat) for your exact refrigerator.
- Use the full model number when searching parts: 10654502300
- Match the model number exactly, including any trailing digits
- Use the model tag, not the number printed on the user interface
- If a part fits multiple versions, the variation digits help narrow it down
Helpful tip for repairs and maintenance
When you are checking installation details, leveling, door alignment, or care instructions, use the 10654502300 owner's manual so you are following the procedures written for this exact Kenmore refrigerator.
Why it matters
A single digit difference can change door parts, dispenser components, or ice maker wiring; using the complete model number prevents wrong-part returns and repeat repairs.
Last updated: February 2026
What are the most common problems with Kenmore refrigerators?
The most common issues we see on Kenmore refrigerators like model 10654502300 are cooling problems, water leaks, ice maker and dispenser failures, and unusual noises. Many of these trace back to airflow restrictions (dirty coils or failed fans), defrost system trouble, or water supply and valve issues.
Most common symptoms and what usually causes them
- Not cooling or weak cooling: dirty condenser coils, blocked vents, evaporator fan problems, or defrost ice buildup
- Runs too much: warm room temperature, frequent door openings, controls not set correctly, or dirty condenser coils
- Water leaking or puddles: clogged defrost drain, loose water line connection, or dispenser tubing issues
- Ice maker not making ice: water supply problem, inlet valve not opening, or ice maker assembly failure
- Noises (buzzing, sizzling, popping, gurgling): often normal operation, especially during ice maker fill and defrost
Quick checks we recommend first (fast, no parts)
- Confirm doors close fully and seals are clean; sticky gaskets can prevent a good seal.
- Make sure vents inside the fresh food and freezer sections are not blocked by food packages.
- Clean condenser coils (dirty coils make the compressor work harder and can reduce cooling).
- If you hear buzzing during ice maker fill or sizzling during defrost, compare to the normal sound descriptions in the 10654502300 owner's manual.
- If the unit seems unstable or doors do not swing/close correctly, follow the leveling and door closing steps in the 10654502300 installation guide.
Parts that commonly fix these problems on 10654502300
| Problem area | Common suspect part | What it affects |
|---|---|---|
| Ice maker not working | Ice maker assembly - refrigerator ice maker by whirlpool 4317943 | Ice production and harvest cycles |
| No water to ice maker/dispenser | Refrigerator inlet valve W10408179 | Water flow into the refrigerator |
| Frost buildup, warm temps | Refrigerator defrost bi-metal WPW10225581 | Defrost cycling and evaporator protection |
| Warm fridge/freezer, airflow issues | Refrigerator evaporator fan blade WP2169142 | Air circulation across the evaporator |
Why it matters
Cooling, ice, and leak complaints usually share the same root causes: airflow and water control. Keeping coils clean, doors sealing, and the defrost and water systems working correctly prevents food spoilage, ice clumps, and recurring puddles.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the cubic foot of my Kenmore refrigerator model 10654502300?
The cubic-foot capacity for Kenmore side-by-side refrigerator model 10654502300 is listed in the specifications section of the product literature; use the 10654502300 owner's manual to get the exact total volume for your unit. Most Kenmore side-by-side refrigerators in this platform range around 20 to 25 cu. ft. total.
How to find the exact cubic feet for model 10654502300
Check the specifications pages in the manual and look for “capacity,” “total volume,” or separate “refrigerator” and “freezer” volumes.
- Open the 10654502300 owner's manual
- Search the PDF for: capacity, volume, cu. ft., or specifications
- Note whether it lists total capacity or fresh food and freezer separately
- If your unit has an ice maker, confirm whether the rating is stated with or without the ice storage installed
Rated capacity vs usable space
Even when you know the rated cubic feet, usable storage changes based on your configuration.
| Item in the refrigerator | What it changes | What you notice |
|---|---|---|
| Ice maker and bin | Takes freezer shelf space | Less room for bulky frozen items |
| Shelf positions | Changes vertical clearance | Tall items reduce shelf count |
| Door bins and drawers | Improves organization | Less open “floor” space |
| Water filter housing | Uses interior wall space | Slightly less room near the filter area |
Why it matters
Cubic feet helps you compare replacement refrigerators, plan food storage, and understand why the freezer or fresh-food section feels tight even when cooling performance is normal.
Last updated: February 2026





