Kenmore 10659297991 side-by-side refrigerator Parts

On Kenmore side-by-side refrigerator model 10659297991, the model number is printed on the model and serial number label located on the inside wall of the refrigerator (fresh food) compartment. Open the refrigerator door and look along the interior side walls for a rating label.

What to look for on the label

The label typically includes both the model number and serial number, plus electrical information.

• Look for MODEL followed by 10659297991 (or “106.” plus additional digits)
• Look for SERIAL followed by a longer mix of letters and numbers
• Check the inside wall of the refrigerator compartment (not the freezer)
• Use a flashlight; the print can be small or lightly stamped
• Wipe the area with a damp cloth if the label is dusty or has food residue

Common label locations (quick checklist)

For this style of Kenmore side-by-side, the label is usually easy to spot once you know where to scan.

Location to check	What you will see	How to access
Inside wall of refrigerator compartment	Model and serial number label	Open fresh food door and scan side walls
Near the crisper area	Same label, sometimes lower on the liner	Pull out drawers if they block your view
Upper side wall	Same label, sometimes near the top	Look near the light housing area

Why it matters

We use the exact model number to match the correct Kenmore 106-series parts and diagrams. That prevents ordering the wrong ice maker, water inlet valve, door gasket, or dispenser components for your refrigerator.

Next steps after you find it

• Write down the full model number and serial number
• Use the model number to select exact-fit parts from the parts list for this model
• For model-specific identification and service details, keep a copy of the owner's manual
• If you want to search beyond this model page, use your model number on Sears PartsDirect

Last updated: February 2026

For a Kenmore side-by-side refrigerator like model 10659297991, we recommend setting the fresh food section to 37°F and the freezer to 0°F for reliable food safety and ice production. Start with the factory mid-settings, then fine-tune in small steps using the guidance in the owner's manual.

Recommended settings and how to adjust

Your controls are preset at the factory to mid-settings. After any change, wait at least 24 hours before adjusting again so temperatures can stabilize.

• Start at the mid-setting for both refrigerator and freezer controls
• If the refrigerator is too warm, move the refrigerator control one setting colder
• If the freezer is too warm or ice is slow, move the freezer control one setting colder
• If items freeze in the refrigerator, move the refrigerator control one setting warmer
• Keep air vents clear; blocked vents cause warm spots and freezing

Quick temperature targets

Compartment	Best target temp	What you may notice when it is right
Refrigerator (fresh food)	37°F	Milk and juice are as cold as you like
Freezer	0°F	Ice cream stays firm and ice production is steady

Common reasons temperatures drift

If your settings are correct but temperatures still feel off, these are the most common causes:

• Doors opened often (especially during loading groceries)
• Large amount of warm food added at once
• Room temperature very warm (unit runs longer)
• Packages blocking airflow inside the compartments
• Heavy ice usage (freezer temperature can rise temporarily)

Why it matters

Keeping the refrigerator near 37°F helps slow bacterial growth without freezing produce, and keeping the freezer near 0°F supports consistent ice maker performance and long-term food quality.

If you are troubleshooting ice or water performance while dialing in temperatures, parts like the refrigerator inlet valve W10408179 and ice maker assembly 4317943 are common service items for this Kenmore platform.

Last updated: February 2026

Most Kenmore side-by-side refrigerators are about 33 to 36 inches wide; your Kenmore model 10659297991 is in that common range. For the exact cabinet width and required clearances for your specific unit, use the dimensions and installation section in the 10659297991 owner's manual.

Typical width ranges (what you can expect)

Side-by-side refrigerator widths are fairly standardized, and most fall into these buckets:

• 33 in. class: common for smaller side-by-sides
• 36 in. class: most common full-size side-by-sides
• 42 in. class: larger, premium built-in style units (less common)

Size class	Typical width	Best fit for
Compact/full-size	33 in.	tighter kitchens, smaller households
Standard full-size	36 in.	most existing side-by-side cutouts
Oversize	42 in.	custom cabinetry, larger capacity needs

Don’t forget clearance (it affects the space you need)

Even when the cabinet width fits, you still need room for airflow and door swing.

From our installation guidance for this style of Kenmore refrigerator:

• Plan about 1/2 in. of space on each side and at the top for ventilation
• If installed next to a fixed wall, allow about 2 in. minimum on the hinge side so the door can swing open
• If you have an ice maker, leave extra room at the back for the water line connection

Quick measuring tips (so you get the right number)

Measure with a tape measure and use the largest value you see:

• Measure cabinet width (body of the refrigerator), not the doors or handles
• Measure at the widest point from left to right
• If you are fitting into a cutout, measure the opening width in 3 places (top, middle, bottom)
• Confirm whether you need door-open clearance next to a wall or cabinet end panel

Why it matters

Width is only part of the fit. Door swing clearance and ventilation space prevent warm running, rubbing doors, and poor ice maker or water dispenser performance. If you are replacing a door-related part that affects closing and alignment, a worn hinge cam can also change how the doors sit.

If your doors are not closing smoothly, check the refrigerator door cam (black) WP2182179. For ordering any replacement parts for model 10659297991, you can use the parts list for this model or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

For Kenmore side-by-side refrigerator model 10659297991, a “stopped cooling” complaint is usually caused by lost power, incorrect temperature control settings, or blocked airflow between the freezer and fresh food sections. Start with the simple checks first; many no-cool issues are corrected without replacing parts. See the 10659297991 owner's manual for control setting guidance and airflow details.

Quick checks we recommend first

• Confirm the refrigerator has power (interior lights on, fans or compressor sound present).
• Verify the refrigerator and freezer controls are not set too warm; wait 24 hours after any adjustment.
• Make sure food packages are not blocking the top and bottom vents; blocked vents prevent proper air circulation.
• Check that doors close fully and are not held open by containers.
• If the unit was just loaded with a large amount of food, allow several hours for temperatures to recover.

Airflow and control settings (most common causes)

Your model circulates cold air from the freezer into the refrigerator section and back again. When vents are blocked, the temperature controls cannot regulate properly, and one or both sections can warm up.

Symptom	Most likely cause	What to do
Freezer cold, refrigerator warm	Airflow blocked or damper issue	Clear vents; rearrange items; if airflow stays weak, check the diffuser/damper system
Both sections warm	Power issue or cooling system not running	Check outlet/breaker; listen for compressor/fans; clean airflow paths
Temps changed after adjusting controls	Normal response time	Wait at least 24 hours between adjustments

When a part is commonly involved

If basic checks do not restore cooling, these parts are commonly involved in cooling and airflow complaints on side-by-side refrigerators:

• Evaporator fan area (moves air through compartments); a damaged blade can reduce airflow: refrigerator evaporator fan blade WP2169142
• Defrost system issues that lead to frost buildup and blocked airflow: refrigerator defrost bi-metal WPW10225581
• Air distribution components that regulate cold air into the fresh food section: refrigerator diffuser WP2209751

Why it matters

A side-by-side depends on steady airflow between compartments. When airflow is blocked or controls are set incorrectly, food can warm quickly even though the refrigerator seems to be “running,” and repeated door openings or heavy loading can extend recovery time.

Last updated: February 2026

On Kenmore side-by-side refrigerator model 10659297991, a bad compressor shows up as poor cooling even though the unit runs, repeated clicking or failed start attempts, or a compressor that overheats while temperatures keep rising. Use the 10659297991 owner's manual to rule out airflow and maintenance issues first.

Signs that point to a compressor or sealed-system problem

• Refrigerator and freezer both warm while the unit runs often
• Repeated click, pause, click (start device and overload cycling)
• Compressor is very hot after running (avoid prolonged contact)
• Little to no steady compressor hum or vibration when cooling is needed
• Weak or abnormal frost pattern on the evaporator (often sealed-system related)

Rule out common look-alikes first

These issues can mimic compressor failure and are faster to check.

• Clean condenser coils; dirty coils make the compressor run hot and long
• Confirm doors close fully and gaskets seal; air leaks cause long run times
• Verify the evaporator fan is moving air through the freezer
• Make sure vents are not blocked by food packages
• Listen for normal sounds; some clicking and refrigerant gurgling are normal

What confirms a bad compressor

A technician typically verifies failure with electrical and performance checks.

Check	What it tells us	Likely outcome
Starts then clicks off	Overload trip, hard start	Test start circuit and compressor windings
Amperage draw	Normal run vs. locked rotor	Identify mechanical lock or overload
Continuity and short-to-ground	Internal electrical failure	Compressor replacement
Cooling vs. frost pattern	Sealed-system restriction or low refrigerant	Sealed-system service

Parts that may be involved

• Refrigerator compressor W10309990 (when the compressor itself has failed)
• Refrigerator defrost bi-metal WPW10225581 (when a defrost issue is causing poor cooling)

Why it matters

The compressor is part of the sealed refrigeration system; when it cannot pump refrigerant correctly, food temperatures rise even though the refrigerator seems to be running.

If you decide to replace parts, order from the parts list for model 10659297991 or search by model on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026