Kenmore 2536888201C refrigerator Parts

Your Kenmore refrigerator’s model number is printed on the serial plate inside the fresh food (refrigerator) compartment. For model 2536888201C, the manual notes the serial plate is located inside the refrigerator compartment; write down both the model and serial number for parts and service records using the 2536888201C owner's manual.

Where to look for the model number

Check these common serial plate locations on Kenmore top-mount refrigerators:

• Inside the refrigerator compartment on a side wall (most common)
• On the ceiling of the fresh food compartment near the light
• On the frame just inside the refrigerator door opening
• Behind the lower crisper drawers on the interior back wall
• On a label near the front kickplate area (less common)

What the model number looks like (Kenmore 253 prefix)

Many Kenmore refrigerators use a model format that starts with 253.

What you see on the label	What it means	Example
Model number	Identifies the exact refrigerator design	2536888201C
Serial number	Identifies your specific unit	(varies)
Purchase date	Helps with records and warranty paperwork	(your date)

Tips to read the label correctly

• Copy the model number exactly, including all letters at the end (for example, the C in 2536888201C).
• Use a flashlight; the print can be small or lightly stamped.
• Clean the serial plate gently with soap and water only so the text stays readable.
• Take a clear photo of the label before ordering parts.

Why it matters

The model number ensures we match the correct Kenmore refrigerator parts, such as a door gasket, defrost heater, or evaporator fan motor, because similar-looking refrigerators can use different shelves, controls, and wiring.

If you are ordering parts, start with the parts list for your model, then use Sears PartsDirect to search by the full model number if you need additional diagrams or part categories.

Last updated: February 2026

Kenmore model 2536888201C is a top-mount refrigerator, not an upright freezer; its exact cubic-foot capacity is listed on the model’s rating information in the 2536888201C owner's manual. If you need capacity for space planning, most top-mount refrigerators in this style commonly fall in the 18 to 21 cu. ft. range.

How to find the exact cubic feet for model 2536888201C

We recommend using the model-specific documentation because it ties the capacity to your exact configuration.

• Check the specifications section in the 2536888201C owner's manual
• Look for the model and serial plate inside the fresh food compartment (the manual notes it is located inside the refrigerator compartment)
• If the label lists liters, convert to cubic feet (1 cu. ft. = 28.3 L)
• Use the model number exactly as 2536888201C when searching parts or documentation

Quick reference: refrigerator vs. upright freezer

Appliance type	Typical capacity range	What it’s used for
Top-mount refrigerator (like 2536888201C)	18 to 21 cu. ft.	Fresh food plus a top freezer section
Upright freezer	14 to 21 cu. ft.	Frozen-only storage

Why it matters

Capacity affects fit, food storage expectations, and performance. If you are comparing this unit to an upright freezer, the usable frozen space in a top-mount refrigerator is only the freezer compartment, not the full cabinet volume.

Parts note (when capacity questions come up during repairs)

If you are troubleshooting cooling or door-seal issues that make the refrigerator feel “too small” (frost buildup, warm spots, spoiled produce), common related parts for this model include the frigidaire refrigerator door gasket (white) 242193206 and the refrigerator defrost heater 242044008. You can also search by model number on Sears PartsDirect if you are not sure which section your part is listed under.

Last updated: February 2026

Common problems we see on Kenmore Elite refrigerators, including Kenmore model 2536888201C, are warm temperatures from airflow issues, frost buildup from defrost or door-seal problems, and unusual noises or long run times from heavy use or failing fan components. Use the 2536888201C owner's manual for model-specific troubleshooting.

Most common symptoms and likely causes

• Not cooling or weak cooling: blocked vents, dirty condenser area, evaporator fan not moving air, or a sealed-system issue
• Excessive frost or ice: defrost heater or defrost thermostat problem, or doors not sealing
• Moisture inside: door slightly open, frequent openings, high humidity, uncovered containers
• Doors or drawers hard to close: refrigerator not level, overloaded bins, dirty or worn gaskets
• Light not working: burned-out bulb or power supply issue

Quick checks we recommend

• Set controls to a normal setting; allow 24 hours for temperatures to stabilize
• Confirm both doors close fully and gaskets contact the cabinet all the way around
• Clear packages from air vents and return-air openings
• Listen for the evaporator fan; a cold freezer with a warm fresh-food section points to airflow
• If the light is out, replace the refrigerator light bulb 316538904

Parts that often relate to these symptoms (2536888201C)

Symptom	System to check	Example part from this model
Frost buildup, warming	Defrost system	Refrigerator defrost heater 242044008, refrigerator defrost bi-metal thermostat 5303918634
Warm fresh-food section	Air circulation	Refrigerator evaporator fan motor 241854301, refrigerator evaporator fan blade 5308000010
Moisture, long run times	Door seal	Door gasket (242193206 white or 242193212 black)

Why it matters

Airflow restrictions and door-seal leaks make the refrigerator run longer, create moisture and frost, and can lead to unstable food temperatures.

If you need to order parts for Kenmore model 2536888201C, use the parts list for this model or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

If the top (fresh food) section of your Kenmore 2536888201C is warm, the most common causes are blocked air vents, temperature controls set too warm (or set to 0), or weak airflow from frost buildup or a failed evaporator fan. Start with vent clearance and control settings.

Quick checks that fix many “warm top” complaints

• Clear the cold air vents at the upper rear of the refrigerator compartment; do not let food packages cover them.
• Verify the refrigerator temperature control is not set to 0 (that setting turns off the compressor and stops cooling).
• After adjusting controls, keep doors closed and wait 24 hours for temperatures to stabilize.
• Make sure doors close tightly; a poor seal lets warm air in and reduces cooling.
• Avoid overpacking; leave space so air can circulate.

Temperature control guide (simple and effective)

Use the control guidance in the owner's manual for your exact control style.

Symptom	Control change	Timing
Fresh food too warm	Turn refrigerator control slightly toward Colder	Check after 24 hours
Freezer too warm	Turn freezer control slightly toward Colder	Check after 24 hours
Control set to 0	Move off 0	Cooling resumes

If vents and settings are OK, check airflow and frost

Cold air is produced in the freezer and moved into the refrigerator by the evaporator fan. If the fan is not moving air or frost is blocking the air path, the top section warms.

• Listen for the fan running when the compressor is running.
• Check for heavy frost on the freezer back wall.
• If the fan is not running, the refrigerator evaporator fan motor 241854301 is a common repair part for this model.

Why it matters

Blocked vents or a control set to 0 stops cold air from reaching the fresh food compartment; temperatures rise quickly and food spoils sooner.

You can order replacement parts for Kenmore 2536888201C from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026