How can I tell how many cubic feet my Kenmore refrigerator is?
For your Kenmore 10656863601 side-by-side refrigerator, the most reliable way to confirm cubic feet is to check the model’s rating plate inside the fresh food compartment; it typically lists the refrigerator’s total volume (capacity) in cubic feet. Use the 10656863601 owner's manual to help locate labels and identify compartments.
Fast ways to find the capacity
- Check the rating plate inside the refrigerator section (commonly on a side wall, ceiling area, or behind/near the crisper drawers).
- Look for wording such as “Total volume,” “Total capacity,” “Cu. Ft.” or similar.
- If the label is hard to read, take a photo and zoom in; capacity is often in small print.
- If the rating plate is missing, estimate capacity by measuring interior space (see below).
- If you need parts while you’re checking the model details, you can order by model number through the parts list for 10656863601 or search on Sears PartsDirect.
How to estimate cubic feet by measuring (good backup method)
Measure the usable interior of each compartment (fresh food and freezer), then add them together.
- Measure width x height x depth in inches for the fresh food section.
- Multiply to get cubic inches.
- Divide by 1,728 to convert cubic inches to cubic feet.
- Repeat for the freezer section and add both results.
| What you measure | Formula | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh food section | (W x H x D) ÷ 1,728 | cu. ft. |
| Freezer section | (W x H x D) ÷ 1,728 | cu. ft. |
| Total capacity | Fresh food + freezer | cu. ft. |
Why it matters
Knowing cubic feet helps us match the right refrigerator parts and accessories (like shelves, bins, and water filtration items) and it also helps when comparing storage space or planning food organization.
Last updated: February 2026
What are the most common problems with Kenmore refrigerators?
The most common problems we see on Kenmore refrigerators like model 10656863601 are cooling issues, water leaks, ice maker or dispenser failures, and unusual noises. These usually trace back to airflow problems, defrost system trouble, or water-supply components; our owner's manual troubleshooting section helps narrow it down fast.
Most common symptoms and what typically causes them
- Not cooling or warm temperatures: blocked airflow, dirty condenser coils, evaporator fan problems, or defrost ice buildup
- Frost buildup in the freezer: defrost system issue (often a thermostat or control problem)
- Water leaking or puddles: clogged defrost drain, loose water line, or a leaking valve
- Ice maker not making ice: water supply restriction, inlet valve issue, or ice maker failure
- Noisy operation: normal compressor and fan sounds, or a failing fan motor/blade
Quick checks we recommend first (before replacing parts)
- Confirm the refrigerator has proper air circulation and vents are not blocked (a common cause of warm temps).
- Clean condenser coils and make sure the unit has space around it for airflow.
- If the unit is noisy, compare what you hear to the “normal sounds” list in the manual (buzzing when the valve fills the ice maker, gurgling during defrost, and fan pulsing can be normal).
- For ice and water issues, verify the household water supply is on and the line is not kinked.
- If cooling is inconsistent, check for heavy frost on the freezer back panel (points to a defrost problem).
Common part fixes for this model (when symptoms match)
| Symptom | Common part to inspect | Example part for 10656863601 |
|---|---|---|
| Warm fridge/freezer, poor airflow | Evaporator fan motor | Refrigerator evaporator fan motor WP2315549 |
| Frost buildup, warm temps | Defrost thermostat | Refrigerator defrost bi-metal thermostat WPW10225581 |
| No water at dispenser or no ice | Water inlet valve | Refrigerator inlet valve W10822681 |
| Bad taste/slow water flow | Water filter | Genuine Kenmore refrigerator water filter EDR3RXD1 |
Why it matters
Cooling, ice, and leak complaints often share the same root causes: restricted airflow, a defrost system that cannot clear ice, or a weak water supply. Fixing the underlying cause prevents repeat failures and helps the compressor run normally (high-efficiency units can run longer, especially in warm rooms or with frequent door openings).
For ordering the right replacement, use the parts list for model 10656863601 on this page, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What causes a side-by-side refrigerator to stop cooling?
A Kenmore 10656863601 side-by-side refrigerator stops cooling when cold-air circulation is blocked, the controls are off or set too warm, or a key cooling component (evaporator fan, defrost system, or compressor) is not operating. We troubleshoot power, controls, and airflow first.
Quick checks we recommend first
- Confirm power: interior lights on and normal operating sounds.
- Make sure the temperature controls are on and set to normal cooling.
- Allow 24 hours after installation or major setting changes for temperatures to stabilize (per the owner's manual).
- Check that packages are not blocking freezer or refrigerator vents.
- Listen for airflow from the evaporator fan when the door switch is held closed.
Common causes and what you will notice
| Likely cause | Typical symptom | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Blocked vents/overpacking | Freezer colder than fridge, uneven temps | Clear vents; improve airflow paths |
| Controls off or too warm | Both sections warm, unit may still run | Reset controls to recommended settings |
| Evaporator fan not running | Little or no airflow; fridge warms first | Inspect for ice obstruction; replace refrigerator evaporator fan motor WP2315549 if failed |
| Defrost failure (frosted evaporator) | Gradual warming; frost on freezer back wall | Check defrost components; refrigerator defrost bi-metal thermostat WPW10225581 is a common suspect |
| Compressor or sealed-system problem | Warm temps; compressor may run constantly or not start | Major repair; test start components and compressor condition |
Why it matters on this model
This design depends on air moving between the freezer and fresh-food sections; when vents are blocked, cooling drops quickly even if the compressor is running.
Parts that are often involved
- Refrigerator evaporator fan motor WP2315549
- Refrigerator defrost bi-metal thermostat WPW10225581
- Refrigerator compressor W10309990
If you need to order parts for Kenmore 10656863601, use the parts list for this model or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
Where is the model number on a Kenmore side by side refrigerator?
On Kenmore side-by-side refrigerator model 10656863601, the model number is printed on the appliance identification label inside the fresh food (refrigerator) compartment. We use that model number to match the correct parts list, diagrams, and the right replacement parts for your exact unit.
Where to look first (fastest checks)
- Open the refrigerator door and look along the inside cabinet walls
- Check near the top area of the fresh food compartment
- Look around the crisper drawer area (side walls or ceiling area)
- Check the door frame area (hinge side is common)
- If you do not see it right away, remove items that block your view and use a flashlight
What the label typically shows
Most Kenmore refrigerator ID labels include both a model number and a serial number. Use the model number (for example, 10656863601) when ordering parts.
| Label item | What it’s used for | Example format |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | Identifies the exact design and parts for your refrigerator | 10656863601 |
| Serial number | Identifies the production run and build details | Letters and numbers |
Why it matters
Using the exact model number prevents ordering the wrong part when you are replacing common items like a refrigerator water filter, ice maker, evaporator fan motor, or door bin. Even small model variations can change fit, wiring, or mounting.
Next step once you find it
- Confirm the model number matches 10656863601 exactly
- Use the parts list for your model to choose the correct replacement
- For broader part searches by model number, use Sears PartsDirect
- For model-specific diagrams and identification details, check the 10656863601 owner's manual
Last updated: February 2026





