Kenmore Elite 10659976801 side-by-side refrigerator Parts

To identify which Kenmore refrigerator you have, we look for the model number on the appliance’s ID label. On Kenmore Elite side-by-side refrigerators like model 10659976801, the label is typically inside the fresh food (refrigerator) compartment or near the lower front (kick plate) area; confirm the exact location in the owner's manual.

Where to find the model number label

Check these common spots first:

• Inside the refrigerator compartment on a side wall
• On the ceiling of the fresh food compartment
• Behind or beside a crisper drawer
• Behind the lower front kick plate or grille
• On a label near the door hinge area (upper or lower)

What the model number looks like (Kenmore)

Kenmore model numbers are usually a long number string. For parts lookup, we use the full model number exactly as shown on the label.

What to record	Example	Why it matters
Model number	10659976801	Ensures diagrams and parts match your exact build
Serial number	(varies)	Helps identify production run details
Product type	Side-by-side refrigerator	Helps narrow down the correct parts category

If the label is hard to read or missing

Use these practical options:

• Check your paperwork and match the model number in the owner's manual
• Look for a duplicate label location (some units have more than one)
• If you are ordering parts, match your model number first, then choose the part from the parts list (for example, the refrigerator water filter EDR3RXD1)

Why it matters

Kenmore refrigerators can look similar across many years. Using the exact model number prevents ordering the wrong water filter, ice maker, inlet valve, or door bin, and it also helps when following troubleshooting steps.

Last updated: February 2026

If your Kenmore 10659976801 ice maker is not making ice, the most common causes are the ice maker being switched OFF, the freezer door being open (which stops dispensing), or a water supply problem. Start by confirming the ice maker On/Off switch is ON and allow up to 24 hours for the first ice after changes.

Quick checks (fastest fixes first)

• Make sure the ice maker switch is set to ON (left position) in the freezer.
• Confirm the freezer door closes fully; the dispensing system will not operate with the door open.
• Wait long enough after turning it on or restoring water: 24 hours for first ice, up to 3 days to fill the bin.
• Discard the first three batches of ice after restoring water or replacing a filter to flush impurities.
• Avoid feeding the ice maker with softened water; softener chemicals can damage ice maker parts and reduce ice quality.

Water supply and fill problems

If the ice maker is ON but the mold never fills with water, focus on the water path.

Symptom	What it usually points to	What to do next
No ice and no water at dispenser	No water supply to refrigerator	Check shutoff valve is open; inspect supply line for kinks
Water dispenses but no ice	Ice maker not cycling or not filling	Check ice maker optics/shutoff, then test fill components
Slow hollow cubes	Restricted water flow	Replace filter; check for pinched tubing

Parts that commonly affect ice maker fill on this model include the refrigerator inlet valve W10408179 and the genuine Kenmore refrigerator water filter EDR3RXD1.

Why it matters

An ice maker depends on steady water flow and correct on/off control. A partially restricted filter, a failing inlet valve, or a door that is not fully closed can stop ice production or cause small, poor-quality cubes.

Where to find model-specific steps

For the exact ice maker On/Off switch location, storage bin removal, and operating notes for Kenmore 10659976801, use the owner's manual.

Last updated: February 2026

On Kenmore Elite model 10659976801, the ER FF (or Er FF) code points to a problem with the freezer evaporator fan (freezer fan). When that fan is not running correctly, cold air does not move from the freezer into the fresh food section, so refrigerator temperatures rise.

What you’ll usually notice

• Refrigerator section warming up while the freezer may still feel cold
• Reduced airflow from the refrigerator vents
• Fan noise changes (louder, intermittent, or no fan sound)
• Frost or ice buildup on the freezer back panel
• Ice maker performance dropping because temperatures are unstable

Quick checks we recommend (safe, no tools)

1. Power reset: Unplug the refrigerator (or turn off the breaker) for 5 minutes, then restore power.
2. Door and airflow: Make sure packages are not blocking freezer vents or the fan cover area.
3. Frost check: If the freezer back wall is heavily frosted, a defrost problem can stop airflow.
4. Listen for the fan: With the freezer door closed (door switch held in), you should typically hear the evaporator fan running.

Parts that commonly relate to ER FF symptoms

If troubleshooting points to a failed fan circuit or a defrost-related airflow restriction, these model-matched parts are common suspects:

Symptom	What it often indicates	Example part for this model
No airflow, fan not running	Fan issue or control issue	(Fan parts vary by configuration; confirm in the diagram)
Heavy frost on freezer back panel	Defrost system problem	Refrigerator defrost heater WP2323198
Intermittent cooling, odd temperature swings	Sensor/defrost control inputs	Refrigerator bi-metal thermostat WPW10225581

Why it matters

The evaporator fan is what distributes freezer-made cold air through the refrigerator. If it fails or airflow is blocked by frost, the refrigerator side warms quickly and food safety can become a concern.

Where to confirm the exact diagnostic steps

For the model-specific troubleshooting flow and any test points, use the owner's manual.

Last updated: February 2026

To replace the ice maker in your Kenmore Elite 10659976801 side-by-side refrigerator, we unplug the refrigerator, turn off the water supply, remove the ice bin, swap the ice maker assembly, then restore power and water. Use the wiring/fastener steps shown in the owner's manual.

Before you start (safety and prep)

• Unplug the refrigerator or disconnect power.
• Turn off the household water supply to the refrigerator.
• Remove the ice storage bin from the freezer door (press the release button and lift the bin up and out).
• Protect the freezer floor with a towel to catch any ice or drips.
• Keep screws and brackets organized so the new unit mounts the same way.

Replacement steps (typical for this model style)

1. Remove the ice bin so you can access the ice maker area.
2. Turn the ice maker off using the On/Off switch in the freezer (top right side on this model family).
3. Remove the mounting screws holding the ice maker to the freezer wall.
4. Disconnect the wiring harness plug from the old ice maker.
5. Install the new ice maker by reconnecting the harness and securing the mounting screws.
6. Reinstall the ice bin, turn the ice maker back on, then restore water and power.

If you need the correct replacement assembly for this model, match your original ice maker to the refrigerator ice maker 2198597.

What to expect after replacement

What you see	What it means	What we do
No ice right away	Normal startup	Allow about 24 hours for the first batch
Small or hollow cubes	Air in the water line or low flow	Dispense water to purge air; confirm supply valve is fully open
Ice maker stops when bin is out	Normal	The sensor/flipper door stops production when the bin is removed

Why it matters

A correct ice maker replacement restores reliable ice production and helps prevent leaks or electrical issues caused by loose wiring, misaligned mounting, or a partially connected water supply.

Last updated: February 2026

The exact cubic-foot capacity for the Kenmore Elite 10659976801 is listed on the model’s specification and rating information; the quickest way to confirm it is to check the capacity/specs section in the 10659976801 owner's manual.

How to find the exact capacity for model 10659976801

Look in these common places:

• Specifications or product data pages in the manual
• The model and serial label area (often lists electrical ratings; capacity is sometimes shown)
• Any feature/spec summary pages near the front of the manual

What “cubic feet” means on a refrigerator

Capacity is usually shown as a total, then split into compartments:

• Total capacity (fresh food plus freezer)
• Refrigerator (fresh food) capacity
• Freezer capacity
• Usable space (real-world storage can be less due to shelves, bins, and air channels)

Typical capacity ranges (for comparison)

Most side-by-side refrigerators fall into a broad range; use this only for comparison shopping, not as the exact spec for 10659976801.

Refrigerator style	Typical total capacity range	Notes
Side-by-side	22 to 28 cu. ft.	Balanced fridge and freezer space
French door	25 to 31 cu. ft.	Larger fresh-food section
Top freezer	14 to 22 cu. ft.	Smaller overall footprint

Why it matters

Knowing the true cubic-foot rating helps you compare storage space accurately and avoid overpacking; blocked air vents reduce cooling performance and can lead to temperature swings.

Related part that affects day-to-day performance

If you are checking capacity because the refrigerator feels “too full” due to poor ice or water performance, a fresh filter helps maintain dispenser flow. This model uses the genuine Kenmore refrigerator water filter EDR3RXD1.

Last updated: February 2026