Owner’s manual
Error Codes
Where is the model number on a Kenmore side by side refrigerator?
On Kenmore side-by-side refrigerator model 10651552104, the model number is printed on the model and serial number label located on the inside wall of the refrigerator (fresh food) compartment. Use that label when ordering parts or checking warranty details in the 10651552104 owner's manual.
Where to look (fast checklist)
- Open the refrigerator (fresh food) door.
- Look along the inside walls of the compartment (not the freezer).
- Check near the upper side walls and around the crisper area.
- Find the label that lists both model and serial information.
- Write down the full model number exactly as shown.
What you will see on the label
The label typically includes these fields:
| Label item | What it’s used for |
|---|---|
| Model number | Matching the correct Kenmore parts list and diagrams |
| Serial number | Identifying production details for service and records |
| Purchase date (you record it) | Helpful for warranty and maintenance history |
Why it matters
We use the model number to match the exact configuration of your refrigerator so you get the right parts the first time (for example, an ice maker assembly, water inlet valve, or thermostat can vary by model).
Tip for parts matching
When you shop for replacement parts, match by model number first, then confirm the part ID and description. Common examples for this model include the refrigerator inlet valve W10408179 and the whirlpool refrigerator ice maker assembly 2198597.
Last updated: February 2026
Which Kenmore refrigerators are made by Whirlpool?
Kenmore refrigerators made by Whirlpool typically have model numbers that start with 106 (and several other prefix codes). Your Kenmore side-by-side refrigerator model 10651552104 is in that Whirlpool-built group, so Whirlpool-style parts and service procedures commonly apply. See the owner's manual for model-specific features and operation details.
How to tell who made a Kenmore refrigerator
We use the 3-digit prefix at the start of the Kenmore model number to identify the manufacturer.
Common Whirlpool-built Kenmore prefixes include:
- 106 (very common for Kenmore refrigerators)
- 110 (often washers)
- 665 (often dishwashers)
- 198, 552 (seen on some Whirlpool-built Kenmore products)
Quick example for this model
| What to check | What it means | Example |
|---|---|---|
| First 3 digits of model number | Manufacturer prefix | 106 = Whirlpool-built Kenmore |
| Full model number | Exact parts match | 10651552104 |
Why it matters when ordering parts
The manufacturer prefix helps you match the right style of components and troubleshooting steps, especially for common Whirlpool-built systems like:
- Ice maker and dispenser components
- Water inlet and filtration components
- Defrost system parts (heater, bi-metal, timer)
If you are diagnosing an ice or water issue on this 106-prefix refrigerator, these model-matched parts are commonly involved:
- Refrigerator inlet valve W10408179
- Whirlpool refrigerator ice maker assembly 2198597
- Refrigerator defrost bi-metal WPW10225581
Helpful tip for this specific model
For Kenmore 106 refrigerators, the Kenmore 106 model refrigerator error codes guide is a practical reference when the control system shows a fault or the refrigerator is not cooling as expected.
Last updated: February 2026
How to tell cubic feet of Kenmore refrigerator by model number?
For Kenmore model 10651552104, the most reliable way to get cubic feet is to look up the capacity in the specifications section of the 10651552104 owner's manual. If you cannot find a listed capacity there, you can calculate a close estimate by measuring the usable interior space and converting cubic inches to cubic feet.
Fast ways to find capacity
- Check the specifications or product data section in the 10651552104 owner's manual.
- Look for a model and serial label inside the fresh food compartment (often on an inside wall); the manual notes this label location for recording model and serial information.
- If you have the interior measurements, calculate capacity (best for an estimate).
How to calculate cubic feet (good estimate)
- Empty the compartment enough to measure the usable interior.
- Measure width x height x depth in inches (do not include door bins if you want “cabinet-only” space).
- Multiply to get cubic inches.
- Divide by 1,728 to convert to cubic feet.
Example conversion table
| What you have | What to do | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Interior inches (W x H x D) | Multiply W x H x D | Cubic inches |
| Cubic inches | Divide by 1,728 | Cubic feet (approx.) |
Why model numbers do not always show cubic feet
Kenmore model numbers (including many 106 prefix models like 10651552104) typically identify the product line and configuration, but they do not consistently encode the exact capacity in the digits. That is why the manual specification is the best source, and measurement is the best backup.
Related checks that affect “usable” space
- Shelves and bins reduce usable volume even if the cabinet size is large.
- Ice maker and water filter components can reduce available freezer space.
- Frost buildup can reduce usable space; if cooling performance is off, check defrost-related parts such as the refrigerator defrost bi-metal WPW10225581 and refrigerator heater WP2323198.
Last updated: February 2026
What are the most common problems with Kenmore refrigerators?
The most common problems we see with Kenmore refrigerators like model 10651552104 are no ice or slow ice production, warm temperatures (not cooling), water leaks at the dispenser or under the unit, frost buildup from defrost issues, and unusual noises from fans or the compressor. Many are caused by airflow restrictions, water supply issues, or worn seals.
Most common symptoms and what usually causes them
- Ice maker not making ice: clogged filter, low water pressure, frozen fill tube, or a failed ice maker
- Not cooling or weak cooling: dirty condenser coils, blocked vents, evaporator fan problem, or control/thermostat issue
- Water leaking: air in water lines after filter change, dispenser chute not closing, or a defrost drain issue
- Frost buildup: defrost heater, defrost bi-metal, or defrost timer problems
- Noisy operation: evaporator fan blade, condenser fan, or compressor-related noise
Quick checks we recommend first (safe DIY)
- Confirm the refrigerator has power and controls are set correctly (the manual notes resetting digital controls by turning the unit OFF then ON). See the owner's manual.
- Make sure air vents inside the refrigerator and freezer are not blocked by food packages.
- If you have an ice or water issue, verify the shutoff valve is open and the supply line is not kinked.
- If water drips after a filter change, flush several glasses of water to clear air from the lines.
- If the unit seems to run a lot, clean dust from the condenser area (unplug first).
Parts that commonly solve these problems (when diagnosis points there)
| Symptom | Common part to check/replace | Example part for 10651552104 |
|---|---|---|
| No ice | Ice maker assembly | Whirlpool refrigerator ice maker assembly 2198597 |
| No water or slow fill | Water inlet valve | Refrigerator inlet valve W10408179 |
| Frost buildup, warm freezer | Defrost bi-metal | Refrigerator defrost bi-metal WPW10225581 |
| Frost buildup, iced evaporator | Defrost heater | Refrigerator heater WP2323198 |
Why it matters
Catching these issues early helps protect food temperatures, prevents water damage from leaks, and reduces strain on the sealed refrigeration system (compressor and tubing). A simple airflow or water-supply fix can prevent a bigger repair later.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the code Sy Ef on a Kenmore refrigerator?
On a Kenmore refrigerator, the SY EF code points to a problem in the evaporator fan circuit, most often the evaporator fan not running or feedback not being detected. On model 10651552104, start by checking for ice buildup blocking airflow, then verify the fan runs when the freezer door switch is pressed (door closed). See the troubleshooting section in the owner's manual.
What to check first (fast, no parts)
- Power reset: Unplug the refrigerator for 5 minutes, then restore power.
- Airflow blockage: Make sure packages are not blocking the freezer vents.
- Frost buildup: Heavy frost on the rear freezer panel often means the fan is iced in or the defrost system is failing.
- Door switch test: With the freezer door closed (or switch held), listen for the evaporator fan.
- Condenser area: Clean dust from the condenser area so the system can reject heat properly.
Likely causes and related parts
If the SY EF code returns after basic checks, these are common fixes for this type of Kenmore 106 side-by-side:
| What’s happening | Common cause | Part on this model page |
|---|---|---|
| No airflow, warm freezer | Evaporator fan blade damaged or loose | Refrigerator evaporator fan blade WP2169142 |
| Heavy frost, fan hitting ice | Defrost system not clearing frost | Refrigerator defrost bi-metal WPW10225581 and refrigerator heater WP2323198 |
| Temps drift, cooling inconsistent | Temperature control issue | Refrigerator thermostat WP2198202 |
Why it matters
The evaporator fan moves cold air across the evaporator and through the freezer and fresh food sections. When the fan circuit fails, temperatures rise, food can spoil, and frost can build up quickly.
Helpful DIY reference
For model-family guidance on display codes and what they mean, use our Kenmore 106 model refrigerator error codes.
Last updated: February 2026
