Why is my Kenmore side by side ice maker not working?
If your Kenmore side-by-side refrigerator model 10650045710 ice maker isn’t making ice, the most common causes are the ice maker being turned off, a blocked fill tube, low water supply pressure, or a failed water inlet valve. Start with simple checks before replacing parts.
Quick checks (fastest fixes first)
- Confirm the ice maker is ON and the shutoff arm (or switch) is in the down/on position.
- Make sure the freezer is cold enough; target 0°F for normal ice production.
- Check the household water shutoff valve is fully open and the supply line isn’t kinked.
- Dump old clumped ice from the bin and reseat the bin fully.
- Look for an ice plug in the fill tube behind the ice maker.
Water supply and valve troubleshooting
A weak or interrupted water supply is the top reason an ice maker stops filling.
- Verify water dispenses normally at the door (if equipped). Slow dispensing often points to a supply or valve issue.
- Inspect the water line for freezing in the door or cabinet.
- If the ice maker cycles but the mold stays dry, the water inlet valve is a prime suspect.
Helpful references:
What to listen and look for
Use these symptoms to narrow it down:
| Symptom | Most likely cause | What we recommend |
|---|---|---|
| No ice at all, no sound | Ice maker off or not cycling | Turn on, reset power, confirm freezer temp |
| Ice maker cycles, mold stays dry | Water supply issue or inlet valve | Check supply pressure, consider valve replacement |
| Small/hollow cubes | Low water flow | Check filter status, kinks, pressure |
| Ice clumps or jams | Bin issue or warm freezer | Clear bin, confirm door seals and temp |
Why it matters
An ice maker depends on steady freezer temperature and consistent water flow. Fixing a simple kink, ice blockage, or low flow early prevents repeated jams, slow ice production, and unnecessary part replacement.
Related DIY help:
- Common refrigerator ice maker problems and solutions
- How to diagnose a faulty refrigerator water inlet valve
Last updated: January 2026
What is the code Sy Ef on a Kenmore refrigerator?
On a Kenmore 10650045710 side-by-side refrigerator, the SY EF (or 5Y EF) code points to a problem in the evaporator fan circuit, meaning the freezer evaporator fan is not running correctly or the control is not sensing it properly. Use the 10650045710 owner's manual to confirm the exact diagnostic steps for your display.
What to check first (fast, no parts swapping)
- Power reset: unplug the refrigerator (or turn off the breaker) for 5 minutes, then restore power.
- Make sure the freezer door closes fully; a door left ajar can stop airflow and trigger fan-related symptoms.
- Listen for the evaporator fan: it typically runs when the compressor is running and the door switch is closed.
- Check for ice buildup on the freezer back wall; heavy frost often indicates a defrost system issue that can stall the fan.
- Inspect vents for blockage (bags, boxes, or ice) that can restrict airflow.
Likely causes and what they mean
| What you notice | Most likely issue | Common next step |
|---|---|---|
| No fan sound, warm freezer | Failed fan motor | Test/replace refrigerator evaporator fan motor WP2315549 |
| Fan tries to spin, hits ice | Frost/ice interference | Defrost and check defrost components |
| Fan runs but code returns | Wiring or control sensing issue | Inspect harness connections, then evaluate control |
| Frost blanket on evaporator cover | Defrost failure | Check heater and defrost circuit |
Parts that commonly relate to SY EF symptoms
If you confirm the fan is not operating correctly, these model-matched parts are the most relevant starting points:
- Refrigerator evaporator fan motor WP2315549 (drives airflow across the evaporator)
- Refrigerator evaporator fan blade WP2169142 (can crack, slip, or bind)
- Refrigerator heater WP2323198 (defrost heater; heavy frost can stop the fan)
Why it matters
The evaporator fan moves cold air from the evaporator through the freezer and into the fresh food section. When that airflow stops, temperatures rise, frost can build up, and the refrigerator can run longer with poor cooling.
Last updated: January 2026
How wide is a Kenmore side by side refrigerator?
Most Kenmore side-by-side refrigerators measure about 33 to 36 inches wide. For Kenmore model 10650045710, use the width and clearance guidance in the 10650045710 owner's manual to confirm the exact fit for your cabinet opening.
Typical width ranges (what to expect)
Kenmore side-by-side widths usually fall into these common classes:
- About 33 inches: space-saving and some counter-depth designs
- About 35 to 36 inches: most full-size side-by-side refrigerators
- Over 36 inches: larger-capacity or specialty configurations
Quick reference table
| Width class | Common use case | Fit note |
|---|---|---|
| ~33 in. | tighter kitchens, some counter-depth | easier fit, less door swing clearance needed |
| ~36 in. | standard full-size | most common cutout size |
| 36+ in. | high capacity | often needs extra side clearance |
How we recommend measuring (so it actually fits)
Measure your opening and the refrigerator in more than one place; doors, hinges, and handles can add width beyond the cabinet.
- Measure the opening width at the front and back
- Check overall width at the widest point (often hinges or door edges)
- Add clearance for handles and door swing
- Leave space for airflow at the sides and top
- Confirm the floor is level so the cabinet does not twist and bind doors
Why it matters
If the refrigerator is even slightly wider than the opening, installation can fail, doors may not open fully, and restricted airflow can increase compressor run time and reduce cooling performance.
Last updated: January 2026





