Kenmore 10656863602 side-by-side refrigerator Parts

To clean the coils on your Kenmore 10656863602 side-by-side refrigerator, unplug the refrigerator, pull it straight out to protect the floor, then vacuum and brush dust off the condenser coil area and the base grille. This restores airflow and helps the compressor cool efficiently (see the owner's manual).

Steps to clean the condenser coils

• Unplug the refrigerator (or disconnect power at the breaker).
• Remove the base grille (kick plate) to access the coil area.
• Use a coil brush and a vacuum with a crevice tool to loosen and remove dust.
• Clean from multiple angles until the coil fins and surrounding area look clear.
• Reinstall the base grille, then plug the refrigerator back in.

Before you start (safety and prep)

The manual notes the refrigerator is heavy; when moving it for cleaning or service, protect the floor and always pull the unit straight out (do not “walk” it). Also keep flammable vapors away from the refrigerator.

• Use two people if needed to move the refrigerator safely.
• Lay down a floor protector (thin plywood, hardboard, or an appliance mat).
• Avoid abrasive cleaners; dry methods (vacuum and brush) are best for coils.

Where the coils are and what tools work best

Most side-by-side refrigerators like model 10656863602 have the condenser coil and condenser fan area behind the base grille at the front, or on the back of the cabinet.

Coil location	What you do	Best tool
Behind base grille (front)	Remove grille; vacuum and brush	Coil brush + vacuum
Back of refrigerator	Pull out; vacuum coil surface	Vacuum brush attachment

Why it matters

Dirty condenser coils trap heat, which makes the compressor run longer. That can cause warmer temperatures, poor ice production, and higher energy use.

If cooling is still weak after cleaning

Coil cleaning helps airflow, but if temperatures do not improve, we typically check these next:

• Door seal gaps or a door not closing fully
• Evaporator fan issues (air not circulating)
• Frost buildup from a defrost problem
• Temperature control problems

For model-matched repair parts, you can shop the parts list for your refrigerator or search by model on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

On Kenmore side-by-side refrigerator model 10656863602, the model number is printed on the appliance identification label inside the fresh food (refrigerator) compartment. We recommend checking the label area along the cabinet wall near the door opening, then matching it to the format shown in the owner's manual.

Common places to check first

Look for a white or silver sticker that lists MODEL and SERIAL.

• Inside the refrigerator section on the side wall near the front
• Along the cabinet frame at the top or side of the door opening
• Behind the crisper drawers on the side wall (you may need to slide drawers out)
• On the ceiling of the fresh food compartment near the light housing
• If you cannot find it in the refrigerator section, check the freezer side wall near the door opening

What the label typically includes

The same label usually lists both identifiers, which helps when ordering parts like a water filter, ice maker, or door bin.

Item on label	What it’s used for	Example (format)
Model number	Ensures parts fit your exact refrigerator design	10656863602
Serial number	Identifies production run and date information	Letters plus numbers

Why it matters

Using the exact model number prevents ordering the wrong Kenmore refrigerator parts. Even small design changes can affect fit for items like the refrigerator ice maker WPW10190961 or the refrigerator water filter cap (black) WP2260518B.

Quick tips before you order parts

• Write the model number exactly as shown (all digits, no spaces)
• Take a clear photo of the label for reference
• Use the model number when selecting parts such as the genuine Kenmore refrigerator water filter EDR3RXD1
• If the label is worn, gently clean it with a damp cloth and dry it (do not scrub)

Last updated: February 2026

When a Kenmore 10656863602 side-by-side refrigerator stops cooling, the most common causes are loss of power, controls turned off or set incorrectly, blocked air vents between compartments, or an airflow/defrost problem that prevents cold air from circulating. Use the checks in the owner's manual to confirm settings and airflow.

Quick checks first (fastest fixes)

• Verify the cord is fully plugged into a grounded 3-prong outlet.
• Confirm the outlet has power (test with a lamp).
• Reset a tripped breaker or replace a blown fuse.
• Make sure the refrigerator controls are ON.
• Check that the refrigerator and freezer temperature settings are at normal (mid) settings.
• Allow 24 hours after a new installation or power loss for temperatures to stabilize.

Airflow problems that stop cooling

Your refrigerator relies on air moving between the freezer and fresh food sections. If vents are blocked, the freezer can get cold while the refrigerator warms up.

• Clear packages, bins, and bags away from the top vent into the refrigerator section.
• Do not overpack shelves; leave space for air circulation.
• Make sure doors close fully and are not held open by food containers.

Common symptoms and what they usually point to

What you notice	Most likely cause	What to do next
Both sections warm	Power issue, controls off, sealed system/compressor issue	Do the power and control checks; then listen for fans/compressor
Freezer cold, refrigerator warm	Blocked vents or weak evaporator airflow	Clear vents; check for fan noise and strong airflow
Frost buildup, weak airflow	Defrost system problem	Inspect for heavy frost; plan a defrost system diagnosis
Runs a lot but not cold enough	Dirty condenser area, warm room, doors opened often	Improve airflow around unit; reduce door openings

Parts that are often involved (when cooling issues persist)

If basic checks do not restore cooling, these model-compatible parts are commonly tied to airflow and temperature control problems:

• Refrigerator evaporator fan motor WP2315549 (moves cold air through compartments)
• Refrigerator defrost bi-metal thermostat WPW10225581 (helps control defrost cycling)
• Refrigerator temperature control WP2315562 (regulates compartment temperatures)

Why it matters

A side-by-side design depends on the freezer producing cold air and the evaporator fan distributing it. Blocked vents, incorrect control settings, or a defrost-related airflow restriction can quickly make temperatures unsafe for food even if the unit still sounds like it is running.

Last updated: February 2026

The most common problems we see on Kenmore refrigerators like model 10656863602 are poor cooling, water leaks, ice maker or dispenser issues, and unusual noises. These usually trace back to airflow restrictions, defrost system trouble, water supply problems, or worn door seals; the 10656863602 owner's manual troubleshooting section helps narrow it down fast.

Most common symptoms and what they usually mean

• Not cooling or warm temperatures: dirty condenser coils, evaporator fan not running, frost buildup from a defrost problem
• Water under the refrigerator: clogged defrost drain, loose water line, leaking inlet valve
• Ice maker not making ice: water supply shutoff, frozen fill tube, failed ice maker module
• Water dispenser slow or not dispensing: clogged water filter, kinked water tube, weak inlet valve
• Buzzing, rattling, or clicking: fan blade hitting ice, condenser fan noise, compressor start components

Quick checks we recommend before replacing parts

1. Confirm temperatures: set fresh food to about 37°F and freezer to about 0°F.
2. Check airflow: make sure vents are not blocked by food packages.
3. Inspect for frost: heavy frost on the freezer back panel points to a defrost issue.
4. Look for leak clues: trace water to the front, under the crisper, or behind the unit.
5. Verify water supply: the manual notes the refrigerator must be connected to a cold water pipe for proper operation.

Parts that commonly solve these problems (when symptoms match)

Symptom	Common fix	Example part for 10656863602
Slow water flow, bad taste/odor	Replace water filter	Genuine Kenmore refrigerator water filter EDR3RXD1
No water to ice maker/dispenser	Test/replace inlet valve	Refrigerator inlet valve W10822681
Warm fridge, noisy freezer area	Check evaporator fan motor/blade	Refrigerator evaporator fan motor WP2315549 and refrigerator evaporator fan blade WP2169142
Frost buildup, warming	Check defrost thermostat	Refrigerator defrost bi-metal thermostat WPW10225581

Why it matters

Catching the root cause early protects food safety, prevents compressor overwork, and reduces repeat failures. For example, a restricted filter can make the dispenser seem “dead,” while a failing evaporator fan can mimic a sealed-system cooling problem.

Last updated: February 2026

For your Kenmore 10656863602 side-by-side refrigerator, the easiest way to confirm cubic feet is to read the capacity on the model and serial rating label inside the fresh food compartment. If the label is missing or unreadable, we can estimate capacity by measuring the usable interior space and converting it to cubic feet.

Where to find the cubic feet on the refrigerator

Look for the rating label (sometimes called the model and serial tag) in one of these common spots:

• On an inside side wall of the fresh food section
• Behind or beside the crisper drawers
• Along the ceiling area inside the fresh food compartment
• Near the door opening (hinge side) inside the cabinet

Capacity is typically listed as Total volume, Capacity, or Cu. Ft.. For model-specific diagrams and label locations, use the owner's manual.

How to calculate cubic feet if the label is missing

You can calculate an accurate estimate using interior measurements.

1. Measure the fresh food interior height, width, and depth (in inches)
2. Measure the freezer interior height, width, and depth (in inches)
3. Convert each section to cubic feet:
   • Cubic feet = (Height × Width × Depth) ÷ 1728
4. Add the two results together

Quick reference conversion

What you measure	Units	What to do
Interior height × width × depth	inches	Multiply to get cubic inches
Cubic inches	in³	Divide by 1728 to get ft³
Fresh food ft³ + freezer ft³	ft³	Equals total estimated capacity

Tips to get a more realistic number

Interior features reduce usable space, so measure the open cavity, not the shelves.

• Measure to the inside liner, not the door bins
• Don’t include space taken by the ice maker housing or air ducts
• Measure depth to the back wall, not to the door gasket
• If shelves are fixed, measure between them and add sections

Why it matters

Knowing cubic feet helps us match the right refrigerator parts and accessories (like shelves, bins, and water filtration) and helps you compare storage capacity when planning food storage or replacement.

If you are also maintaining water quality and flow, ordering the correct filter for this model (for example, genuine Kenmore refrigerator water filter EDR3RXD1) helps keep the dispenser and ice maker performing normally. You can order parts from the parts list for model 10656863602, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026