Owner’s manual
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How wide is a Kenmore side by side refrigerator?
Most Kenmore side-by-side refrigerators are about 32 to 36 inches wide; your Kenmore 10656876602 falls in that typical range. For the exact cabinet width and required clearances for your specific unit, use the dimensions and installation section in the 10656876602 owner's manual.
Side-by-side refrigerator widths vary mainly by capacity and whether the model is standard-depth or counter-depth.
- Common standard-depth width: 33 in. to 36 in.
- Common counter-depth width: 32 in. to 36 in.
- Less common sizes: around 30 in. or 42 in. (special configurations)
Even if you know the cabinet width, you also need room for airflow and door swing.
Based on the installation guidance for this style of Kenmore refrigerator:
- Plan for 1/2 inch clearance on each side and at the top for ventilation.
- If installed next to a fixed wall, allow at least 2 inches on the hinge side (and sometimes both sides) so doors can open fully.
- If the refrigerator has an ice maker, allow extra space behind for the water line connection.
| What you’re measuring | What to include | Typical result |
|---|---|---|
| Cabinet width | Refrigerator body only | ~32 to 36 in. |
| Installed width | Cabinet width + side clearances | ~33 to 37 in. |
| Door swing space | Wall clearance near hinges | +2 in. minimum |
Width and clearance determine whether the refrigerator will fit through doorways, sit flush in a kitchen opening, and cool properly. Tight installs can also cause door alignment issues and reduce airflow, which can affect temperatures.
If you need replacement parts while you measure and plan, you can order model-matched parts for Kenmore 10656876602 from the parts list for this model or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What are the most common problems with Kenmore refrigerators?
The most common problems we see on Kenmore refrigerators like model 10656876602 are not cooling or uneven cooling, water leaks, ice maker or dispenser failures, and unusual noises. These usually trace to airflow restrictions, defrost system trouble, or water supply and filtration issues; use the 10656876602 owner's manual to match symptoms to the correct checks.
- Warm refrigerator or freezer: dirty condenser coils, evaporator fan not running, or defrost frost buildup
- Freezer cold but fresh food warm: blocked air vents, iced-over evaporator, or weak evaporator fan
- Water puddles: clogged defrost drain, loose water tube, or seeping inlet valve
- No ice or small cubes: restricted water flow (filter), inlet valve issue, or ice maker failure
- Rattling or buzzing: fan blade hitting ice, worn fan motor, or compressor start components
- Set temps correctly and allow 24 hours to stabilize after changes
- Clean condenser coils and confirm the condenser area has good airflow
- Listen for the evaporator fan with the door switch held closed
- Confirm the unit is connected to a cold water supply line
- Check for heavy frost on the freezer back panel (defrost problem indicator)
| Symptom | Part to consider | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Slow water, bad taste, weak ice fill | Genuine Kenmore refrigerator water filter EDR3RXD1 | Restores water flow and filtration |
| No ice production | Refrigerator ice maker WPW10190961 | Runs the ice harvest and fill cycle |
| Poor airflow, warm fresh food section | Refrigerator evaporator fan motor WP2315549 | Circulates cold air through both compartments |
| Frost buildup, warming over time | Refrigerator defrost bi-metal thermostat WPW10225581 | Helps control the defrost cycle |
Cooling, defrost, and water systems overlap. Starting with airflow, frost, and water supply checks prevents replacing parts that are not causing the problem.
You can order replacement parts for Kenmore 10656876602 from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What causes a side-by-side refrigerator to stop cooling?
For Kenmore model 10656876602, a “not cooling” problem is usually caused by a power or control issue, blocked airflow between compartments, or a failed cooling component such as the evaporator fan motor or defrost system. Start with the simplest checks, then move to airflow and fan operation using the 10656876602 owner's manual.
- Confirm the refrigerator is plugged into a grounded 3-prong outlet and the outlet works.
- Check the house fuse or circuit breaker; reset if tripped.
- Make sure the controls are turned ON (this model uses an ON/OFF press-and-hold).
- After a new install or power loss, allow 24 hours for temperatures to stabilize.
- Verify vents are not blocked; this model relies on airflow from the freezer to the fresh food section and back.
Cold air enters the refrigerator section through the top vent and returns to the freezer. If vents are blocked by food packages, ice buildup, or a mispositioned shelf/bin, the refrigerator side can warm up even while the freezer seems “okay.”
| Symptom | Most likely cause | What to check next |
|---|---|---|
| Freezer cold, fridge warm | Blocked return/upper vent or weak evaporator airflow | Clear vents; listen for fan |
| Both sections warm | Power/control issue or sealed-system/compressor problem | Verify controls and power; check for running sounds |
| Frost/ice on back wall of freezer | Defrost problem | Inspect for heavy frost; test defrost parts |
If basic power and vent checks are good, these parts are common suspects:
- Evaporator fan not running or noisy: refrigerator evaporator fan motor WP2315549
- Defrost system not clearing frost (airflow gets choked by ice): refrigerator defrost bi-metal thermostat WPW10225581
- Temperatures not responding to settings: refrigerator temperature control WP2315562
- Compressor struggles to start or runs abnormally (advanced diagnosis): run capacitor WPW10662129
A side-by-side depends on steady airflow and correct control operation. When airflow is restricted or the evaporator fan or defrost system fails, the refrigerator compartment is usually the first place you notice warming, even though the unit may still sound like it is running.
Last updated: February 2026
Where to find model number on Kenmore side by side refrigerator?
On Kenmore side-by-side refrigerator model 10656876602, the model and serial number are typically printed on a rating label inside the fresh food (refrigerator) compartment; check the cabinet walls around the door opening and the upper interior area. Use the exact model number from that label when ordering parts or looking up specifications in the 10656876602 owner's manual.
- Inside the fresh food compartment on the side wall near the front frame
- On the ceiling area inside the refrigerator section (near the light housing)
- Along the door jamb (the cabinet frame the door seals against)
- Behind the base grille area (less common, but worth a quick look)
- On the back exterior panel (least convenient, but sometimes used)
The tag is usually a small white or silver sticker or plate. Record these items exactly as shown:
| Label item | Why we need it |
|---|---|
| Model number (example: 10656876602) | Ensures the parts list matches your exact Kenmore configuration |
| Serial number | Helps confirm production range when there are version changes |
| Electrical ratings | Useful when troubleshooting power or control issues |
Kenmore 106-series refrigerators often have multiple versions that look similar from the outside. Using the correct model number prevents ordering the wrong water filter, ice maker, door bin, or electronic control.
- Match the model number exactly to the parts list for 10656876602
- For water and ice issues, confirm the correct filter style and replacement steps in how to replace the water filter in a Kenmore refrigerator
- If you are ordering a filter for this model, a common match is the genuine Kenmore refrigerator water filter EDR3RXD1
- For broader part searches by model number, use Sears PartsDirect
Last updated: February 2026
