Kenmore 10653293202 refrigerator Parts

On Kenmore side-by-side refrigerator model 10653293202, the small removable drip tray at the bottom of the dispenser lifts out for cleaning; it is designed to catch small spills and it does not drain. Remove it, empty or wash it at the sink, then slide it back into place.

Quick steps to remove and reinstall

• Remove any cup or glass from the dispenser area.
• Grip the front edge of the tray at the bottom of the dispenser.
• Lift the tray up and pull it straight out.
• Carry it to the sink to empty and clean.
• Dry the tray (optional) to reduce water spots.
• Reinstall by lining it up with the opening and pushing it back in until it sits flat.

What to expect (normal vs. not normal)

What you see	What it usually means	What to do
Water sitting in the tray	Normal; there is no drain	Empty and rinse the tray regularly
Tray feels stuck	Dried spills or sticky residue	Wiggle gently while lifting; clean the edges
Water leaking below the tray	Spill overflow or a dispenser issue	Clean first; then inspect the dispenser area for cracks or misalignment

Why it matters

Keeping the drip tray clean helps prevent odors, sticky buildup around the dispenser lever, and overflow that can drip onto the freezer door or floor.

Related parts and help

• If you are working on the dispenser area, our installation guide for model 10653293202 shows how trim and handles are removed for access.
• For step-by-step dispenser access tips, use our DIY article how to disassemble a Kenmore refrigerator dispenser.
• If you need replacement parts for your refrigerator, you can order from the parts list for model 10653293202 or search by model on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

On Kenmore side-by-side refrigerator model 10653293202, the model number is printed on the model and serial number label located on the inside wall of the refrigerator (fresh food) compartment. For the exact label location and what the tag looks like, use the owner's manual.

Quick ways to find the label

Check these common spots inside the fresh food section first:

• Inside the refrigerator compartment on a side wall (often near the top front)
• On the ceiling of the refrigerator compartment near the light housing
• Behind or beside the crisper pans (you may need to slide a pan out)
• Near the door hinge area, visible when the refrigerator door is open

What you should write down

We recommend recording these items exactly as shown on the label:

• Model number (for this unit: 10653293202)
• Serial number
• Purchase date (from your receipt)

Model vs. serial number (what’s the difference?)

Item	What it identifies	Why it matters
Model number	The exact refrigerator design and parts list	Ensures you get the correct Kenmore replacement parts
Serial number	The specific unit and production run	Helps with service history and unit-specific details

Why it matters

The model number is the key to matching parts like a water filter housing, door cam, or evaporator fan blade to your exact Kenmore configuration. Using the correct model number prevents ordering the wrong part and saves time on troubleshooting.

If you need to order parts after you find the label, start with the parts list for model 10653293202 on this page, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

A Kenmore side-by-side refrigerator model 10653293202 usually stops cooling because power is interrupted, the controls are set to OFF or need a reset, airflow is blocked, or a cooling-system component (fans, defrost system, compressor start parts) is failing. Use the checks in the 10653293202 owner's manual to narrow it down fast.

Quick checks (fastest fixes first)

• Confirm the power cord is fully plugged into a grounded 3-prong outlet.
• Check the house breaker or fuse; reset or replace if tripped.
• Make sure the refrigerator and freezer controls are not set to OFF.
• If your model has digital controls, turn the unit OFF, then ON to reset.
• Look for blocked air vents in either compartment; move food packages away from vent openings.
• Wait 30 minutes if it just stopped; an automatic defrost cycle can temporarily change operation.

Airflow and temperature issues that mimic “no cooling”

Blocked vents prevent cold air from moving from the freezer to the fresh-food side, so the refrigerator section warms up even if the freezer is trying to cool.

Symptom	Most likely area	What to check
Freezer cold, fridge warm	Air circulation	Vents blocked, diffuser area obstructed
Both sections warm	Power/controls or sealed system	Controls OFF, reset needed, compressor not running
Cooling comes and goes	Defrost or fan issue	Frost buildup, fan noise changes, intermittent operation

Parts that commonly cause a cooling failure

If the basic checks do not restore cooling, these model-relevant parts are common suspects:

• Evaporator fan area (moves cold air through compartments); inspect the fan blade for damage: refrigerator evaporator fan blade WP2169142.
• Defrost system (prevents ice from choking airflow); a failed defrost thermostat can contribute to heavy frost: refrigerator defrost bi-metal WPW10225581.
• Compressor start components; a weak start circuit can prevent the compressor from running: refrigerator run capacitor WPW10662129.

Why it matters

When cooling stops, food safety and compressor health are the priorities. Quick power, control, and airflow checks prevent unnecessary part replacement and help you decide whether you are dealing with a simple settings issue or a true cooling-system problem.

If you need to order replacement parts for Kenmore 10653293202, use the parts list for this model or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

On Kenmore model 10653293202, a bad compressor typically shows up as poor or no cooling even though the refrigerator seems to run a lot, along with unusual compressor-related noises (clicking, repeated start attempts) or the unit failing to run at all. Use the owner's manual checks first to rule out control settings and airflow issues.

Quick symptoms that point to a compressor problem

• Refrigerator and freezer temperatures stay warm after several hours of running
• Compressor area is very hot to the touch, or you hear repeated clicking as it tries to start
• The refrigerator runs almost constantly but never reaches set temperature
• You hear a high-pitched or pulsating sound that is new and persistent (not normal cycling)
• Frost pattern and cooling performance suggest the sealed system is not moving refrigerant effectively

Rule out common look-alikes first (fast checks)

Before you blame the compressor, we recommend these model-appropriate checks:

• Confirm the temperature controls are set correctly for the room conditions
• Make sure air vents inside the compartments are not blocked by food packages
• If your model has digital controls, turn the unit OFF then ON to reset the controls
• Listen for normal operating sounds (evaporator fan, refrigerant gurgle, water valve buzz for ice maker)
• Give the refrigerator time after loading groceries; large loads can take several hours to pull down

What you can safely observe vs. what requires testing

Check	What you may notice	What it usually means
Cooling performance	Warm fridge and warm freezer	Compressor not pumping, sealed-system issue, or airflow/control problem
Sound pattern	Repeated click, then silence	Start device/capacitor issue or compressor locked
Run time	Runs constantly without reaching temp	Inefficient cooling, possible compressor or sealed-system restriction
Normal sounds	Gurgling, popping, fan noise	Often normal operation, not a compressor failure by itself

Parts that are commonly involved when diagnosing “bad compressor” symptoms

A compressor diagnosis often overlaps with other components in the sealed system and controls. For this model, these parts are commonly referenced during troubleshooting:

• Refrigerator compressor W10309990 (the compressor itself)
• Refrigerator run capacitor WPW10662129 (helps the compressor start and run)
• Refrigerator microcomputer W11629974 (controls operation and can affect run behavior)

Why it matters

Replacing a compressor is a major repair; many “compressor is bad” complaints are actually caused by airflow problems, control settings, or a start/run issue. Doing the quick checks first helps you avoid replacing the wrong part and gets cooling restored faster.

Last updated: February 2026

Most Kenmore side-by-side refrigerators measure about 32 to 36 inches wide; Kenmore model 10653293202 fits that standard range. For the exact published cabinet width for your unit, use the dimensions section in the 10653293202 owner's manual.

What “width” should mean for fit

When people ask width, they usually mean one of these measurements:

• Cabinet width: the main box, not counting extra clearance
• Overall width with doors/handles: can be wider than the cabinet
• Required opening width: cabinet width plus ventilation and door-swing space

Clearances that change the opening you need

Even if the refrigerator cabinet is within a 32 to 36 inch range, the installation opening must include clearance. The guidance for this model family calls for:

• 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) space on each side and at the top for ventilation
• If next to a fixed wall, 2 inches (15.08 cm) minimum on the side needed for door swing (depending on layout)
• Extra space behind if you have an ice maker or water line connections

Planning for	Use this measurement	Typical target
Refrigerator cabinet width	Case only (no clearance)	32 to 36 inches
Rough opening width	Case plus ventilation	Add 1 inch total (1/2 inch each side)
Door swing next to a wall	Hinge-side clearance	Add about 2 inches where needed

Quick measuring tips (most accurate)

• Measure the widest point across the front (often the doors or handles)
• Measure the opening in 2 to 3 spots (front and back) for out-of-square walls
• Confirm clearance needs in the installation guide

Why it matters

A refrigerator that is “the right width” can still bind in the opening or run warm if ventilation space is tight. Planning for door swing also prevents dents, rubbing gaskets, and blocked shelves.

If you are replacing interior storage while you measure, model-matched items like the refrigerator crisper pan WP2188656 are available from the parts list for 10653293202, and you can also search by model on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026