How to clean the coils on a Kenmore side by side refrigerator?
To clean the condenser coils on your Kenmore 10651252104 side-by-side refrigerator, we remove the base grille and vacuum dust from the grille area and the front of the condenser using a soft brush attachment. In normal homes, coil cleaning is only needed when conditions are dusty, greasy, or you have pets.
Before you start (safety and prep)
- Turn the temperature control to OFF.
- Unplug the refrigerator (or disconnect power).
- Open both refrigerator doors for access.
- Use only nonflammable cleaners around the appliance.
- Have a vacuum with a soft brush and a flashlight ready.
For model-specific access and safety notes, follow the steps in the owner's manual.
Step-by-step: cleaning the coils (condenser)
- Remove the base grille: open both doors, push in with your thumbs along the top ends of the grille, then pull up on the bottom to release it.
- Vacuum the grille (front and back) to remove lint and dust.
- Vacuum behind the grille: clean the open area behind the grille and the front surface of the condenser using a soft brush attachment.
- Reinstall the base grille: align the support tabs with the metal clips and push firmly until it snaps in.
- Restore power and set the controls back to your normal temperature settings.
How often should we clean the coils?
Most homes do not need routine condenser cleaning. We clean the condenser more often when the environment is dusty, greasy, or there is heavy pet traffic.
| Home condition | Recommended coil cleaning frequency |
|---|---|
| Typical indoor environment | As needed (not routine) |
| Dusty/greasy area or lots of pet hair | Every 2 to 3 months |
Why it matters
Clean condenser coils help your Kenmore refrigerator release heat efficiently. That supports steadier temperatures, shorter run times, and better overall cooling performance.
Last updated: February 2026
How do I know what water filter my Kenmore refrigerator needs?
For Kenmore refrigerator model 10651252104, the correct water filter is identified in the water filter section of the owner's manual. This model uses a base grille style filter; replace it when the indicator turns red (if equipped) or when water flow drops.
Quick ways to confirm the right filter
- Match your refrigerator’s full model number (10651252104) to the parts list for that model.
- Check whether your filter mounts in the base grille below the freezer door (common on this model).
- Look for a status light; if it turns red, it is time to replace the cartridge.
- If there is no indicator light, replace the filter every 6 to 9 months (sooner if flow slows).
- Compare the old cartridge’s markings to the replacement listing before ordering.
Filter replacement timing and reset (what the manual says)
The manual guidance for this style of Kenmore side-by-side is:
| What you notice | What to do | Typical result |
|---|---|---|
| Status light turns red | Replace the filter | Restores normal flow and filtration |
| Water flow decreases | Replace the filter (even before 6 months) | Improves dispenser and ice maker performance |
| No status light on your model | Replace every 6 to 9 months | Prevents taste/odor and flow issues |
After you change the filter, reset the filter status light by pressing the light switch 5 times within 10 seconds (on models with the indicator).
Ordering the filter for this model
If you are ordering from the parts list for model 10651252104, the listed replacement is the refrigerator water filter EDR5RXD1.
Why it matters
Using the correct cartridge and changing it on schedule helps protect water taste and clarity, keeps dispenser flow steady, and reduces common ice maker and water dispenser problems caused by restricted filtration.
Last updated: February 2026
Where is the model number on a Kenmore side by side refrigerator?
On the Kenmore side-by-side refrigerator model 10651252104, the model number is printed on the model and serial number label located on the inside wall of the refrigerator (fresh food) compartment. You can confirm the exact label location and what it looks like in the owner's manual.
Where to look (fast checklist)
- Open the fresh food (refrigerator) door, not the freezer door
- Look along the inside side wall of the refrigerator compartment
- Check near the upper side wall and around the crisper area
- Use a flashlight; the label can be easy to miss
- Wipe condensation or smudges off the label so the numbers are readable
What you should see on the label
The label typically includes both identifiers you may need for parts and service:
| Item on label | What it’s used for | Example format |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | Matching parts and diagrams | 10651252104 (or 106.XXXXXX) |
| Serial number | Dating the unit and service records | Letters and numbers |
Why it matters
We use the full model number to match the correct Kenmore parts list, diagrams, and compatible replacements (for example, a water filter, thermostat, or door bin). Using only a partial number (like “106”) can pull the wrong parts for a similar-looking refrigerator.
If the label is missing or unreadable
- Check for a second copy of the label on the cabinet wall just inside the door opening
- Look for a stamped or printed code on the liner near the label area
- Use the installation guide for handling and access tips if you need to move the refrigerator to improve visibility
Last updated: February 2026
Who makes Kenmore refrigerator model 10651252104?
Kenmore model 10651252104 is a Kenmore-branded refrigerator built by Whirlpool (the “106” model prefix is the key identifier). You can confirm the model and serial details on the rating label inside the fresh food compartment and in the owner's manual.
How we identify the manufacturer for Kenmore 106 models
Kenmore is a brand name, and different manufacturers build different Kenmore model series. For Kenmore 106 refrigerators, the 106 prefix is the standard indicator used to tie the unit to Whirlpool-built designs.
Quick checks you can use:
- Look at the full model number on the inside-wall rating label (fresh food section).
- Confirm the model prefix is 106.
- Match parts by model number when ordering to avoid fit issues.
- Use the wiring diagram and service info in the owner's manual when troubleshooting.
Why this matters when ordering parts
Knowing the build family helps you choose the right replacement parts and troubleshooting steps for your side-by-side refrigerator.
Common Whirlpool-built (Kenmore 106) maintenance items include:
- Water filtration
- Defrost system components
- Temperature control components
- Door closing and sealing hardware
Example parts commonly used on this model page
| What you are fixing | Part to check | Example part on this model page |
|---|---|---|
| Bad tasting water or slow dispensing | Water filter | Refrigerator water filter EDR5RXD1 |
| Door not closing smoothly | Door closer cam | Refrigerator door closer cam WPW10329686 |
| Temperature control issues | Cold control thermostat | Refrigerator thermostat WP2198202 |
Related tip
If you are working on the water system (filter changes, dispenser flow, leaks), follow the steps and intervals in the owner's manual so you purge air correctly and avoid nuisance dripping.
Last updated: February 2026
What are the most common problems with Kenmore refrigerators?
The most common problems we see on Kenmore refrigerators like model 10651252104 are warm temperatures (not cooling), ice maker or dispenser issues, water leaks or drips, excess frost or interior moisture, and unusual noises. Many of these start with airflow, dirty condenser coils, door sealing, or water supply and filter issues (see the owner's manual).
Common symptoms and likely causes
- Not cooling or warming temps: blocked air vents, controls set incorrectly, or the unit in an automatic defrost cycle
- Runs too much: dirty condenser coils, warm room temperature, or door gaskets not sealing
- Ice maker not making ice: freezer not cold enough, shutoff arm or switch OFF, or not enough time after installation (up to 72 hours)
- Water dripping or leaking at dispenser: clogged or misinstalled filter, air in lines after a filter change, or ice stuck in the chute
- Moisture buildup inside: frequent door openings, humid room air, or blocked vents
Quick checks we recommend first
- Confirm power: plugged into a grounded 3-prong outlet; breaker or fuse OK
- Verify controls are not set to OFF; for digital controls, turn OFF then ON to reset
- Clear packages away from interior air vents
- Clean condenser coils to improve heat transfer and reduce run time
- For dispenser drips after a filter change, flush several glasses of water to purge air
Problem-to-next-step guide
| Problem you notice | Best next step | Parts often involved |
|---|---|---|
| Warm refrigerator section | Clear vents, verify settings, clean coils | Thermostat, condenser fan, sealed system |
| No ice or low ice | Confirm freezer is cold; verify shutoff arm/switch ON | Inlet valve, ice maker parts |
| Drips at dispenser | Reinstall/replace filter; flush water | Filter, filter housing |
Parts that commonly help on 10651252104
- Refrigerator water filter EDR5RXD1 for restricted flow, poor taste, or dispenser drips tied to filtration
- Refrigerator inlet valve W10822681 when the ice maker or water dispenser is not filling properly
Why it matters
Airflow and heat removal drive cooling performance; water flow drives ice and dispensing. Fixing vents, coils, and filtration first restores normal operation and prevents unnecessary part replacement.
Last updated: February 2026





