Installation guide
Owner’s manual
Error Codes
Where is the model number on a Kenmore side by side refrigerator?
On Kenmore side-by-side refrigerator model 25356763600, the model number is printed on the serial plate located inside the refrigerator (fresh food) compartment. We recommend writing down both the model and serial numbers for parts lookup and service records.
Where to look (quick checklist)
- Open the fresh food (refrigerator) door
- Look along the inside walls near the front opening
- Check near the crisper area or side wall where labels are commonly placed
- Find the serial plate and locate the Model Number line
- Clean the label only with mild soap and water if it is hard to read (avoid harsh cleaners)
What you should see on the label
The Use & Care Guide for this style of Kenmore 253 model explains that the model and serial information is found on the serial plate inside the refrigerator compartment. Use the format below to confirm you are reading the right line:
| Label item | What it’s used for | Example format |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | Ordering correct parts and matching diagrams | 253XXXXXXXXXX |
| Serial number | Identifying production run and service history | Letters plus numbers |
| Purchase date (you record it) | Warranty and maintenance tracking | Your date |
Why it matters
Using the exact model number prevents ordering the wrong refrigerator water filter, ice maker parts, door gasket, or light bulb. Even small model variations can change the correct part fit.
Next best step
If you are ordering parts or checking maintenance procedures for model 25356763600, use the instructions in the owner's manual and shop parts by model on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
Which Kenmore refrigerators are made by Whirlpool?
Many Kenmore refrigerators are built by different manufacturers; the quickest way to identify who built yours is to check the first three digits of the model number on the rating label. Whirlpool-built Kenmore units commonly start with prefixes like 106, while Kenmore model 253 (including 25356763600) is typically associated with Frigidaire/Electrolux-style designs, not Whirlpool. For model-specific identification details, use the 25356763600 owner's manual.
How to tell who made your Kenmore refrigerator
Use the model number prefix as a practical shortcut.
- Find the rating label (usually inside the fresh food compartment on a side wall or ceiling).
- Write down the full model number (for this unit: 25356763600).
- Use the first three digits as the manufacturer prefix.
- Confirm by matching parts style (water filter type, ice maker design, dispenser layout).
- When ordering parts, always use the full model number to avoid mismatches.
Common Kenmore manufacturer prefixes (quick reference)
These prefixes are widely used in parts lookup and service literature.
| Kenmore prefix (first 3 digits) | Common manufacturer association | What it means for parts |
|---|---|---|
| 106 | Whirlpool | Whirlpool-style parts and layouts are common |
| 253 | Frigidaire/Electrolux family | Frigidaire-style parts and layouts are common |
| 110 | Whirlpool (often laundry) | More common on washers than refrigerators |
Why it matters for repairs and parts
Manufacturer families share component designs. If you assume the wrong builder, you can end up with the wrong water filter, ice maker, door gasket, or dispenser parts.
For Kenmore 25356763600, parts on this model’s list align with Frigidaire-style components, such as the genuine Kenmore refrigerator water filter WF2CB and the refrigerator ice maker 5304458371. If you need to shop beyond the most common parts shown, search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
How can I tell how many cubic feet my Kenmore refrigerator is?
For your Kenmore 25356763600 side-by-side refrigerator, the most reliable way to confirm cubic feet is to read the model’s rating plate inside the fresh food compartment; it lists the refrigerator’s total volume (capacity) in cubic feet or liters. Use the 25356763600 owner's manual for the exact label location and terminology.
Where to find the capacity label (fastest method)
Look for a sticker or metal plate inside the refrigerator section. Common locations include:
- On an interior side wall (upper or mid-level)
- Behind or beside the crisper drawers
- On the ceiling area near the light housing
- Along the door frame edge (fresh food side)
- Near the water filter housing area (if equipped)
How to estimate cubic feet by measuring (backup method)
If the label is missing or unreadable, you can estimate capacity by measuring the usable interior space.
- Measure interior width, height, and depth in inches (fresh food plus freezer)
- Multiply to get cubic inches
- Divide by 1,728 to convert cubic inches to cubic feet
- Subtract space taken by thick insulation, shelves, and bins to get a more realistic “usable” estimate
Quick conversion table
| What you have | What to do | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Inches (W x H x D) | Multiply all three | Cubic inches |
| Cubic inches | Divide by 1,728 | Cubic feet |
| Liters (on label) | Divide by 28.3 | Cubic feet |
Why it matters
Knowing cubic feet helps us match the right replacement parts and accessories (like shelves, bins, and filters), and it also helps when comparing cooling performance expectations for a side-by-side refrigerator.
Related parts and care tips
If your model uses a rear or push-button style water filter, keeping the filter current helps maintain water flow and ice production. The compatible replacement on this model page is the genuine Kenmore refrigerator water filter WF2CB. You can order parts from the list for model 25356763600 on this page, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the code Sy Ef on a Kenmore refrigerator?
On our Kenmore side-by-side refrigerator model 25356763600, the SY EF code points to a cooling-system monitoring problem, most commonly tied to the evaporator (freezer) fan circuit or a related sensor/communication issue. Start with a power reset, then check for airflow and ice buildup; use the 25356763600 owner's manual for alarm and control guidance.
Quick checks we recommend first
- Unplug the refrigerator (or switch off the breaker) for 5 minutes, then restore power.
- Confirm the freezer door fully closes and nothing is holding it open.
- Listen for the evaporator fan in the freezer (a steady fan sound when the door switch is pressed).
- Check for heavy frost on the freezer back wall (a sign of a defrost problem).
- Make sure vents are not blocked by food packages.
What usually causes SY EF
SY EF is typically triggered when the control detects abnormal feedback from the evaporator fan system (fan not running, fan running too slowly, wiring issue) or a related temperature-sensing/communication fault.
| What you notice | Most likely area | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Freezer warming, little airflow | Evaporator fan blade or motor issue | Inspect fan area; replace damaged fan blade if needed |
| Loud rubbing or ticking in freezer | Fan blade hitting ice or shroud | Defrost ice buildup; verify fan spins freely |
| Heavy frost on freezer panel | Defrost system issue | Check defrost components and airflow |
| Intermittent cooling, code returns | Wiring/control feedback issue | Inspect connectors; consider professional diagnosis |
Parts that commonly relate to this symptom
If you confirm a fan or defrost-related problem, these model-compatible parts are commonly involved:
Why it matters
When the evaporator fan cannot move cold air across the evaporator and into the fresh food section, temperatures drift, frost can build up, and the refrigerator may run longer than normal. Addressing SY EF quickly helps protect food temperatures and reduces strain on the sealed system.
For additional model-family guidance on Kenmore display codes, use Kenmore 253 series french door refrigerator error codes. You can also order replacement parts for model 25356763600 from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
How to replace an ice maker in a side by side refrigerator?
To replace the ice maker in your Kenmore 25356763600 side-by-side refrigerator, we shut off power, turn off the water supply, remove the ice container and mounting screws, swap the ice maker assembly, then restore water and power and verify ice production. Follow the installation guide for model-specific access details.
Before you start
- Unplug the refrigerator or switch off the breaker.
- Turn the ice maker OFF (wire signal arm up, or On/Off switch to OFF if equipped).
- Turn OFF the household water shutoff valve.
- Keep towels handy; a small amount of water is normal.
Replacement steps (typical side-by-side)
- Remove the ice container.
- Disconnect the ice maker wiring harness.
- Remove the mounting screws and lift the ice maker out.
- Install the replacement unit and tighten screws snugly.
- Reconnect the wiring harness.
- Turn water back ON, then restore power.
If you disconnect the water line at the inlet valve, reinstall the compression nut and ferrule (sleeve) and tighten about a half turn past finger-tight; do not over-tighten.
Post-install checks
- Confirm the ice maker is ON (arm down, or switch set to ON).
- Check for leaks at any water connection you touched.
- Expect the first batch of ice within several hours; full bin can take 24 hours.
Symptom guide
| What you see | Most common cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| No ice | Ice maker left OFF or water shutoff closed | Turn ON arm/switch; open shutoff valve |
| Hollow/small cubes | Low water flow | Straighten kinked line; confirm strong supply |
| Water leak | Loose compression fitting | Re-seat ferrule; tighten slightly |
Why it matters
A correct swap prevents leaks and ensures the ice maker can fill, freeze, and harvest normally.
If you need the correct replacement assembly, use the parts list for this model and match to refrigerator ice maker 5304458371, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
