Kenmore 1066680720 21.2 cubic foot coldspot refrigerator Parts

On Kenmore model 1066680720, the ER IF (or Er IF) code points to an ice fan problem in the freezer area. That fan pushes cold air through the door air ducting to keep the ice maker area cold; when airflow drops, the control reports ER IF.

What to check first (fast, no parts)

• Power reset: unplug the refrigerator (or turn off the breaker) for 2 minutes, then restore power.
• Make sure freezer vents and the door ice chute area are not blocked by packages.
• Look for frost or ice buildup around the fan cover area; heavy frost often means airflow is restricted.
• Confirm the freezer door closes tightly and the gasket is sealing.
• Listen for the ice fan: a working fan usually makes a steady, smooth whir (not clicking or grinding).

Common causes and what they mean

What you notice	Likely cause	What we recommend
Fan is silent, no airflow to ice maker	Failed ice fan motor or wiring issue	Inspect wiring connections; replace the failed component as needed
Loud grinding or intermittent noise	Fan blade hitting ice or worn motor	Defrost and clear ice; if noise returns, replace the motor
Heavy frost in freezer, recurring ER IF	Defrost system or air leak issue	Check door seal and airflow paths; troubleshoot defrost components
Ice maker warm, ice production stops	Poor airflow through door duct	Clear obstructions and frost; verify fan operation

Parts that may be involved

If the ice maker itself is not producing ice after airflow is restored, the ice maker assembly can also be a factor.

• Ice maker 4317943

Why it matters

The ice fan is what keeps the ice maker compartment cold enough to freeze water consistently. When airflow is weak, you can get slow ice production, melting or clumping ice, and temperature swings that stress other cooling components.

Last updated: February 2026

Your Kenmore refrigerator model 1066680720 is a 21.2 cubic foot side-by-side (Coldspot) refrigerator. That capacity describes the total interior storage space across both the fresh food and freezer compartments.

Quick specs snapshot

Model	Refrigerator type	Total capacity
1066680720	Side-by-side	21.2 cu. ft.

How to sanity-check the capacity on the appliance

If you want to confirm you are matching the correct model and capacity, we recommend:

• Check the model tag inside the fresh food section (often on a side wall or ceiling area)
• Match the full model number exactly: 1066680720
• Compare your shelf and bin layout to the parts list for this model
• If you are shopping parts, use the model number first, then select the exact part

Why it matters

Capacity helps you compare refrigerators and also helps when ordering storage-related items (bins, shelves, door components) so you get parts that fit the interior layout for your exact Kenmore side-by-side.

Related parts customers often replace

Capacity does not change when parts are replaced, but these common repairs can restore normal performance and convenience:

• Ice maker 4317943 (no ice production, small cubes, or leaking)
• Refrigerator fan motor 833697 (warm temperatures or weak airflow)
• Refrigerator control WP4387489 (temperature control issues)

Last updated: February 2026

On the Kenmore Coldspot 1066680720 side-by-side refrigerator, loss of cooling is usually caused by an airflow problem (frost-blocked evaporator, failed evaporator fan, or stuck air damper) or a heat-removal problem at the condenser (dirty coils or a weak condenser fan). Start by checking airflow and frost patterns before replacing parts.

Quick checks that solve many “not cooling” complaints

• Confirm the refrigerator is getting power and the interior lights come on.
• Make sure both temperature controls were not accidentally turned warmer.
• Check that vents inside the fresh food section are not blocked by food packages.
• Listen for the evaporator fan in the freezer; it should run when the door switch is held closed.
• Inspect the back or bottom area for dust buildup on condenser coils.

Most common causes (and what you will notice)

Likely cause	What you typically see	What to do next
Evaporator fan not running	Freezer may be cold but fridge is warm; weak airflow	Test the door switch and fan circuit; consider replacing the refrigerator fan motor 833697
Frosted-over evaporator (defrost issue)	Thick frost on freezer back wall; airflow drops over days	Fully defrost, then troubleshoot defrost heater/thermostat/control
Dirty condenser coils	Both sections warm; compressor runs a lot	Clean coils and ensure good airflow around the unit
Condenser fan problem (if equipped)	Hot cabinet sides; poor cooling; compressor overheats	Check fan blade for obstructions and test the motor
Air damper stuck/blocked	Freezer OK, refrigerator warm; vents have little air	Clear ice/obstructions; check damper operation

How we recommend diagnosing it (in order)

1. Check airflow first: If the freezer fan is quiet, press the door switch and listen again.
2. Look for frost clues: A solid frost sheet on the freezer back panel points to a defrost problem.
3. Check the condenser area: Clean coils and verify the condenser area is not packed with dust.
4. Verify the door switch: A failed switch can stop the fan when the door is closed; the refrigerator switch W11384469 is a common fix when the fan and light behavior is inconsistent.

Why it matters

This model cools by moving cold air from the freezer through vents into the refrigerator section. When airflow is restricted or heat cannot be rejected at the condenser, temperatures rise even if the compressor still runs.

Last updated: February 2026

A bad compressor on Kenmore model 1066680720 usually shows up as poor cooling with the unit trying to run (humming, clicking, or running nonstop) but temperatures never recover. Before condemning the compressor, we rule out airflow and control issues that can mimic compressor failure.

Quick symptoms that point to a compressor problem

• Refrigerator and freezer both warm, even though the lights and fans work
• Repeated clicking every few minutes (start device tries, then trips off)
• Compressor is very hot to the touch after attempting to run (use caution)
• Compressor is silent while the refrigerator has power (no hum or vibration)
• Unit runs constantly but never reaches safe temps (fresh food above 40°F)

Checks to do first (most common “false alarms”)

These steps help confirm the problem is not a simple airflow or control issue.

• Make sure condenser area is not packed with dust and the unit has airflow behind it
• Verify the evaporator fan is running; if it is not, cooling will be weak even with a good compressor
• Check door sealing and frost buildup; heavy frost can block airflow and mimic a sealed-system issue
• Confirm the interior light turns off when the door closes; a failed door switch can add heat and confuse diagnosis (see refrigerator switch W11384469)
• If the refrigerator is not making ice and temps are warm, treat that as a cooling symptom, not an ice maker symptom (the ice maker 4317943 cannot make ice without proper freezer temperature)

What a technician tests to confirm a bad compressor

Test	What it indicates	Typical outcome if compressor is bad
Amp draw at startup	Hard-start or locked rotor	High amps, then overload trips (click)
Winding continuity	Internal electrical failure	Open or shorted windings
Start components evaluation	Start device vs compressor	Start device OK, compressor still will not run
Temperature performance	Sealed system health	Runs but cannot pull down temps

Why it matters

A compressor is part of the sealed refrigeration system; misdiagnosing it can lead to unnecessary cost. Ruling out airflow problems, a stuck light, or a control issue first helps you target the real failure and avoid replacing the wrong parts.

Last updated: February 2026

Coldspot is a Sears brand name that was used on refrigerators for decades; most Coldspot-branded units were sold from 1928 through 1976. Your Sears PartsDirect page is for Kenmore model 1066680720, so its age depends on the refrigerator’s manufacture date on the model and serial tag, not the Coldspot brand timeline.

Quick way to date your refrigerator

Use the model and serial tag inside the fresh food compartment (commonly on a side wall or ceiling area) and look for a manufacture date or a serial number that encodes the date.

• Find the model and serial label and write down the full serial number
• Look for wording like “MFG DATE” or “Manufactured”
• If there’s no printed date, use the serial number format to decode month and year
• Compare the result to typical refrigerator lifespan to judge remaining service life
• If the label is missing or unreadable, replace the label cover or light switch if it is broken and blocking access

Coldspot vs. Kenmore: what the name tells you

Coldspot and Kenmore are brand labels, not a guaranteed indicator of the exact year your refrigerator was built.

What you have	What it usually means	Best way to confirm age
Coldspot nameplate	Typically sold 1928 to 1976	Check the serial tag for a date code
Kenmore model 1066680720	A specific Kenmore refrigerator model	Decode the serial number on the tag

Why it matters

Knowing the build year helps us match the right refrigerator parts (ice maker, controls, switches) and set realistic expectations for repairs. For example, if you are troubleshooting ice production on this model, the correct replacement is the ice maker 4317943.

Helpful related resource

If you need help locating the model and serial tag so we can match parts accurately, use how to find your appliance model number (and what it means for parts).

Last updated: February 2026

On Kenmore model 1066680720 side-by-side refrigerators, the model number is printed on the appliance identification label, most often inside the fresh food (refrigerator) compartment around the door opening. We use that exact model number to match the correct parts and diagrams.

Most common label locations to check

Look in these spots first (in order):

• Inside the refrigerator compartment on the left or right wall near the front
• On the ceiling of the fresh food compartment near the light housing
• On the side wall behind the crisper drawers (you may need to slide drawers out)
• Along the door jamb (the frame the door seals against)
• On the exterior back panel near the bottom (less common, but possible)

What the label looks like and what to write down

The label typically includes both a model number and a serial number.

Item	What it’s used for	Example format
Model number	Ensures parts fit your exact refrigerator	1066680720
Serial number	Helps identify production run details	Letters plus numbers

Tip: Write the model number exactly as shown, including all digits.

Why it matters for parts and troubleshooting

Kenmore side-by-side refrigerators can look similar across multiple model series, but parts like the ice maker 4317943 and controls can vary by model. Using the correct model number prevents ordering the wrong ice maker assembly, switch, or control.

Quick troubleshooting note if the label is hard to read

If the label is worn or smeared:

• Take a close-up photo with your phone and zoom in
• Wipe gently with a damp cloth; do not use abrasive cleaners
• Check a second location (door jamb and behind crispers are common backups)

Last updated: February 2026

To replace the ice maker in your Kenmore 1066680720 side-by-side refrigerator, we unplug the refrigerator, shut off the water supply, remove the ice bin, swap the ice maker assembly, then restore water and power and confirm it cycles and fills correctly. Use the exact replacement ice maker 4317943 for proper fit and wiring.

Before you start (safety and prep)

• Unplug the refrigerator to prevent shock.
• Turn off the water supply to the refrigerator (usually a saddle valve or shutoff under the sink).
• Empty the ice bin and clear the freezer shelf area.
• Protect the freezer floor with a towel to catch drips.
• Have a 1/4-inch nut driver or Phillips screwdriver ready (common for ice maker mounting screws).

Replacement steps (typical Kenmore side-by-side process)

1. Remove the ice bin and any shelf or door bin that blocks access.
2. Remove the ice maker cover (if present) to expose the harness plug and mounting screws.
3. Unplug the ice maker wiring harness connector.
4. Remove the mounting screws; support the ice maker as the last screw comes out.
5. Transfer any bracket/stripper/arm pieces from the old unit to the new one if the new assembly does not include them and they match exactly.
6. Mount the new ice maker, tighten screws snugly (do not overtighten into plastic liner).
7. Reconnect the wiring harness, reinstall covers, and reinstall the ice bin.
8. Turn water back on, plug the refrigerator in, and allow time for the first harvest.

Quick checks after installation

• Confirm the shutoff arm (or sensor) is in the “on” position.
• Listen for a fill sound after the first cycle.
• Check the fill tube area for freezing or leaks.
• Verify the freezer temperature is near 0°F; warm freezers will not make ice.

Common symptoms and what they usually mean

Symptom	Most common cause	What we do next
No ice after 24 hours	Freezer too warm or ice maker off	Set freezer colder, confirm arm/sensor on
Ice maker cycles but no water	Frozen fill tube or closed valve	Thaw fill tube, confirm water supply on
Leaks in freezer	Loose fill tube alignment	Re-seat tube and check for cracks
Small cubes	Low water pressure or restricted supply	Check valve fully open and supply line

Why it matters

A correctly installed ice maker prevents leaks, protects the freezer liner, and ensures the module gets reliable power and water flow. Using the correct assembly for Kenmore 1066680720 reduces wiring and mounting issues.

Last updated: February 2026

For Kenmore Elite model 1066680720 (side-by-side), the overall dimensions are 35-5/8 in. wide, 69-1/4 in. tall (max), and 34-1/2 in. deep (with handles). Use these measurements to confirm your cabinet opening, door swing clearance, and ventilation space.

Quick dimension summary (model 1066680720)

• Width: 35-5/8 in.
• Height (max): 69-1/4 in.
• Depth (with handles): 34-1/2 in.
• Plan extra space for door swing and airflow

Measurement	What it includes	Use it for
Width	Cabinet and doors at the widest point	Fit between cabinets/walls
Height (max)	Floor to top at maximum height	Overhead clearance
Depth (with handles)	Front of handles to back	Counter and walkway clearance

How we recommend measuring your space

Even with exact specs, we always verify the opening and clearances before moving the refrigerator.

• Measure the cabinet opening width at the front and back
• Measure height to the lowest overhead obstruction (cabinet, soffit, trim)
• Measure depth to confirm doors and handles will not block walkways
• Allow clearance so doors can open past 90 degrees for bin and drawer access
• Leave ventilation space so the refrigerator cools properly

Why it matters

Correct dimensions prevent installation problems like doors hitting walls, drawers not sliding out fully, and restricted airflow that can lead to warm temperatures. If you are already pulling the unit out to measure, it is also a good time to inspect common service items like the refrigerator switch W11384469 (door light and door-activated functions).

Last updated: February 2026

Most Kenmore refrigerators last 10 to 15 years with normal household use; a well-maintained side-by-side like model 1066680720 often reaches the upper end of that range when airflow, door sealing, and ice maker performance are kept in check.

Typical lifespan ranges (what to expect)

Refrigerator life varies most by usage, room temperature, and maintenance. Here are practical benchmarks we use for planning repairs.

Refrigerator type	Typical lifespan	Notes
Top-freezer	12 to 18 years	Simplest design; often longest-lasting
Side-by-side (like 1066680720)	10 to 15 years	More components (ice and water features)
French-door	9 to 14 years	More doors, seals, and electronics

Maintenance that adds years

These steps reduce compressor run time, prevent warm-air leaks, and help avoid icing and fan strain.

• Clean condenser coils every 6 to 12 months (more often with pets)
• Keep door gaskets clean and check for gaps that let humid air in
• Set stable temperatures (about 37°F fresh food, 0°F freezer)
• Leave space for ventilation behind and above the cabinet
• Replace failed interior light switches promptly so lights do not add heat (see refrigerator switch W11384469)
• If you have an ice maker, address slow or no ice early to prevent over-cycling (see ice maker 4317943)

Signs your refrigerator is nearing end of life

A single symptom does not always mean replacement, but multiple issues at once usually signal a bigger reliability problem.

• Compressor runs almost constantly or temperatures swing
• Repeated frost buildup or warm freezer with a running fan
• Water leaks that return after clearing the drain
• Loud, persistent fan noise or intermittent cooling
• Door sealing problems that keep coming back

Why it matters

Knowing the typical lifespan helps you decide whether to repair or replace. If your Kenmore is under about 10 years old, repairs often make sense; past 12 to 15 years, recurring cooling or sealed-system issues usually shift the value toward replacement.

Last updated: February 2026

On the Kenmore 1066680720 side-by-side refrigerator, the water filter is found in one of the standard side-by-side locations: inside the fresh food compartment near the top (often upper right) or in the base grille at the bottom front. We use a quick visual check of both areas to confirm the exact spot.

Most common filter locations on side-by-side refrigerators

• Upper right corner inside the refrigerator compartment (behind a small filter cover)
• Upper left corner inside the refrigerator compartment (less common)
• Ceiling area inside the refrigerator compartment (short horizontal housing)
• Base grille at the bottom front (small door or round cap)

Fast way to find it on model 1066680720

• Open the refrigerator door and look along the top right wall and ceiling for a cover labeled “Filter” or a visible cartridge end.
• If you do not see it inside, check the bottom front base grille for a small access door or twist cap.
• Look for the release style before pulling: quarter-turn twist, push-button eject, or push-and-turn.
• After replacing the cartridge, run several gallons of water through the dispenser to purge air and carbon fines.

What you should see (by location)

Location	What it looks like	Typical removal
Upper interior	Small flip-down or slide cover	Push-button eject or twist-out
Base grille	Small door or round cap	Twist-out cartridge

Why it matters

Finding the correct housing location prevents cracked filter heads, leaks, and slow water flow caused by a filter that is not fully seated.

If you are also diagnosing a dispenser that will not run, a door switch problem can stop dispensing on some designs; the refrigerator switch W11384469 is a model-matched part used for that type of symptom.

Last updated: February 2026