How to replace an ice maker in a side by side refrigerator?
To replace the ice maker in your Kenmore 10656666500 side-by-side refrigerator, we disconnect power, remove the ice bin and mounting screws, swap the wiring harness to the new unit, then reinstall and restore power. After replacement, allow up to 24 hours for ice production.
- Unplug the refrigerator (or switch off the breaker).
- Turn the ice maker OFF (switch is in the freezer compartment on this model).
- Empty and remove the ice storage bin.
- Have a towel ready for melting ice or small drips.
- Use the steps and diagrams in the 10656666500 user manual for safe access and ice maker operation details.
- Remove the ice bin and any shelf/bucket parts blocking access.
- Remove the ice maker cover (if equipped) and mounting screws.
- Support the ice maker, then unplug the wiring harness connector.
- Transfer any required parts from the old assembly to the new one (for example, mounting bracket or cover if your replacement does not include them).
- Install the new ice maker, reconnect the harness, and tighten mounting screws.
- Turn the ice maker ON, restore power, and confirm the fill cycle starts.
For Kenmore 10656666500, a compatible complete replacement is the whirlpool refrigerator ice maker assembly 2198597. If your issue is no ice due to no water fill, the water supply side may involve the refrigerator inlet valve W10408179.
| Symptom after install | Most likely cause | What we check first |
|---|---|---|
| No ice after 24 hours | Ice maker OFF or freezer too warm | Ice maker switch, freezer temp |
| Ice maker cycles but no water | Water supply or valve issue | Shutoff valve, inlet valve |
| Small/hollow cubes | Low water flow | Filter condition, water pressure |
A correctly installed ice maker prevents leaks, protects the wiring harness connection, and helps ensure proper cube size and steady production. On this model, it is normal to discard the first few batches of ice after service.
Last updated: January 2026
How to tell cubic feet of Kenmore refrigerator by model number?
For Kenmore model 10656666500, the cubic-foot capacity typically is not encoded in the model number itself, and it is not stated in a way we can confirm from the model-specific information available here. The most reliable way is to check the capacity listing on the rating label or in the 10656666500 use & care manual.
Use these options in order; they are the most accurate for this refrigerator.
- Rating label: Look inside the fresh food compartment on a side wall or near the crisper area; capacity is often listed as “cu. ft.”
- Use & care manual: Look for “product data,” “specifications,” or “capacity” sections in the 10656666500 use & care manual.
- Measure and calculate (backup method): Use interior measurements only (not exterior cabinet size).
- Compare by configuration: Side-by-side models with in-door ice and water typically have less usable space than the same cabinet without those features.
- Measure the usable interior of each compartment (refrigerator and freezer):
- Width (inches)
- Height (inches)
- Depth (inches)
- Multiply to get cubic inches for each compartment.
- Add refrigerator + freezer cubic inches.
- Divide by 1,728 to convert cubic inches to cubic feet.
| What you have | Convert to | How |
|---|---|---|
| Cubic inches | Cubic feet | Divide by 1,728 |
| Cubic feet | Cubic inches | Multiply by 1,728 |
Capacity affects how you shop for a replacement refrigerator, how you compare energy use, and how much storage you can realistically expect once shelves, bins, and the ice maker take up space.
Last updated: January 2026
How to tell if a Kenmore refrigerator compressor is bad?
On Kenmore model 10656666500, a “bad compressor” usually shows up as poor or no cooling even though the unit has power, often with repeated clicking at the back of the refrigerator or the compressor running hot. Before condemning the compressor, we verify airflow, condenser cleanliness, and the start components.
Look for these common symptoms:
- Refrigerator and freezer are warm, but interior lights work
- Repeated clicking every few minutes from the compressor area (start attempt then shutoff)
- Compressor is very hot to the touch after running (use caution)
- Breaker trips or the unit shuts off shortly after starting
- Condenser fan runs but cooling does not improve
We recommend ruling out these issues because they can mimic compressor failure:
- Dirty condenser coils restricting heat release
- Condenser fan not running (air not moving across the condenser)
- Frost-clogged evaporator area from a defrost problem
- Air vents blocked by food packages
- Temperature controls set incorrectly (wait 24 hours after changes)
For model-specific operating and temperature guidance, use the 10656666500 owner’s manual.
If you hear clicking or the compressor will not stay running, these parts are often checked first:
- Start device WP2319792 (helps the compressor start)
- Refrigerator overload and ptc start relay WP2154697 (protects the compressor and provides start function)
- Run capacitor WPW10662129 (supports compressor starting and running)
| Symptom | Most likely area to test | Example compatible part for 10656666500 |
|---|---|---|
| Clicks every few minutes, no cooling | Start relay/overload/capacitor | WP2154697, WPW10662129, WP2319792 |
| Runs constantly, still warm | Sealed system or airflow issue | (Airflow checks first) |
| Breaker trips when it tries to start | Compressor or start components | WP2154697, WPW10662129 |
A compressor replacement is a sealed-system repair and is typically more involved than replacing a relay or capacitor. Confirming the start components and airflow first can save time and avoid replacing the wrong part.
Last updated: January 2026
What is the code Sy Ef on a Kenmore refrigerator?
On Kenmore model 10656666500, an SY EF (or 5Y EF) code points to a problem in the evaporator fan circuit. In practice, that usually means the evaporator fan is not running correctly due to a failed fan motor, a wiring issue, or a control problem; see the 10656666500 user manual for operating and care details.
- Power reset: unplug the refrigerator (or switch off the breaker) for 5 minutes, then restore power.
- Make sure the freezer door closes fully and the door switch is being pressed.
- Listen for the evaporator fan: it typically runs when the compressor is running and the door switch is closed.
- Look for heavy frost on the freezer back wall; frost buildup can stop airflow and make the fan struggle.
- Confirm vents are not blocked by food packages.
If the code returns after a reset, these model-compatible parts are often involved:
- Evaporator motor WP2315548 (drives airflow across the evaporator coil)
- Refrigerator evaporator fan blade WP2169142 (can crack, slip, or ice up and stop moving air)
- Wiring/connectors between the fan and control (inspect for loose pins or corrosion)
| What you notice | Most likely issue | What it affects |
|---|---|---|
| Freezer cold, fresh food warm | Evaporator fan not moving air | Refrigerator section cooling |
| Loud buzzing or rubbing noise | Fan blade hitting ice or shroud | Airflow and noise |
| Code appears after frost buildup | Defrost problem leading to ice | Fan operation and airflow |
The evaporator fan is what moves cold air through both compartments. When the fan circuit fails, temperatures can rise quickly, ice production can drop, and food can spoil even if the compressor still runs.
For more model-family troubleshooting, we also use the Kenmore 106 model refrigerator error codes guide to interpret display codes and next steps.
Last updated: January 2026
Where is the model number located on a Kenmore side by side refrigerator?
On Kenmore side-by-side refrigerator model 10656666500, the model and serial number label is located on the inside wall of the refrigerator (fresh food) compartment. Open the refrigerator door and look along the interior side wall for the tag; it lists the full model and serial.
- Open the refrigerator (fresh food) door, not the freezer door
- Check the inside wall near the front edge of the cabinet liner
- Look around the upper side wall area where labels are easy to read
- If you do not see it immediately, check the lower side wall area behind bins
- Use a flashlight; the print can be small
The tag typically includes:
- Model number (for this unit: 10656666500)
- Serial number
- Electrical ratings
- Sometimes a bar code
We use the exact model number to match compatible parts and diagrams for your refrigerator, especially for items like the water filter, ice maker, door bins, and control components.
| What you need | Where it’s found on 10656666500 | What to write down |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | Inside wall of refrigerator compartment | Full model (all digits) |
| Serial number | Same label as model number | Full serial |
For more details and examples of label placement, see the 10656666500 use & care manual.
Last updated: January 2026
Why is my Kenmore side by side ice maker not working?
If your Kenmore side-by-side refrigerator model 10656666500 ice maker isn’t making ice, the most common causes are the ice maker being switched OFF, a water supply problem, or restricted water flow (often from a clogged filter or a failing inlet valve). Use the steps below to pinpoint the issue using your 10656666500 use & care manual.
- Confirm the ice maker switch is ON (the ON/OFF switch is in the freezer compartment).
- Allow enough time: after restoring water or power, it can take up to 24 hours to start producing ice; discard the first three batches.
- Make sure the freezer is cold enough for ice production (ice makers typically need a properly freezing compartment).
- Check the shutoff valve at the house and verify the supply line behind the refrigerator is not kinked.
- If you recently installed the refrigerator or changed the filter, flush the water system to clear air.
On model 10656666500, low water flow can prevent the ice maker mold from filling.
- Clogged water filter: A restricted filter can reduce flow to the ice maker.
- Frozen or blocked fill tube: Ice in the fill tube can stop water from entering the ice maker.
- Weak or failed inlet valve: If the valve doesn’t open reliably, the ice maker won’t get water.
If you suspect a valve issue, the compatible replacement for this model is the refrigerator inlet valve W10408179.
| Symptom | Most likely cause | What we recommend checking |
|---|---|---|
| No ice at all, water dispenser also weak | Restricted water supply or filter | Filter, shutoff valve, supply line |
| No ice, dispenser water seems normal | Ice maker issue or frozen fill tube | Fill tube, ice maker switch, ice maker assembly |
| Ice maker cycles but mold stays dry | Inlet valve not filling | Inlet valve, water line to valve |
If the ice maker itself has failed mechanically or electrically, a common compatible assembly for this model is the whirlpool refrigerator ice maker assembly 2198597.
An ice maker depends on steady water pressure and correct freezer conditions. Fixing a simple restriction (filter, kinked line, air in the line) can restore ice quickly and helps prevent repeat failures of the valve or ice maker.
Last updated: January 2026





