What are side-by-side refrigerators?
A side-by-side refrigerator has two full-height vertical compartments: the fresh food section on one side and the freezer on the other. On many Jenn-Air models like JSD2697KEY, this layout also supports in-door ice and water features; see the owner's manual for your exact controls and features.
How the layout works
Side-by-side designs prioritize easy access to both refrigerated and frozen foods without bending as much as a bottom-freezer style.
- Two tall doors open from the center
- Refrigerator and freezer run top-to-bottom
- Narrow shelves help organize items by height
- Commonly includes an ice maker and dispenser area (model dependent)
- Door gaskets and shelf placement matter for airflow and efficiency
What you can expect on the Jenn-Air JSD2697KEY
Your JSD2697KEY manual covers freezer shelves, baskets/drawers, and ice storage bin handling, plus ice and water operation and water filter information.
| Feature area | What it means for daily use |
|---|---|
| Freezer shelves and bins | Adjustable storage; bins slide out for access |
| Ice storage bin (select models) | Bin must be seated/locked correctly for proper operation |
| Ice and water section | Includes operating steps like flushing water and discarding early ice |
Why it matters
This split design makes it easier to keep frequently used items at eye level, but it also depends on good airflow and tight door seals. Keeping shelves clear (no liners that block vents) and keeping doors closed helps maintain stable temperatures and efficient cooling.
Last updated: February 2026
Why is my Jenn Air refrigerator not getting cold?
If your Jenn-Air JSD2697KEY refrigerator is running but not getting cold, the most common causes are dirty condenser coils, blocked airflow (rear air grille or vents), or temperature controls set incorrectly. We recommend checking airflow and control settings first, then cleaning the condenser coils.
Quick checks (fastest fixes first)
- Confirm the refrigerator is plugged in and has power (lights on).
- Verify the temperature settings; adjust only 1 degree at a time and wait 24 hours for temperatures to stabilize.
- Make sure the rear air grille and interior vents are not blocked by food packages.
- Check that both doors close and seal fully (no gaps, no items holding the door open).
- If the unit seems “stuck,” wait about 40 minutes; it may be in a normal defrost cycle.
Temperature control tips for JSD2697KEY
The control display shows the setting briefly, then returns to the actual compartment temperature. For best results, make small changes and give the refrigerator time to respond (see the owner's manual).
| Symptom | What to do | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator too warm | Set refrigerator control to the next colder setting | Improvement after 24 hours |
| Freezer too warm | Set freezer control to the next colder setting | Improvement after 24 hours |
| Compressor not running but lights on | Wait for defrost to end | Restart within about 40 minutes |
Airflow and fan issues to watch for
A side-by-side depends on steady airflow from the evaporator fan to move cold air.
- If you hear unusual fan noise or weak airflow, inspect the fan area for ice buildup.
- A damaged fan blade can reduce airflow and cooling.
If you suspect a fan problem, the refrigerator evaporator fan blade WP2169142 is a common related part.
Why it matters
Poor cooling is often an airflow or heat-release problem, not a sealed-system failure. Cleaning coils, clearing vents, and setting controls correctly can restore normal temperatures and prevent food spoilage.
Last updated: February 2026
How do I reset a Jenn Air refrigerator?
To reset your Jenn-Air JSD2697KEY refrigerator, we recommend turning the cooling system OFF at the temperature controls, waiting about 40 minutes, then turning cooling back ON. This resets the control logic and lets the compressor restart normally after a defrost or power interruption.
Reset options for model JSD2697KEY
1) Reset using the temperature controls (recommended)
Use the control panel to cycle cooling OFF and back ON:
- Press the freezer temperature pad until OFF appears in the display.
- Wait about 40 minutes.
- Press either the freezer or refrigerator temperature pad to turn cooling back ON.
- Set temperatures back to your normal settings.
- Allow 24 hours for temperatures to fully stabilize after changes.
These steps match the reset behavior described in the owner's manual.
2) Reset after a power issue (breaker reset)
If the refrigerator is unresponsive (no cooling), a power reset can help:
- Make sure the refrigerator is plugged in securely.
- Check the home breaker or fuse and restore power if needed.
- After power returns, wait up to 40 minutes for the compressor to restart (defrost timing can delay restart).
What to expect after a reset
| What you notice | What it usually means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Lights work but compressor is off | Defrost mode or restart delay | Wait ~40 minutes |
| Temps drift for a while | Normal stabilization | Avoid more adjustments for 24 hours |
| Ice maker stops after being off | Ice maker needs restart | Lower the ice maker arm and discard first batches |
Why it matters
A proper reset prevents rapid cycling and helps the compressor, evaporator fan, and temperature controls return to normal operation without chasing settings. If you recently changed the water filter or had the unit unplugged, a reset also pairs well with flushing and restarting ice production.
Last updated: February 2026





