Kenmore 25356973602 refrigerator Parts

On Kenmore side-by-side refrigerator model 25356973602, the model number is on the serial plate inside the refrigerator compartment (fresh food section). Open the refrigerator door and look along the interior walls near the top area for the label; it lists both the model and serial numbers. See the 25356973602 owner's manual for the exact label location callout.

What to look for on the serial plate

The serial plate typically includes several fields. Use these to confirm you have the right information before ordering parts like a water filter or door gasket.

• Model number (for this unit, it starts with 253)
• Serial number (unique to your refrigerator)
• Electrical ratings (volts/amps)
• Manufacturing information

Quick steps to find it fast

1. Open the fresh food (refrigerator) door.
2. Check the inside walls of the refrigerator compartment, especially upper areas.
3. Wipe dust or residue lightly so the numbers are readable.
4. Write the model number exactly as shown (all digits).

Cleaning tip (so the label stays readable)

The use and care guide specifies cleaning the serial plate with soap and water only.

Do	Do not
Use a soft cloth with mild soap and water	Use abrasive pads or harsh cleaners
Dry the label after wiping	Scrub hard enough to remove printing

Why it matters

We use the model number to match the correct Kenmore 25356973602 parts list and diagrams. That prevents ordering the wrong items, especially model-specific parts like the genuine Kenmore refrigerator water filter WF2CB or door gaskets.

You can order replacement parts from the parts list for model 25356973602, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

Most Kenmore side-by-side refrigerators are about 32 to 36 inches wide; for your Kenmore 25356973602, the exact cabinet width and required clearance are listed in the installation guide and often repeated in the owner's manual.

Typical widths and what to plan for

Side-by-side refrigerators come in a few common “footprints.” Even when the cabinet width is similar, door swing and handle depth can change the space you need.

• Common cabinet width: 32 to 36 inches
• Common “full-size” width: about 36 inches
• Counter-depth models: often 32 to 36 inches wide (depth is what changes most)
• Clearance needs: extra space for door swing, leveling, and airflow

Measure the right way (so it fits the opening)

We recommend measuring both the refrigerator and the installation space before ordering parts like a door, gasket, or handle.

• Measure cabinet width (box only), not just door-to-door
• Measure overall width with doors/handles (widest point)
• Check door swing clearance (especially next to a wall)
• Confirm opening width at the front and back (walls can be out of square)
• Verify leveling and tilt requirements; many installs call for a slight tilt back for proper door closing

Quick reference: what “width” can mean

Measurement you see	What it includes	Why it matters
Cabinet width	Main box only	Determines if it physically fits between cabinets
Overall width	Doors and sometimes handles	Prevents surprises with trim, panels, or tight openings
Required clearance	Space around unit	Helps doors seal, improves airflow, reduces rubbing

Why it matters

Getting the width right prevents door seal gaps, rubbing doors, and poor cooling from restricted airflow. It also helps when replacing fit-sensitive parts such as the refrigerator gasket 241786013 or refrigerator freezer gasket 241786014.

If you need replacement parts for Kenmore 25356973602, we list model-matched options on the parts list for this model; you can also search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

A Kenmore side-by-side refrigerator like model 25356973602 usually stops cooling because power is interrupted, the temperature controls are set incorrectly, airflow is blocked, or the unit is in a normal defrost cycle. Dirty condenser coils and leaky door seals can also prevent proper cooling; check the 25356973602 owner's manual for the exact control locations and care steps.

Quick checks we recommend first

• Confirm the outlet has power and the plug is fully seated.
• Make sure the freezer control is not set to OFF.
• Wait 30 minutes if it just went quiet; an automatic defrost cycle can run about that long.
• Check that vents are not blocked by food packages.
• Verify both doors close tightly and the cabinet is level.
• Clean the condenser area; a dirty condenser makes temperatures run warm.

Most common causes and what to do

Symptom	Likely cause	What to do next
No lights, no fan, no compressor	No power, tripped breaker, blown fuse	Restore power; reset breaker or replace fuse (15 amp time-delay).
Runs a lot but still warm	Dirty condenser, frequent door openings, door slightly open	Clean condenser; reduce door openings; remove items preventing closure.
Warm fridge and freezer after being unplugged/moved	Normal cooldown time	Allow 8 to 12 hours to cool completely; avoid frequent openings.
Frost buildup, weak airflow	Air vents blocked, door seal leak	Clear vents; inspect/clean seals; replace if torn (see parts below).

Parts that commonly relate to cooling complaints

If you find a clear door-seal problem, these model-matched parts are commonly used:

• Refrigerator gasket 241786013 (fresh food door seal)
• Refrigerator freezer gasket 241786014 (freezer door seal)

Why it matters

Cooling problems often come from airflow and heat removal issues, not just the compressor. A blocked vent, dirty condenser, or door that does not seal forces the refrigerator to run longer and still miss target temperatures.

You can order replacement parts for model 25356973602 from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

A bad compressor on your Kenmore 25356973602 usually shows up as poor cooling with the unit trying to run (humming, repeated clicking, or running a long time) or not running at all. Before condemning the compressor, we rule out power, controls, airflow, and dirty condenser issues using the checks in the owner's manual.

Quick symptoms that point toward a compressor problem

• Refrigerator and freezer are warm even though the unit runs for long periods
• Repeated clicking every few minutes (start attempt, then shutoff)
• Compressor is very hot to the touch after trying to run (use caution)
• No normal compressor hum at all, and cooling never starts
• Cooling is intermittent, especially after a power dip (low voltage can damage compressors)

Checks to do first (often not the compressor)

Unplug the refrigerator before any inspection to avoid electrical shock.

• Confirm steady power: Plug directly into a properly grounded 3-prong outlet (no extension cord or adapter). Voltage that varies by about 10% or more can affect performance and damage the compressor.
• Make sure cooling is actually on: On this style, pressing and holding the On/Off button for 3 seconds disables cooling but leaves lights powered.
• Allow for defrost: A defrost cycle is normal and can last about 30 minutes; during that time cooling pauses.
• Listen for normal sounds: This model can make clicking (controls), a high-pitched hum (compressor), and fan airflow sounds; those can be normal.
• Check door sealing and run time causes: A slightly open door, frequent openings, or a worn gasket can make the refrigerator run too long.

What the symptoms usually mean

What you notice	Most common cause	What we do next
Clicks, then stops; warm inside	Start device/overload, compressor locked	Electrical tests by a technician; inspect start components
Runs constantly; not cold	Sealed system issue or weak compressor	Check airflow, condenser cleanliness, then sealed system diagnosis
Not running at all	Control setting, defrost, power issue	Verify controls, outlet, and defrost timing

Why it matters

Replacing a compressor is a sealed-system repair; confirming basics first prevents unnecessary parts and downtime. If you do need a major cooling-system repair, ordering the correct model-matched part is critical.

For model-matched sealed-system parts, we list options such as the refrigerator compressor 5304475098 for Kenmore 25356973602, and you can also search by model on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

The most common problems we see on Kenmore refrigerators like model 25356973602 are warm temperatures from airflow or defrost issues, water leaks from drain or seal problems, ice maker and dispenser jams, and unusual noises from fans. Your 25356973602 owner's manual also points to dirty condenser coils and door gasket fit as frequent causes.

Most common symptoms and what usually causes them

• Not cooling or too warm: dirty condenser coils, evaporator fan problems, door left slightly open, or a defrost cycle/defrost failure
• Runs too long: frequent door openings, hot room conditions, dirty condenser, worn door gaskets
• Water leaking or puddles: clogged defrost drain, loose water line connections, door gasket not sealing
• Ice maker or dispenser issues: ice clumping in the bin, dispenser mechanism jam, low water flow from a restricted filter
• No interior light: burned-out appliance bulb (often 40 watts)

Quick checks we recommend first (fast, no parts guessing)

1. Confirm door seal and closure: a slightly open door can warm temps and increase run time.
2. Clean the condenser: the manual lists a dirty condenser as a common cause of warm temps and long run times.
3. Give temps time to stabilize: after changing controls, allow 24 hours for temperatures to settle.
4. Check the ice bin for clumps: if cubes freeze together, remove the bin and shake to loosen; do not use sharp tools.
5. Replace the water filter on schedule: restricted flow can affect water dispensing and ice production.

Parts that commonly solve these problems

Symptom	Common fix	Example part for 25356973602
Warm fridge/freezer, frost buildup	Defrost system service	Refrigerator defrost bi-metal thermostat 5303918214
Noisy or warm temps from poor airflow	Evaporator fan service	Refrigerator evaporator fan blade 5308000010
Poor water flow, bad-tasting water	Replace filter	Genuine Kenmore refrigerator water filter WF2CB
Door not sealing, moisture, warm spots	Replace gasket	Refrigerator freezer gasket 241786014

Why it matters

Most “not cooling” complaints come down to airflow and heat exchange. Clean coils, good door gaskets, and a working evaporator/defrost system keep temperatures stable, protect food, and reduce compressor run time.

You can order replacement parts for Kenmore 25356973602 from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026