Kenmore 10656796603 side-by-side refrigerator Parts

On Kenmore model 10656796603 side-by-side refrigerators, the model number is printed on the appliance identification label (the same label that lists the serial number). You typically find this label inside the fresh food compartment, along the side wall near the top or around the door opening.

Common places to check first

Look for a white or silver sticker or plate with MODEL and SERIAL fields in these spots:

• Inside the refrigerator section on the left or right side wall
• On the ceiling of the fresh food compartment near the light housing
• Along the front frame (cabinet liner) behind the refrigerator door seal
• Behind the base grille area (less common, but worth a quick check)

What the label looks like

The label usually includes both identifiers:

What you need	How it’s shown on the label	Why it helps
Model number	“MODEL” followed by numbers/letters	Ensures you get the correct parts list and diagrams
Serial number	“SERIAL” followed by a longer code	Helps match production details for service and parts

Why it matters

Kenmore refrigerators often have similar-looking doors, shelves, ice makers, and water filter housings across multiple models. Using the exact model number helps us match the right replacement parts (like a water filter, ice maker, or door cam) the first time.

Tip for parts matching

Once you find the model number, compare it character-for-character before ordering. For this model, a commonly replaced item is the genuine Kenmore refrigerator water filter EDR3RXD1; your owner's manual also lists the replacement filter as part #9030.

Last updated: February 2026

Your Kenmore side-by-side refrigerator model 10656796603 has its exact cubic-foot capacity listed in the specifications section of the 10656796603 owner's manual. If you need a quick confirmation without paperwork, the model and serial rating label inside the fresh food compartment is the fastest place to verify the correct model and specs.

Where to find the capacity (best options)

• Check the specifications pages in the 10656796603 owner's manual.
• Look for the model and serial rating label inside the refrigerator section (often on a side wall or near the crisper area).
• If you are comparing similar Kenmore 106 models, use the exact full model number (all digits) to avoid mixing capacities.

Quick capacity estimate (when you just need a ballpark)

Most full-size Kenmore side-by-side refrigerators are typically in this range:

Refrigerator type	Typical capacity range
Side-by-side (full size)	20 to 26 cu. ft.
Compact / apartment size	10 to 18 cu. ft.

Why the exact number matters

Capacity affects how you shop for and use your refrigerator: shelf and bin layouts, food storage planning, and even expectations for ice production and airflow. It also helps when ordering model-matched parts like a genuine Kenmore refrigerator water filter EDR3RXD1 or diagnosing dispenser performance.

Related tip for this model

If you are already checking the manual for specs, it also covers water and ice dispenser features, the water filter status light, and water system preparation steps that can prevent low-flow issues after a filter change.

Last updated: February 2026

On Kenmore side-by-side refrigerator model 10656796603, a “not cooling” problem is usually caused by a control setting turned to OFF, blocked air vents that stop airflow between compartments, or a failed cooling-system component such as the evaporator fan or compressor. Confirm the simple airflow and control issues first using the owner's manual.

Quick checks we recommend first

• Verify the refrigerator control is not set to OFF (the unit will not cool in OFF).
• Check that air vents are not blocked by food packages (blocked vents prevent proper airflow and temperature control).
• Give the refrigerator time after changes; temperature changes stabilize over about 24 hours.
• Listen for the evaporator fan running; it circulates air through the refrigerator and freezer.
• Confirm doors close fully and seals are making contact all the way around.

Common causes and what they look like

What’s happening	Most likely cause	What you’ll notice
Freezer and fresh food both warm	Airflow blocked or cooling system not running	Little to no air movement, temps rising in both sections
Freezer cold, refrigerator warm	Vent blockage or airflow issue	Freezer ok, top vent into refrigerator weak
Intermittent cooling	Control setting drift or fan issue	Temps swing, fan noise changes when doors open

Parts that commonly relate to “not cooling” symptoms

If the basic checks do not fix it, these model-compatible parts are often involved in cooling complaints:

• Refrigerator evaporator fan motor WP2315549 (moves cold air through compartments)
• Refrigerator electronic control WPW10135901 (manages cooling operation)
• Refrigerator compressor W10309990 (drives the sealed cooling system)
• Refrigerator defrost bi-metal thermostat WPW10225581 (helps control defrost cycling)

Why it matters

This refrigerator is designed to circulate cold air between the freezer and refrigerator sections. When vents are blocked or the fan is not moving air, the temperature controls cannot regulate properly, so food warms even though the unit may still sound like it is running.

Last updated: February 2026

Kenmore model numbers are read left to right; the first three digits are the source (manufacturer) code, and the remaining digits identify the design series and specific variation. For your Kenmore side-by-side refrigerator model 10656796603, the 106 prefix is the key identifier we use to match the correct parts list and documentation such as the owner's manual.

Where to find the model number on a refrigerator

We typically see the model and serial tag in one of these spots:

• Inside the fresh food compartment on a side wall
• On the ceiling of the refrigerator compartment near the light
• Behind the crisper drawers area
• On the cabinet frame near the door hinge side
• Occasionally on the back of the unit near the lower access panel

How to interpret a Kenmore model number (quick breakdown)

Kenmore numbers usually follow a consistent pattern:

• Prefix (first 3 digits): identifies the manufacturing source code
• Middle digits: identify the product platform or series
• Last digits: identify feature and production variations (color, options, revisions)

Example using your model

Section	Example	What it tells you	Why it matters
Prefix	106	Source code used for parts matching	Ensures diagrams and parts fit your refrigerator
Remaining digits	56796603	Series and variation	Narrows to the exact configuration

Why the prefix matters when ordering parts

We use the full model number to ensure parts fit correctly, but the prefix is especially helpful when you are comparing similar-looking Kenmore refrigerators.

Common examples of parts that must match the exact model variation include:

• Refrigerator water filter and filter cap
• Ice maker and ice container
• Electronic control and temperature control
• Door gaskets, shelves, and bins

If you are replacing a water filter for this model, the manual lists replacement filter part number 9030, and a compatible replacement on this model page is the genuine Kenmore refrigerator water filter EDR3RXD1.

Helpful tip for faster parts matching

Use the full model number exactly as printed on the tag (including all digits). For this refrigerator, that is 10656796603.

Last updated: February 2026

For Kenmore model 10656796603 side-by-side refrigerators, the most common issues we see are warm temperatures (airflow or defrost problems), water leaks (drain or water-line issues), ice maker and dispenser troubles, and “new” noises that are often normal operating sounds. Use the owner's manual troubleshooting section to match symptoms to the right checks.

Most common symptoms and what usually causes them

• Not cooling or weak cooling: dirty condenser coils, blocked vents, evaporator fan not moving air, or frost buildup from a defrost problem
• Ice maker not making ice: water supply issue, frozen fill tube, or a failing ice maker module
• Water dispenser slow or not dispensing: clogged water filter, low house water pressure, or a sticking inlet valve
• Water leaking or puddles: clogged defrost drain, loose water line, or a cracked reservoir/tube
• Noises: buzzing when the water valve opens, fan and compressor “pulsing,” sizzling/gurgling during defrost, popping as panels expand and contract

Quick checks we recommend first (fast, high-impact)

• Confirm controls are on and allow 24 hours after a new install or major temperature change for full stabilization.
• Make sure doors fully close and nothing inside is holding them open.
• Check for blocked airflow: keep packages away from return vents in both compartments.
• If water or ice is acting up, replace the filter on schedule; for this model, the compatible filter is genuine Kenmore refrigerator water filter EDR3RXD1.
• If you hear buzzing during ice maker fill, that is commonly the inlet valve energizing; persistent no-fill points to the refrigerator water inlet valve W10408179.

Symptom-to-part cheat sheet (common matches)

Symptom	Most likely area	Parts often involved for 10656796603
Warm fridge/freezer	Airflow/defrost	Evaporator fan motor, defrost thermostat, electronic control
No ice	Water supply/ice maker	Ice maker, inlet valve, water tube
Slow water	Filtration/valve	Water filter, inlet valve
Frost buildup	Defrost system	Defrost bi-metal thermostat

Why it matters

Most “big” refrigerator complaints come down to airflow (fans, vents, frost) or water flow (filter, valve, tubing). Fixing the right root cause protects food temperatures, prevents repeat leaks, and reduces compressor run time.

Last updated: February 2026