How to replace an ice maker in a side by side refrigerator?
To replace the ice maker in your Kenmore side-by-side refrigerator model 10656936600, we disconnect power, shut off the water supply, remove the ice bin and mounting screws, swap the ice maker assembly, then restore water and power and allow time for the first ice. See the 10656936600 owner's manual for model-specific switch and bin details.
Before you start (safety and prep)
- Unplug the refrigerator or disconnect power before servicing.
- Turn off the household water shutoff valve feeding the refrigerator.
- Turn the ice maker OFF (switch or shutoff arm, depending on your setup).
- Empty the ice storage bin so it is lighter and easier to handle.
- Protect the floor; water can drip when the fill tube or line is moved.
Replacement steps (typical for this Kenmore 106 series)
- Turn ice production off: open the freezer door and switch the ice maker to OFF (the manual shows the ON/OFF switch location at the top right area of the freezer compartment on some versions).
- Remove the ice storage bin:
- Pull the covering panel up from the bottom and slide it back.
- Lift the shutoff arm to the OFF (up) position if equipped.
- Lift the front of the bin and pull it out.
- Remove the ice maker assembly:
- Remove mounting screws.
- Unplug the wire harness connector.
- Slide the ice maker off the mounting tabs/bracket.
- Install the new ice maker:
- Transfer any bracket/stripper pieces from the old unit if your replacement requires it.
- Hang the new ice maker on the tabs, reinstall screws, and reconnect the harness.
- Reassemble and restart:
- Reinstall the ice bin fully (it must seat all the way for the dispenser to work).
- Turn water back on, check for leaks, plug the refrigerator back in.
- Turn the ice maker ON and close the freezer door tightly.
What to expect after installation
| Item | Normal expectation |
|---|---|
| First ice | Up to 24 hours |
| Full production | Up to 3 days |
| Early cubes | May be smaller or irregular at first |
Why it matters
A loose harness connection, a bin not pushed in completely, or leaving the ice maker switched OFF are the most common reasons a new ice maker will not cycle. Following the OFF/ON and bin steps in the manual prevents “no ice” right after a replacement.
Helpful parts for this model
- If you are replacing the full assembly, use the correct ice maker for this model: refrigerator ice maker WPW10190965.
Last updated: February 2026
How wide is a Kenmore side by side refrigerator?
For Kenmore side-by-side refrigerator model 10656936600, the cabinet is typically built for a 36-inch-wide opening. For the exact overall width (including doors and handles), we recommend confirming the dimensions listed in the 10656936600 owner's manual.
What “36-inch wide” usually means
Most Kenmore 106-series side-by-side refrigerators are designed to fit a standard 36-inch space, but the measured width can vary depending on what you include.
- Cabinet width: usually about 35 1/2 inches
- Overall width (doors closed): often close to 36 inches
- Overall width with handles: can be wider than 36 inches
- Door swing clearance: needs extra space beside the unit
- Leveling: affects door alignment and how the unit sits in the opening
Clearance you should plan for
The manual guidance for ventilation and door swing clearance is just as important as the width measurement.
| What you’re planning for | Typical requirement | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Side and top ventilation | 1/2 inch each side and top | Helps cooling performance |
| Space next to a fixed wall | 2 inches minimum (each side, depending on model) | Allows doors to swing open |
| Back clearance (ice maker models) | Extra space for water line | Prevents kinked tubing |
How to measure your refrigerator correctly
Use a tape measure and check these points with the doors closed.
- Measure across the cabinet (left case edge to right case edge)
- Measure across the widest point (often the doors)
- Measure including handles if they stick out past the doors
- Measure at the front and at the back (walls can be out of square)
- Confirm you still have the clearances listed in the 10656936600 installation guide
Why it matters
A side-by-side that is even slightly too wide (or lacks door-swing clearance) can cause installation headaches, poor ventilation, and doors that do not open fully. Planning for both width and clearance helps the refrigerator cool properly and fit comfortably.
Last updated: February 2026
What are the dimensions of a Kenmore elite?
Kenmore Elite dimensions vary by the exact model and style (side-by-side, top freezer, French door). For your Kenmore side-by-side refrigerator model 10656936600, the most accurate dimensions and clearance requirements are listed in the 10656936600 owner's manual and the 10656936600 installation guide.
Typical Kenmore Elite refrigerator size ranges
If you are comparing “Kenmore Elite” models in general, most full-size refrigerators fall into these common ranges:
- Width: about 30 to 36 inches
- Height: about 66 to 71 inches (without hinge caps on many models)
- Depth: about 30 to 35 inches (cabinet), often deeper with handles
- Capacity: commonly 20 to 30+ cu. ft.
Measure the right way (so it fits)
We recommend measuring both the refrigerator and the path into the kitchen.
- Measure width, height, and depth of the space
- Add clearance for door swing and drawer pull-out
- Allow airflow space behind and above the cabinet (per the installation instructions)
- Check for baseboard, trim, and countertop overhang interference
- Measure doorways and turns; remove doors/handles if needed
Quick fit checklist
| What you are checking | What to measure | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Opening width | Wall-to-wall at front and back | Prevents binding and vibration |
| Opening height | Floor to cabinet/soffit | Avoids hinge and leveling issues |
| Depth | Wall to front edge of counters | Prevents sticking out too far |
| Door clearance | Space to fully open doors | Ensures bins and crisper pans can slide out |
Why it matters
A refrigerator that is even 1 inch too wide or too tall can be impossible to install without cabinet changes. Using the model-specific installation dimensions also helps prevent poor cooling caused by restricted airflow.
Last updated: February 2026
What are the most common problems with Kenmore refrigerators?
The most common Kenmore refrigerator problems are cooling issues, water leaks, ice maker or dispenser failures, and unusual noises. On Kenmore model 10656936600, these symptoms usually trace back to airflow restrictions (dirty coils or a bad fan), defrost system trouble, or water system parts such as the filter or inlet valve; our 10656936600 owner's manual troubleshooting section walks through the first checks.
Most common symptoms and what they usually mean
- Not cooling or warm temperatures: dirty condenser coils, evaporator fan problem, or defrost failure causing frost buildup
- Water under the refrigerator: clogged defrost drain, loose water line, or a leaking valve
- No ice or slow ice production: restricted water supply, clogged filter, or ice maker issue
- Water dispenser weak or not dispensing: clogged filter, frozen water line, or valve problem
- Buzzing, rattling, or clicking: fan blade hitting ice, loose panels, or compressor start components
Quick checks we recommend first (fast, low-cost)
- Confirm the refrigerator has power and the controls are turned on.
- Allow 24 hours after installation for full cooling.
- Clean condenser coils and make sure airflow around the cabinet is clear.
- Check door sealing and closing; warm air leaks create frost and moisture.
- If water or ice is affected, replace the filter and flush the water system.
Parts that commonly solve these problems on model 10656936600
| Symptom | Common part to inspect/replace | What it affects |
|---|---|---|
| Weak water flow, no ice | Refrigerator water filter EDR3RXD1 | Water quality and flow to dispenser and ice maker |
| No water to dispenser/ice maker | Refrigerator inlet valve W10408179 | Opens to send water into the refrigerator |
| Frost buildup, warm fridge | Refrigerator defrost heater WP2323198 or refrigerator defrost bi-metal WPW10225581 | Defrost heat and defrost temperature sensing |
| No ice production | Refrigerator ice maker WPW10190965 | Harvests and fills ice cubes |
Why it matters
Most “big” refrigerator complaints start as small maintenance or airflow problems. Catching them early helps protect food temperatures, reduces compressor run time, and prevents repeat ice maker and dispenser issues.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the cubic foot of my Kenmore refrigerator model 10656936600?
Your Kenmore side-by-side refrigerator model 10656936600 has a total capacity of 21.9 cu. ft. (combined fresh food and freezer volume). That number is the published overall volume; the usable space you feel day to day changes with the ice maker, bins, and shelf layout.
Where the capacity is listed
The most reliable place to confirm the exact capacity and any notes about how it is measured is the model documentation.
- Check the product data sheet/specifications section in the 10656936600 owner's manual
- Use the listed total volume for comparisons with other refrigerators
- Expect slightly less usable room if you keep a full ice bin installed
- Keep air vents clear; blocked airflow makes storage feel tighter and hurts cooling
What “21.9 cu. ft.” means for storage
“Cubic feet” is the total interior volume measurement; it is not a promise of how much food fits once shelves, drawers, and the ice system are installed.
| Item in the refrigerator | What it affects | What you notice |
|---|---|---|
| Ice maker and ice bin | Freezer usable space | Less room for bulky frozen items |
| Door bins and drawers | Organization | Easier stacking, less wasted space |
| Shelf position | Tall-item clearance | Better fit for pitchers and platters |
Parts that can restore usable space
If storage feels limited because bins or drawers are cracked or missing, replacing them brings back the original layout.
- Refrigerator crisper pan WP2188656 for produce drawer space
- Refrigerator meat pan WP2188664 for deli/snack storage
- Refrigerator ice bin WPW10670845 to keep ice contained and organized
Why it matters
Knowing the correct cubic-foot rating helps you compare models accurately, plan food storage, and avoid overpacking that blocks vents and causes warm spots.
Last updated: February 2026
What's the average lifespan of a Kenmore refrigerator?
Most Kenmore refrigerators average 10 to 15 years of service life. For a Kenmore 10656936600 side-by-side refrigerator, regular maintenance (cleaning, airflow, and sealing) and fixing small problems early are what most often determine whether it reaches the high end of that range.
Typical lifespan and what affects it
A refrigerator’s life is mainly driven by compressor run time, heat removal, and how hard the sealed system has to work.
- Condenser coil cleanliness (dust makes the compressor work hotter and longer)
- Door gasket condition (air leaks cause constant running and frost)
- Proper air circulation inside the cabinet (blocked vents create warm spots)
- Stable temperatures (freezer around 0°F, fresh food around 37°F)
- Timely repairs for cooling, defrost, and fan issues
Maintenance schedule we recommend
Use this as a simple baseline; follow the model-specific steps in the 10656936600 owner's manual.
| Task | How often | Why it helps lifespan |
|---|---|---|
| Clean condenser coils and grille area | Every 6 to 12 months | Reduces compressor heat and run time |
| Check/clean door gaskets | Every 3 to 6 months | Prevents air leaks and frost buildup |
| Confirm vents are not blocked by food | Monthly | Keeps temperatures even |
| Replace water filter (if equipped) | About every 6 months | Protects water flow and taste |
Signs your refrigerator is nearing end of life
These symptoms usually mean the refrigerator is working harder than it should:
- Runs almost constantly or is unusually loud
- Freezer stays cold but fresh food warms up
- Heavy frost on the evaporator cover or recurring defrost problems
- Water leaking inside or under the unit
- Ice maker or dispenser performance keeps declining
Why it matters
A refrigerator that is struggling to cool typically uses more electricity and can shorten the life of major components like the compressor, evaporator fan, and defrost system. Preventive care is the most reliable way to get the full expected lifespan.
Last updated: February 2026
Where is the model number on a Kenmore side by side refrigerator?
On Kenmore side-by-side refrigerator model 10656936600, the model number is printed on the appliance identification label. We typically find this label inside the fresh food (refrigerator) compartment on a side wall or near the top, and sometimes behind the base grille area.
Where to look first (fastest checks)
- Open the refrigerator door and check the left and right interior walls
- Look near the ceiling of the fresh food compartment (around the control housing)
- Check around the crisper drawer frame area
- If you do not see it inside, check behind or near the base grille at the bottom front
- As a last step, check the back exterior panel area (label location varies by production run)
What the label looks like and what you need
The label usually lists both a model number and a serial number. For parts lookup and diagrams, we use the model number (for example, 10656936600).
| Item on label | What it’s used for | Example format |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | Matching parts and diagrams | 10656936600 |
| Serial number | Identifying production details | Letters plus numbers |
Why it matters
Kenmore model numbers can be very similar, and a single digit difference can change the correct water filter, ice maker, door gasket, or control part. Using the exact model number helps us match the right parts the first time.
Helpful reference
For model-specific label locations and cabinet access points, use the 10656936600 owner's manual.
Last updated: February 2026





