How to clean the coils on a Kenmore side by side refrigerator?
To clean the condenser coils on your Kenmore side-by-side refrigerator model 10656664500, unplug the refrigerator, access the coil area (typically behind the base grille), then brush and vacuum off dust and pet hair so the unit can transfer heat properly and cool efficiently. See the 10656664500 owner's manual for model-specific access details.
Dirty condenser coils reduce heat transfer, which makes the compressor work harder and can lead to warmer temperatures, longer run times, and more noise. The manual notes that dirty condenser coils prevent air transfer and make the motor work harder.
- Unplug the refrigerator or disconnect power at the breaker.
- Pull the unit out carefully to avoid kinking the water line (if connected).
- Use a coil brush and a vacuum with a crevice tool.
- Wear gloves; coil fins and sheet metal edges can be sharp.
- Keep a flashlight handy to see under and behind the cabinet.
- Turn power off: Unplug the refrigerator.
- Access the coil area: Remove the base grille if your model has one (many side-by-sides place coils underneath or behind a toe grille).
- Dry brush first: Gently loosen packed dust from the coil surface and surrounding air passages.
- Vacuum thoroughly: Vacuum the loosened debris from coils, the floor area, and the front air intake.
- Clean the surrounding area: Dust buildup around the condenser fan area (if present) also restricts airflow.
- Reinstall the grille and restore power: Plug back in and confirm normal operation.
| Home situation | Typical cleaning interval |
|---|---|
| Pets or heavy dust | Every 3 months |
| Average household | Every 6 months |
| Low dust, no pets | Every 12 months |
- Confirm doors close fully and gaskets seal all the way around.
- Make sure vents inside the refrigerator and freezer are not blocked by food.
- If you also have water and ice issues, check for restricted flow from a clogged filter such as the genuine Kenmore refrigerator water filter EDR3RXD1.
Last updated: February 2026
How to read Kenmore model numbers?
Kenmore model numbers (including 10656664500) start with a 3-digit prefix that identifies the manufacturer, followed by digits that define the base design and the specific feature or color variation. We use the full model number to match the correct Kenmore refrigerator parts and diagrams.
Most Kenmore refrigerator model numbers break down like this:
- Prefix (first 3 digits): manufacturer code (example: 106)
- Middle digits: base model or platform family
- Ending digits: engineering revision, feature package, or cosmetic variation
- Full number matters: even one digit difference can change the correct water filter, ice maker, or door gasket
For Kenmore 10656664500, the model and serial label is typically located:
- Inside the refrigerator compartment
- On an inside wall (often near the crisper area)
- On a label that also lists the serial number
- Near where you can easily read it with the door open
The exact label location and how it is shown is covered in the 10656664500 owner's manual.
Kenmore used different manufacturers across product lines. The prefix helps narrow down which parts system and design family your refrigerator uses.
| What you have | What it tells us | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| 10656664500 | Prefix 106 + specific design/variation digits | Improves part matching accuracy |
| 106 (only) | Manufacturer family only | Not enough to choose exact parts |
Using the complete model number helps prevent common ordering issues, especially for parts that vary by revision:
- Refrigerator water filter
- Ice maker assembly
- Refrigerator inlet valve
- Door gasket panels
- Shelving and bins
If you are replacing the water filter on this model, the manual lists replacement filter Part #9020, and our matching part listing is the genuine Kenmore refrigerator water filter EDR3RXD1.
Last updated: February 2026
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 10656664500, we disconnect power, remove the ice bin, swap the ice maker assembly, then restore power and water so the unit can cycle and refill. Follow the wiring and mounting steps in the 10656664500 owner's manual.
- Unplug the refrigerator (or switch off the breaker); the manual calls out disconnecting power before servicing.
- Turn off the household water supply to the refrigerator.
- Empty the freezer area around the ice maker.
- Have a towel ready for a small amount of water in the fill tube.
- Use two people to move the refrigerator if you must pull it out.
- Remove the ice storage bin: hold the base with both hands, press the release button, and lift the bin up and out.
- Turn the ice maker off: slide the ice maker ON/OFF switch to OFF (right).
- Remove the old ice maker: take out the mounting screws, support the ice maker, and unplug the wire harness connector.
- Install the new ice maker: connect the wire harness, hang the ice maker on the mounting points, then tighten screws.
- Reinstall the bin: set it back on the door and push down to seat it securely.
- Restore water and power: turn water back on, plug in the refrigerator, then switch the ice maker to ON (left).
The manual guidance is:
| After replacement | Normal expectation |
|---|---|
| First ice | About 24 hours |
| Full bin | Up to 3 days |
If the ice maker still will not fill or harvest ice, these related parts are frequent causes:
- Whirlpool refrigerator ice maker assembly 2198597 (complete ice maker)
- Refrigerator inlet valve W10408179 (controls water flow to the ice maker)
- Frozen or restricted fill tube or water line (inspect for kinks or ice)
Replacing the ice maker correctly prevents leaks, protects the wire harness connection, and ensures the optical shutoff system can stop production when the bin is full.
Last updated: February 2026
How wide is a Kenmore side-by-side refrigerator?
For Kenmore side-by-side refrigerators like model 10656664500, the cabinet width is typically about 33 inches to 36 inches. For the exact width of your specific unit (including door and handle clearance), use the dimensions and installation section in the 10656664500 owner's manual.
Most side-by-side refrigerators fall into a few common width classes. The exact number depends on the cabinet, door design, and handle style.
- 33-inch class: common for tighter kitchen cutouts
- 36-inch class: very common “standard” full-size width
- Counter-depth models: can still be 36 inches wide, but are usually shallower front-to-back
- Handles: often add noticeable overall width beyond the cabinet
- Door swing clearance: needs extra space next to walls so doors open fully
We recommend measuring two ways so you know both the appliance size and the space it needs.
| What you measure | Where to measure | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Cabinet width | Metal case, not the doors | Confirms the “true” refrigerator width |
| Overall width | Widest point (often handles) | Confirms fit through doorways and in the cutout |
| Clearance width | Add side clearance for door swing | Prevents doors from hitting walls and improves access |
Your manual calls out ventilation and side clearance needs. As a practical rule for this style of Kenmore refrigerator:
- Plan for about 1/2 inch of space on each side and at the top for ventilation
- If the refrigerator sits next to a fixed wall, allow about 2 inches minimum on the wall side so the door can swing open
- Leave extra room behind the unit if you have an ice maker and water line connections
Width is only part of “will it fit.” Side clearance affects door swing, drawer access, airflow, and even how easily you can remove bins and shelves for cleaning.
Last updated: February 2026
What are the most common problems with Kenmore refrigerators?
The most common problems we see on Kenmore refrigerators like model 10656664500 are cooling issues, ice maker and water dispenser troubles, water leaks, door sealing problems, and unusual noises. Many of these start with airflow restrictions (dirty condenser coils or blocked vents) or a weak water supply to the ice maker.
- Not cooling or warm temperatures: dirty condenser coils, blocked air vents, defrost system trouble, or a fan problem
- Ice maker not making ice: freezer not cold enough, shutoff arm in OFF position, or water supply issue
- Water dispenser slow or no water: clogged filter, frozen water tube, or inlet valve problem
- Water leaking or puddles: clogged defrost drain, door left ajar, or poor door seal
- Doors not closing or hard to open: refrigerator not level, sticky/dirty gaskets, or door alignment issues
For model-specific troubleshooting steps (including power, control settings, coil cleaning, door sealing, and ice maker checks), use the 10656664500 owner's manual.
- Confirm power and controls are set correctly (not OFF).
- Clean the condenser coils (dirty coils reduce heat transfer and hurt cooling).
- Make sure interior air vents are not blocked by food packages.
- Check door closure and gasket seal all the way around.
- For ice maker issues, verify the freezer is cold enough and the shutoff arm is ON (arm down).
If you are troubleshooting water flow or ice production on 10656664500, these parts are frequent fixes:
| Symptom | Common part to check | Example from this model’s parts |
|---|---|---|
| Bad taste/slow water | Water filter | Refrigerator water filter EDR3RXD1 |
| No water to ice maker/dispenser | Water inlet valve | Refrigerator inlet valve W10408179 |
| Ice maker dead or inconsistent | Ice maker assembly | Refrigerator ice maker assembly 2198597 |
Most “big” refrigerator failures start as small maintenance issues. Cleaning coils, keeping vents clear, and maintaining a good door seal helps the compressor run less, protects food temperatures, and prevents ice maker and moisture problems.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the cubic foot of my Kenmore refrigerator model 10656664500?
Your Kenmore side-by-side refrigerator model 10656664500 has a total capacity of about 21.9 cubic feet. This is the overall (fresh food plus freezer) volume used for sizing, filter planning, and estimating storage space.
We recommend checking the specifications section in the 10656664500 owner's manual. That is the best place to confirm total capacity and any compartment breakdown (refrigerator vs. freezer) for your specific version.
Capacity helps you compare refrigerators, plan food storage, and estimate how long items stay frozen during an outage. For example, the manual’s outage guidance references using dry ice per cubic foot of freezer space.
- Comparing your refrigerator to a replacement model (overall size class)
- Estimating weekly grocery storage space for a household
- Planning freezer loading and outage prep (dry ice and food safety)
- Choosing maintenance items like a water filter replacement schedule
- Understanding why airflow and shelf layout can feel “smaller” than the rated volume
Rated cubic feet is measured volume, not “empty box” usable space. Shelves, bins, the ice maker, and air channels reduce what you can practically fit.
| Measurement type | What it represents | What you notice day to day |
|---|---|---|
| Total capacity (cu. ft.) | Fresh food + freezer combined | Overall size class (your 21.9 cu. ft.) |
| Usable space | Space after shelves, bins, ice maker | How much food actually fits |
| Freezer capacity | Freezer compartment only | Outage planning and bulk storage |
If you are planning maintenance around capacity and water use, these are common items for this model:
- Genuine Kenmore refrigerator water filter EDR3RXD1 (replacement filter used for the dispenser/ice system)
Last updated: February 2026
What's the average lifespan of a Kenmore refrigerator?
Most Kenmore refrigerators average 12 to 15 years of service life with normal household use. For your Kenmore model 10656664500, consistent cleaning, good airflow around the cabinet, and keeping door seals tight are the biggest factors that help you reach (or beat) that range; see the 10656664500 owner's manual for care and maintenance details.
We see these items make the biggest difference in how long a side-by-side refrigerator lasts:
- Condenser airflow: dust buildup and tight clearances make the compressor work harder.
- Door gasket condition: leaks cause longer run times and moisture issues.
- Defrost performance: frost buildup can restrict airflow and reduce cooling.
- Water and ice system upkeep: clogged filters and valves can strain components.
- Stable temperatures: frequent warm-ups from propped doors shorten component life.
Use this as a simple routine for the 10656664500:
- Vacuum dust from the front grille area and any accessible condenser area.
- Wipe door gaskets with mild soap and water; dry fully so they do not stick.
- Keep vents inside the refrigerator and freezer clear of food packages.
- Replace the water filter on schedule; use the correct filter for fit and flow.
- Level the refrigerator so doors close easily and seal consistently.
| Category | Examples | Typical impact on lifespan |
|---|---|---|
| Routine wear items | Water filter, light bulb, door cam | Low; normal upkeep |
| Mid-level repairs | Ice maker, inlet valve, evaporator fan blade | Medium; restores performance |
| Major sealed-system repairs | Compressor, evaporator, condenser | High; often determines replace vs. repair |
If you are maintaining the water system, the correct replacement is the refrigerator water filter EDR3RXD1.
A refrigerator that runs longer cycles because of dirty coils, leaky gaskets, or restricted airflow uses more energy and puts extra load on the compressor and fans. Keeping those basics in shape is the most reliable way to hit the 12 to 15 year lifespan.
Last updated: February 2026
Where is the model number on a Kenmore side by side refrigerator?
On Kenmore side-by-side refrigerator model 10656664500, the model number is printed on the model and serial number label located on the inside wall of the refrigerator (fresh food) compartment. Use that label to record the model and serial number for parts and service.
- Open the refrigerator (fresh food) door
- Look along the inside side wall of the refrigerator compartment
- Check near the upper side wall and around the crisper area
- Find the label that lists both model and serial information
- Write down the full model number exactly as shown (for this unit: 10656664500)
| Item on label | What it’s used for |
|---|---|
| Model number | Matching the correct parts diagrams and replacement parts |
| Serial number | Identifying production details for service and compatibility |
| Purchase date (you record it) | Warranty and service records |
We use the model number to match the exact Kenmore configuration (doors, dispenser, ice maker, and water filter setup). That prevents ordering the wrong part, especially for common replacements like a water filter or ice maker.
If you’re ordering water system parts for this model, confirm the model number first, then match the part by ID, for example the genuine Kenmore refrigerator water filter EDR3RXD1. For model-specific label location details, use the 10656664500 owner's manual.
Last updated: February 2026





