Is it worth it to repair an ice maker?
Yes, repairing a Kenmore 10689589702 freestanding ice maker is worth it when the problem is maintenance-related (cleaning, mineral scale, minor water-flow issues) or a single replaceable part; it is less worth it when the sealed refrigeration system or multiple major components are failing repeatedly.
Quick decision checklist
- If ice production dropped, run the cleaning cycle first (the manual recommends cleaning when the status light turns red or production decreases); see the owner's manual.
- If the unit will not run, confirm power and the ON setting before replacing parts.
- If the issue is water supply or drain alignment, correct the plumbing setup first.
- If the same failure keeps returning after cleaning and basic checks, plan for a deeper repair.
- If the repair involves sealed-system work (refrigerant, compressor, tubing), it is a major repair category.
Common “worth repairing” fixes on this model
These are typical, targeted repairs that often restore normal operation:
- Descaling and system cleaning using freestanding ice maker cleaner W11179302
- Fixing restricted water flow by replacing a cracked or leaking water tube W10823511
- Correcting fill problems by replacing the ice maker water inlet valve WPW10217917
- Addressing ice thickness or bin temperature sensing issues with the ice maker bin thermostat WPW10503764
Cost and complexity guide
| Repair type | Typical effort | Typical outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning and descaling | Low | Restores production, prevents premature failures |
| Single water-path part (tube, valve) | Low to medium | Fixes no-ice, small cubes, slow production |
| Electrical diagnosis (wiring, transformer) | Medium | Fixes intermittent operation or dead display |
| Sealed refrigeration system repair | High | Major repair; best when warranty coverage applies |
Why it matters
Regular cleaning and basic troubleshooting prevent “false failures” that look like a bad evaporator or cutter grid but are really mineral scale, poor airflow at the condenser, or a simple water-supply issue. That keeps repair costs predictable and extends the normal life of the machine.
Ordering parts
We list model-specific replacement parts for the Kenmore 10689589702 on this page; for broader model searches and ordering options, use Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
How to reset bottom ice maker?
For the Kenmore 10689589702 freestanding ice maker, the most reliable “reset” is a power reset: turn the unit OFF, disconnect power for 5 minutes, then restore power and press ON to resume ice production. Use the 10689589702 owner's manual for the exact control steps and cleaning cycle details.
Quick reset steps (power reset)
- Press OFF (or shut the unit down using the OFF control).
- Unplug the ice maker (or switch off the breaker) for 5 minutes.
- Restore power.
- Press ON to restart ice production.
- Wait for the next harvest cycle; first batch can take longer after a reset.
If it still will not make ice after a reset
A “reset” will not fix common airflow, water-supply, or sensor issues. Check these basics first:
- Confirm the water supply valve is fully open and the supply line is not kinked.
- Make sure the unit is level; wobble can affect water flow and ice thickness.
- Clean the condenser area; restricted airflow reduces capacity.
- Verify the storage bin is seated correctly and not overfilled.
- If you have thin ice or no ice, confirm the drain cap is installed securely after draining/cleaning.
Parts that commonly relate to no-ice symptoms
| Symptom | What to check | Example part on this model |
|---|---|---|
| No water entering | Water supply and valve operation | Ice maker water inlet valve WPW10217917 |
| Odd ice thickness or cycling issues | Bin temperature sensing | Ice maker bin thermostat WPW10503764 |
| Slab not cutting into cubes | Cutter grid and harness connection | Ice maker cutter grid WP2313637 |
Why it matters
Resetting clears a temporary control glitch, but ice makers usually stop producing because of water flow, airflow across the condenser, or bin sensing. Addressing those basics prevents repeat shutdowns and protects components.
Ordering the right replacement part
We recommend matching parts by the full model number 10689589702 and the part ID listed on our parts diagrams. You can order from the parts list for this model, or search by model on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
Why is my Kenmore ice maker not making ice?
If your Kenmore 10689589702 freestanding ice maker runs but makes no ice, the most common causes are the control not set to ON, the water supply not connected or turned on, a loose drain cap that lets the water pan empty, or ice stuck between the evaporator plate and cutting grid. Confirm the operating steps in the owner's manual.
Quick checks we recommend first
- Make sure the control is set to ON (and the unit is plugged into a grounded 3-prong outlet).
- Confirm the water supply line is connected and the shutoff valve is fully open.
- Check the drain cap; tighten it if it is loose (a loose cap can cause thin ice or no ice).
- Look for ice stuck between the evaporator plate and the cutting grid; level the ice maker and run a cleaning cycle.
- Allow enough time after startup; plan on 24 hours to produce the first batch, then discard that first batch.
Parts that commonly affect ice production
If the basic checks above look good, these model-compatible parts are often involved in “no ice” or “low ice” complaints:
| Symptom | What to inspect | Related part on this model |
|---|---|---|
| No water entering for freezing | Water supply path and valve operation | Ice maker water inlet valve WPW10217917 |
| Water not distributing correctly | Fill/distributor tubing for blockage or misrouting | Water tube W10823511 |
| Ice maker needs descaling | Mineral scale buildup in the system | Freestanding ice maker cleaner W11179302 |
Why it matters
This model drains mineral-heavy water after each freezing cycle. When water flow is restricted, the drain cap is loose, or mineral scale builds up, the machine can run but fail to freeze properly, which quickly turns into “no ice” or very small batches.
When ice production is reduced (but not zero)
Room temperature directly affects output. In hotter rooms (around 90°F / 32°C and above), reduced ice production is normal. Also remember the ice bin is not refrigerated, so some melting and clumping can occur.
Last updated: February 2026
Who makes Kenmore Model 10689589702?
Kenmore model 10689589702 is made for Kenmore by Whirlpool. The quickest way to identify the manufacturer behind many Kenmore appliances is the model prefix; 106 is a Whirlpool-built prefix. For model-specific details, we recommend checking the identification information in the owner's manual.
How the Kenmore model prefix works
Kenmore is a brand name; different manufacturers build Kenmore appliances. The first three digits of the model number are commonly used as a manufacturer identifier.
- 106: Whirlpool-built (common on refrigeration and ice maker products)
- 110: Whirlpool-built (common on laundry)
- 795 / 796: LG-built (common on some refrigerators and laundry)
- Always match the full model number on the rating label to avoid ordering the wrong part
Why this matters when ordering parts
Knowing Whirlpool built your Kenmore 10689589702 helps you match the correct part design and wiring style when you troubleshoot or replace components like the water system, bin sensing, or cutting grid.
Common part categories for this model
| System | What it affects | Example part on this model |
|---|---|---|
| Water fill | No ice, small cubes, slow production | Water tube W10823511 |
| Ice thickness and bin sensing | Overfilling bin, stopping too soon | Ice maker bin thermostat WPW10503764 |
| Cube cutting | Slabs or incomplete cubes | Ice maker cutter grid WP2313637 |
Quick tips to confirm you have the right model
- Check the model and serial number label on the ice maker cabinet
- Compare it to your paperwork and the model listing before you buy parts
- Use the parts list for model 10689589702 first; for broader searching by model number, use Sears PartsDirect
Why it matters
Manufacturer identification reduces part-mismatch returns and speeds up troubleshooting because Whirlpool-built Kenmore ice makers often share similar water inlet, thermostat, and cutter-grid designs.
Last updated: February 2026
How many cubic feet is the Kenmore refrigerator model 10689589702?
Kenmore model 10689589702 is a freestanding ice maker, not a refrigerator, so it does not have a refrigerator-style “cubic feet” food-storage capacity. For the correct capacity and bin/storage details for this ice maker, we recommend checking the specifications section in the 10689589702 owner's manual.
What “cubic feet” means (and why it does not apply here)
Refrigerator cubic feet measures insulated food-storage volume (fresh food plus freezer). A freestanding ice maker is rated differently, typically by ice production per day and ice bin storage, not by total cabinet volume.
Common capacity specs you will see for ice makers:
- Ice production rate (often listed as pounds per 24 hours)
- Ice bin storage capacity (often listed as pounds)
- Water supply requirements (line size, pressure range)
- Drain requirements (gravity drain or drain pump)
Where to find the right capacity specs for model 10689589702
We list the most reliable places to confirm the exact numbers below.
- Look in the Specifications or Product data section of the 10689589702 owner's manual
- Check the model and serial tag on the cabinet for the exact model number match
- If you are comparing units, use ice production and bin storage as your apples-to-apples metrics
Quick comparison: refrigerator vs. freestanding ice maker
| Appliance type | Typical “capacity” metric | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Cubic feet (cu. ft.) | Total food-storage volume |
| Freestanding ice maker (10689589702) | Ice production and bin storage | How much ice it makes and holds |
Why it matters
Using refrigerator cubic feet to size an ice maker leads to the wrong expectations. For model 10689589702, the practical questions are how much ice it produces, how much it stores, and whether your installation meets water and drain requirements.
If you are ordering maintenance items for this model, we stock model-matched supplies like freestanding ice maker cleaner W11179302, and you can also search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026





