Kenmore 10656879602 side-by-side refrigerator Parts

On Kenmore side-by-side refrigerator model 10656879602, the model number is printed on the appliance identification label (the same label that lists the serial number). We use that label information to match the correct parts list, diagrams, and the right 10656879602 owner's manual.

Common places to check on a side-by-side refrigerator

We typically find the model and serial label in one of these spots:

• Inside the fresh food (refrigerator) compartment on a side wall
• Along the ceiling of the fresh food compartment near the light housing
• On the frame around the fresh food door opening (hinge side)
• On the frame around the freezer door opening
• Behind the base grille area (less common, but worth a quick look)

What the label looks like and what to write down

The label usually includes both a model number and a serial number. For parts lookup, we recommend recording:

• Full model number (for this unit: 10656879602)
• Full serial number
• Any revision or additional suffix characters if shown

Quick ID guide

Item	What it’s used for	Example for this refrigerator
Model number	Matches parts and diagrams	10656879602
Serial number	Identifies production run/date	Varies by unit

Why it matters

Kenmore refrigerators often share similar door bins, ice maker parts, and water system components across multiple models. Using the exact model number helps us point you to the correct replacements, such as the refrigerator ice maker WPW10190961 or the genuine Kenmore refrigerator water filter EDR3RXD1, without ordering the wrong fit.

Last updated: February 2026

Kenmore Elite refrigerator capacity depends on the exact model number; “Kenmore Elite” covers multiple sizes across side-by-side and French door designs. For your Kenmore 10656879602 side-by-side refrigerator, we list the model-specific specifications and features in the owner's manual.

How to find the correct cubic feet for your Kenmore Elite

We recommend matching capacity to the exact model tag (usually inside the fresh food compartment) and then confirming it in the documentation.

• Locate the model number label inside the refrigerator section (often on a side wall or ceiling)
• Confirm the model number matches 10656879602 exactly
• Check the “features” or “specifications” section in the owner's manual
• If you are comparing multiple Kenmore Elite units, compare by product type (side-by-side vs French door)
• Use capacity to plan shelf/bin fit, grocery load, and airflow clearance

Typical capacity ranges (helpful for comparison shopping)

Even when the exact cubic feet varies by model, most Kenmore Elite refrigerators fall into common size bands:

Refrigerator style	Typical capacity range	Best for
Side-by-side	22 to 28 cu. ft.	Narrow door swing, frozen food organization
French door	25 to 33 cu. ft.	Wide shelves, large platters, fresh food access
Top freezer	14 to 21 cu. ft.	Smaller kitchens, value-focused setups

Why it matters

Cubic feet affects more than storage; it also impacts how you organize airflow around the evaporator area, how full shelves can get without blocking vents, and which replacement items (like bins and drawers) fit correctly. If you are replacing broken storage components on model 10656879602, matching the correct part to your configuration is key.

If you need common replacement items for this model, we stock parts like the refrigerator crisper drawer WP2188656 and the refrigerator door bin WP2156022, along with many other Kenmore refrigerator parts on this model page. You can also search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

On Kenmore side-by-side refrigerator model 10656879602, the water filter is located in the base grille at the bottom front of the refrigerator. You access it by opening the doors and working at the grille area; the filter cap sits in a horizontal position when installed (see the 10656879602 owner's manual).

How to find it quickly

• Look at the very bottom front of the cabinet (toe-kick area).
• Open both refrigerator and freezer doors for easier access.
• Identify the base grille; the filter is installed through this grille.
• Confirm the filter cap is oriented horizontally when fully seated.
• If the grille needs cleaning, remove and reinstall it carefully so it snaps back into place.

Basic remove and reinstall overview

We recommend following the exact steps in the 10656879602 owner's manual, but this is the typical flow for this Kenmore design:

Task	What you do	What to watch for
Remove filter	Press the eject button, then pull the filter out by the cap	Keep the cap; it is reused
Remove cap	Turn the cap counterclockwise until it stops	Do not discard the cap
Install new filter	Attach cap to the new filter, insert into base grille	Cap ends in a horizontal position
Flush system	Dispense water in short intervals until flow is steady	Helps clear air and carbon fines

Parts that commonly come up with filter issues

If the filter is missing, the cap is damaged, or the filter will not seat correctly, these model-compatible parts are commonly involved:

• Genuine Kenmore refrigerator water filter EDR3RXD1 (replacement filter)
• Refrigerator water filter cap (black) WP2260518B (reusable cap that locks the filter in place)
• Refrigerator water tube 8201597 (helps address leaks or poor flow if tubing is damaged)

Why it matters

A base-grille filter location affects water flow and dispenser performance. A clogged or incorrectly installed filter can reduce dispenser flow and can contribute to dripping right after dispensing, so correct seating and flushing after replacement are important.

Last updated: February 2026

Most Kenmore side-by-side refrigerators are about 32 to 36 inches wide; your Kenmore 10656879602 falls in that typical range. For the exact cabinet width and required clearances for your specific unit, we recommend checking the dimensions section in the owner's manual.

Typical width ranges (what you can expect)

Side-by-side refrigerator widths vary mainly by capacity and whether the unit is standard-depth or counter-depth.

• Common overall width: 32 to 36 in.
• Most common “standard” width: about 36 in.
• Narrower models: about 32 to 33 in.
• Door swing space: plan extra room beyond cabinet width

Clearance planning (from the manual)

Even when you know the cabinet width, installation space needs to include ventilation and door swing clearance.

• Allow 1/2 inch of space on each side and at the top for ventilation.
• If installed next to a fixed wall, leave at least 2 inches on the hinge side (depending on your model) so the door can swing open.
• If your refrigerator has an ice maker, allow extra space at the back for the water line connection.

Quick planning table

What you are measuring	What to include	Why it matters
Cabinet width	Refrigerator body only	Confirms it fits between cabinets
Door clearance	Extra space at the side	Prevents doors from hitting walls
Ventilation clearance	1/2 in. sides and top	Helps cooling performance
Water line clearance	Space behind unit	Prevents kinks and leaks

Why it matters

If the opening is too tight, doors may not open fully, airflow can be restricted (leading to warm temperatures), and the water line can get pinched. Measuring correctly helps avoid cooling problems and installation headaches.

If you are measuring at home

• Measure the widest point of the cabinet (not the handles).
• Measure the opening in at least 3 places (top, middle, bottom).
• Confirm the hinge side has room for the door swing.
• Plan for the power cord and water supply line behind the unit.

If you need replacement parts while you are planning an install or refresh, we stock model-matched items like the refrigerator water filter cap (black) WP2260518B and refrigerator door cam (black) WP2182179, and you can also search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

The most common issues we see on Kenmore refrigerators like model 10656879602 are cooling problems, ice maker or water dispenser failures, leaks, unusual noise, and frost buildup. Many of these trace back to airflow restrictions, a clogged water filter, a failing evaporator fan, or a defrost system problem; use the 10656879602 owner's manual troubleshooting section to narrow it down.

Common problems and what to check first

• Not cooling or warm temperatures: confirm vents are not blocked, condenser area is clean, and doors seal tightly.
• Ice maker not making ice: verify freezer temperature, water supply, and look for a clogged filter.
• Water dispenser slow or not working: replace the filter and purge air from the line.
• Water leaking: check water tubing connections and the inlet valve for seepage.
• Noisy operation: listen for fan noise (freezer evaporator fan) versus compressor hum.
• Frost buildup: points to a defrost issue (thermostat, control, or airflow problem).

Parts that commonly solve these symptoms (when they match your diagnosis)

If your checks point to a specific failure, these model-compatible parts are commonly involved:

• Genuine Kenmore refrigerator water filter EDR3RXD1 for low flow, bad taste/odor, dispenser issues, and ice quality problems
• Refrigerator inlet valve W10822681 for no water to dispenser or ice maker (with good house water pressure)
• Refrigerator evaporator fan motor WP2315549 for warm fridge section, weak airflow, or fan not running
• Refrigerator defrost bi-metal thermostat WPW10225581 for recurring frost buildup and poor cooling
• Refrigerator water tube 8201597 for leaks at the back or under the unit

Quick symptom-to-likely-cause guide

Symptom	Most likely area	Common next step
Fridge warm, freezer cold	Airflow/evaporator fan	Check fan operation and ice blockage
No ice and no water	Water supply/inlet valve	Confirm supply, then test valve
Slow water at dispenser	Water filter	Replace filter, flush several glasses
Frost on back freezer panel	Defrost system	Check defrost thermostat and airflow

Why it matters

Catching the root cause early prevents food spoilage, reduces compressor run time, and helps avoid repeat failures (for example, a clogged filter can strain the water system and reduce ice production).

For step-by-step filter guidance, we also recommend how to replace the water filter in a Kenmore refrigerator. If you need to purchase parts beyond the list for model 10656879602, search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026