What are the common problems with Kenmore Elite refrigerators?
Common problems on the Kenmore Elite side-by-side refrigerator model 10657713700 usually fall into three areas: cooling issues (sealed system or airflow), ice maker and dispenser problems, and control or sensor faults. Our 10657713700 owner's manual troubleshooting section helps narrow the cause by symptom.
Most common symptoms (and what they usually point to)
- Not cooling or warm temperatures: dirty condenser coils, evaporator fan issue, defrost failure, or sealed system/compressor problem
- Frost buildup on the back wall or poor airflow: defrost heater, defrost thermostat, or airflow restriction
- Ice maker not making ice: ice maker assembly issue, water supply problem, or inlet valve problem
- Water dispenser weak or tastes off: clogged filter, air in the line, or low household water pressure
- Lights out or intermittent operation: door switch, wiring connection, or control board issue
Quick checks we recommend first
- Confirm temperatures: set freezer near 0°F and fresh food near 37°F (typical targets for side-by-side refrigerators).
- Check airflow: make sure vents are not blocked by food packages.
- Flush the water system after filter changes: the manual calls out flushing the system, especially after a new filter is installed.
- Listen for fans: evaporator fan noise in the freezer usually indicates airflow is working.
- Inspect door sealing: gaps or a torn gasket can cause moisture, frost, and temperature swings.
Parts that commonly solve these problems on model 10657713700
| Symptom | Common part involved | Example part for this model |
|---|---|---|
| Bad taste/slow water flow | Water filter | Refrigerator water filter EDR3RXD1 |
| No ice | Ice maker assembly | Refrigerator ice maker 2198597 |
| Frost buildup/warmer temps | Defrost thermostat or heater | Refrigerator defrost bi-metal thermostat WPW10225581, refrigerator heater WP2323198 |
| Weak/no water to dispenser/ice maker | Water inlet valve | Refrigerator water inlet valve WPW10159839 |
Why it matters
Catching the symptom category early prevents food spoilage and helps you avoid replacing the wrong part. For example, a “no ice” complaint can be a simple water supply or filter restriction, not an ice maker failure.
Last updated: January 2026
How to tell if a Kenmore refrigerator compressor is bad?
On Kenmore Elite model 10657713700, a “bad compressor” is usually suspected when the refrigerator is not cooling and the compressor either runs almost constantly, won’t start, or is unusually loud or hot. We confirm it by ruling out power, airflow, and defrost issues first using the checks in the 10657713700 owner's manual.
What to check first (fast, no tools)
- Give it time after setup: after a new installation, allow 24 hours for full cooling.
- Verify power: make sure it’s plugged into a grounded 3-prong outlet; reset a tripped breaker if needed.
- Listen for “normal” sounds: buzzing (water valve), pulsating (fans/compressor adjusting), sizzling/gurgling (defrost heater) can be normal.
- Check door use and room conditions: frequent door openings, warm room temps, or a big food load can make the compressor run longer.
- Look for cooling pattern: if both compartments are warm, suspect a sealed-system or compressor-start issue; if only the refrigerator side is warm, airflow/defrost can be the real cause.
Signs that point more strongly to a compressor or sealed-system problem
- Compressor runs but temperatures don’t drop after 24 hours.
- You hear repeated clicking every few minutes (often a start device/capacitor trying and failing).
- Compressor is very hot and shuts off, then tries again.
- The unit runs “too much” even after you correct door sealing and loading.
Parts that can mimic a bad compressor
Before condemning the compressor, we commonly check these related items:
| Symptom | Often-not-the-compressor cause | Example part for this model |
|---|---|---|
| Warm fridge/freezer, heavy run time | Defrost failure leading to frost buildup | Refrigerator defrost heater WP2323198 or refrigerator defrost bi-metal thermostat WPW10225581 |
| No ice, no water fill sounds | Water supply/valve issue (not cooling-related) | Refrigerator water inlet valve WPW10159839 |
Why it matters
A compressor diagnosis is expensive and time-consuming; on side-by-side refrigerators, airflow or defrost problems can create the same “not cold enough” complaint while the compressor is actually working normally.
Last updated: January 2026
Why is my Kenmore Elite side by side fridge not cooling?
If your Kenmore Elite side-by-side refrigerator 10657713700 is not cooling, start with the basics: confirm power, make sure the temperature controls are turned on, and allow a full 24 hours after a new install or restart for temperatures to stabilize. Then check airflow and the fans.
Quick checks we recommend first
- Verify the refrigerator is plugged into a grounded 3-prong outlet.
- Check the house fuse or reset the circuit breaker.
- Confirm the refrigerator and freezer controls are turned on and set to normal.
- Make sure air vents in both compartments are not blocked by food packages.
- If it was just installed or restarted, wait 24 hours before judging cooling performance.
Most common causes (and what to look for)
| What you notice | Likely issue | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Freezer is cold but fresh-food side is warm | Airflow problem (damper or fan) | Check for blocked vents; listen for evaporator fan operation |
| Both sections are warm | Cooling system not running or poor heat removal | Clean condenser area; check for compressor/fan operation |
| Cooling is weak after doors were left open | Heavy run time, warm air load | Close doors fully and allow 24 hours to recover |
Parts that commonly affect cooling on this model
If troubleshooting points to a failed component, these are common cooling-related parts for model 10657713700:
- Refrigerator evaporator fan motor WP2315549 (moves cold air through the freezer and into the refrigerator)
- Refrigerator air damper WP2301101 (controls how much cold air enters the fresh-food section)
- Refrigerator defrost bi-metal thermostat WPW10225581 (helps control defrost cycling)
- Refrigerator heater WP2323198 (melts frost off the evaporator during defrost)
Why it matters
This refrigerator relies on steady airflow between compartments; even with a good compressor, blocked vents, a failed evaporator fan, or a stuck damper can leave the refrigerator side warm while the freezer seems closer to normal.
For control settings, vent locations, and the 24-hour cooling guidance, follow the 10657713700 owner's manual.
Last updated: January 2026
How many cubic feet is my Kenmore Elite refrigerator?
Your Kenmore Elite side-by-side refrigerator model 10657713700 has an overall capacity of 27.7 cu. ft. (about 17.0 cu. ft. fresh food plus 10.7 cu. ft. freezer). For the exact breakdown used for your unit’s configuration, confirm it in the 10657713700 owner's manual.
Capacity breakdown for model 10657713700
Here is the standard way capacity is shown for this refrigerator:
| Measurement | Capacity |
|---|---|
| Total capacity | 27.7 cu. ft. |
| Refrigerator section | 17.0 cu. ft. |
| Freezer section | 10.7 cu. ft. |
Where we recommend verifying it
Use these spots to match the capacity to your exact model and door configuration:
- The specifications/product data section in the 10657713700 owner's manual
- The model and serial tag inside the fresh food compartment
- Any product data sheet pages included with the manual packet
- Your purchase paperwork (often lists total cu. ft.)
Why it matters
Cubic-foot capacity helps you plan kitchen fit and storage, and it is useful when comparing accessories and replacement parts like door bins and the refrigerator water filter EDR3RXD1.
Last updated: January 2026





