Owner’s manual
Error Codes
Where is the model number on a Kenmore side by side refrigerator?
On Kenmore side-by-side refrigerator model 10656989602, 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 and the correct owner's manual.
Where to look first (fastest checks)
- Open the fresh food (refrigerator) door and inspect the inner cabinet walls near the front opening
- Check around the crisper drawer area and side walls inside the refrigerator section
- Look along the door frame area where the door gasket meets the cabinet
- If you do not see it in the refrigerator section, check the freezer section inner walls near the front opening
- Use a flashlight; the label is often small and easy to miss
What the label typically shows
The ID label usually includes both a model number and a serial number.
| Label item | What it’s used for | Example (format) |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | Identifies the exact design so we can match parts | 10656989602 |
| Serial number | Identifies the production run and date details | Letters plus numbers |
Why it matters
Kenmore 106-series refrigerators can look similar across multiple model numbers, but parts like the water filter, ice maker, and inlet valve can differ. Using the exact model number from the label helps ensure you order the right replacement part the first time from the parts list on this page or through Sears PartsDirect.
Related parts customers commonly match by model number
If you are locating the label because you need a replacement, these are common items for this model:
- Genuine Kenmore refrigerator water filter EDR3RXD1
- Refrigerator ice maker WPW10190965
- Refrigerator inlet valve W10408179
Last updated: February 2026
How to read Kenmore model number?
For Kenmore model 10656989602, the model number is the key identifier we use to match the correct parts list, diagrams, and service information for your exact side-by-side refrigerator. You will typically find it on the rating label inside the fresh food compartment (often on a side wall) or near the door opening.
What the Kenmore model number tells you
Kenmore model numbers are structured so the prefix helps identify who manufactured the unit, and the remaining digits narrow down the exact design and feature set.
- Prefix (first 3 digits): manufacturer identifier (for example, 106 is commonly associated with Whirlpool-built Kenmore refrigerators)
- Middle digits: the base platform or series
- Last digits: version, color, or engineering changes that affect part compatibility
Where to find the model and serial label on a refrigerator
On a Kenmore side-by-side like 10656989602, check these common locations:
- Inside the refrigerator compartment on the left or right wall
- On the ceiling of the fresh food compartment near the light
- Along the door jamb (the frame area the door seals against)
- Behind the toe grille or lower kickplate area (less common)
Why the full model number matters for parts
Even one digit off can point to a different parts breakdown. Using the exact model number helps ensure items like a water filter, ice maker, or inlet valve fit and function correctly.
| What you enter | What can happen |
|---|---|
| Full model number (10656989602) | Correct diagrams and exact-match parts |
| Partial model number (106.5698) | Multiple close matches, higher risk of wrong part |
| Only the prefix (106) | Too broad; parts vary widely |
Quick example using this model
If you are ordering maintenance parts for this refrigerator, matching by model number helps us select the right items, such as the genuine Kenmore refrigerator water filter EDR3RXD1 or the refrigerator inlet valve W10408179. For model-specific label locations and identification details, use the owner's manual.
Why it matters
Correct model identification prevents returns and downtime, especially for fit-sensitive parts like door gaskets, ice system components, and water filtration parts.
You can also search by model number on Sears PartsDirect if you are looking up additional diagrams or parts beyond the most common replacements.
Last updated: February 2026
How many cubic feet is my Kenmore refrigerator by model number?
Your Kenmore side-by-side refrigerator model 10656989602 has its exact cubic-foot capacity listed on the model and serial rating label inside the cabinet and in the specifications section of the owner's manual. That label is the most accurate way to confirm capacity for your exact configuration.
Where to find the cubic-foot capacity (fastest methods)
- Check the rating label inside the fresh food section (commonly on a side wall near the crisper area) or inside the freezer section.
- Look in the specifications section of the owner's manual.
- If the label is hard to read, take a clear photo and zoom in; the capacity is usually shown as total, and sometimes split into refrigerator and freezer volumes.
What the number means
Cubic feet is the refrigerator’s internal storage volume. It helps you compare:
- How much food the refrigerator can hold
- Whether shelves, bins, and drawers fit your needs
- Energy use expectations (larger capacity often uses more energy)
Typical capacity range for this style (helpful for a quick sanity check)
Most Kenmore side-by-side refrigerators are commonly in this range:
| Refrigerator type | Typical total capacity range |
|---|---|
| Side-by-side refrigerator | 20 to 26 cu. ft. |
Why it matters
Knowing the correct cubic-foot capacity helps when you are planning kitchen space, comparing replacement models, and choosing storage accessories such as a replacement drawer or shelf.
If you are also ordering maintenance items for model 10656989602, you can shop the parts list on this page or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
How to tell if a Kenmore refrigerator compressor is bad?
On Kenmore side-by-side refrigerator model 10656989602, a “bad compressor” usually shows up as poor cooling with the unit running a lot, unusual clicking or repeated start attempts, or the compressor and fans changing pitch as they struggle to maintain temperature. Use the 10656989602 owner's manual to separate normal operating sounds from true failure symptoms.
Quick checks we recommend first (before blaming the compressor)
- Confirm the controls are turned ON and not set to OFF.
- If it was recently installed or powered back on, allow 24 hours to cool completely.
- Listen for normal sounds: pulsating/high-pitched compressor or fan adjustments, gurgling, sizzling during defrost, and buzzing when the ice maker fills.
- Check door closing and airflow: don’t block vents with food packages.
- If the refrigerator is noisy, make sure items on top are not rattling and the water line is not vibrating.
Signs the compressor is likely the problem
A compressor issue is more likely when you see cooling failure plus a start/run symptom:
| What you notice | What it often points to | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Fridge/freezer warm and compressor is silent | Not starting (could be control, start device, or compressor) | Check power, controls, then move to electrical diagnosis |
| Repeated clicking every few minutes | Start device overload tripping or compressor locked | Have a tech test start components and compressor windings |
| Runs constantly but temperatures stay high | Sealed system or compressor not pumping efficiently | Check condenser cleanliness and airflow; then sealed system diagnosis |
| Compressor very hot to the touch and shuts off | Overheating/overload condition | Improve ventilation, clean condenser area; then test components |
Parts that can mimic a “bad compressor”
These issues can cause warm temps even when the compressor is OK:
- Defrost system problems (frost buildup restricting airflow); for example a failed refrigerator defrost bi-metal thermostat WPW10225581 or refrigerator heater WP2323198.
- Evaporator airflow problems (fan not moving air); inspect the refrigerator evaporator fan blade WP2169142 for damage or obstruction.
- Control problems that don’t run the compressor correctly; the refrigerator electronic control WPW10135901 is one common suspect.
Why it matters
Compressors are expensive and sealed-system work requires specialized tools. Ruling out airflow, defrost, and control issues first prevents replacing the wrong part and gets your Kenmore 10656989602 cooling reliably again.
Last updated: February 2026
What causes a side-by-side refrigerator to stop cooling?
If your Kenmore 10656989602 side-by-side refrigerator stops cooling, the most common causes are loss of power, temperature controls set to OFF, blocked air vents that prevent airflow between compartments, or a failed cooling component such as the evaporator fan, defrost system, or electronic control. See the owner's manual for control settings and airflow details.
Quick checks we recommend first (no tools)
- Confirm the refrigerator has power (interior lights on, fans or compressor sound present).
- Make sure the refrigerator control is not set to OFF (this model will not cool in OFF).
- Check that food packages are not blocking the freezer bottom inlet vent or the refrigerator top vent.
- Wait a full 24 hours after changing settings before judging temperature results.
- Verify doors are closing fully and seals are making contact all the way around.
Airflow problems that mimic “no cooling”
Your refrigerator depends on air moving from the freezer to the fresh food section and back again. When vents are blocked, the controls cannot regulate temperature correctly.
Common airflow blockers
- Tall boxes or bags pushed against the back wall vents
- Overpacked shelves that stop air circulation
- Frost buildup on the freezer back panel (often points to a defrost issue)
Likely failed parts when the basics check out
If power and settings are correct and vents are clear, these parts are frequent culprits:
| Symptom | Most likely area | Example part on this model page |
|---|---|---|
| Freezer cold, fridge warm | Air not moving to fridge | Refrigerator evaporator fan blade WP2169142 |
| Frost on freezer back panel, warming temps | Defrost system problem | Refrigerator defrost bi-metal thermostat WPW10225581 or refrigerator heater WP2323198 |
| No ice and no water dispense, or weak fill | Water supply control issue (not a cooling cause, but often noticed at same time) | Refrigerator inlet valve W10408179 |
| Temps unstable or not responding to settings | Control issue | Refrigerator electronic control WPW10135901 |
Why it matters
A “not cooling” complaint is often an airflow or control-setting issue, and fixing that early prevents food spoilage and reduces strain on the compressor and fans that are designed to run longer for efficiency.
Ordering the right replacement part
We list model-matched parts for Kenmore 10656989602 on this page. If you need to search beyond the parts shown, use your full model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
