How to replace an ice maker in a side by side refrigerator?
To replace the ice maker in your Kenmore 10651512100 side-by-side refrigerator, we shut off ice production, remove the ice bin or bucket, disconnect the ice maker wiring and mounting screws, then install the new assembly and turn ice production back on. Use the 10651512100 owner's manual for your exact ice maker style (wire shutoff arm or ON/OFF switch).
Before you start (safety and prep)
- Unplug the refrigerator or switch off power at the breaker.
- Turn off the water supply to the refrigerator.
- Empty the ice bin or door bucket so it is lighter to handle.
- Set the ice maker to OFF (wire shutoff arm up, or switch to OFF depending on style).
- Protect the floor with towels; a small amount of water can drip from the fill tube.
Replacement steps (typical Kenmore 106 side-by-side process)
- Remove the ice bin or door bucket.
- For some styles, lift the wire shutoff arm to the OFF (up) position.
- Remove the ice maker cover (if equipped) to access the harness plug and mounting screws.
- Unplug the ice maker wiring harness.
- Remove the mounting screws and lift the ice maker off the mounting tabs/bracket.
- Install the new ice maker, hang it on the tabs, then tighten the screws.
- Reconnect the wiring harness and reinstall the cover.
- Reinstall the bin or bucket fully (the dispenser will not work if it is not seated).
- Turn the ice maker back ON and restore power and water.
Which part do I need?
For model 10651512100, the listed replacement is the ice maker assembly - refrigerator ice maker by whirlpool 4317943.
| Symptom | What to check first | Common fix |
|---|---|---|
| No ice at all | Ice maker set to OFF, bin not installed, water supply off | Turn ON, seat bin, restore water |
| Slow ice production | Freezer temperature setting | Adjust colder in small steps; wait 24 hours |
| Small or hollow cubes | Water supply restriction | Replace filter (if equipped) and verify inlet flow |
Why it matters
Correctly seating the ice bin or bucket and turning the ice maker back ON prevents “no ice” complaints after installation. Also, freezer temperature directly affects output; many models make about 7 to 9 batches per day in normal mode and up to about 10 to 14 batches per day in maximum ice production (when equipped).
Last updated: February 2026
How to tell if a Kenmore refrigerator compressor is bad?
If your Kenmore 10651512100 side-by-side refrigerator is warm and you hear repeated clicking, constant running with poor cooling, or unusual compressor noises, the compressor or its start components can be failing. Because this model uses a high-efficiency compressor, longer run times and some higher-pitched sounds can also be normal (confirm normal sounds in the 10651512100 owner's manual).
Quick checks we recommend first (no tools)
- Verify the refrigerator is actually not cooling: fresh food near 37°F and freezer near 0°F are typical targets.
- Listen for a repeating click every few minutes (often a start device overload cycling).
- Check whether the compressor is running: a steady hum and slight vibration are typical.
- Feel the compressor shell: warm is normal; extremely hot with clicking points to a start problem.
- Make sure the condenser area is not packed with dust and the unit has airflow.
- Confirm doors seal and close fully; warm air leaks can mimic compressor failure.
What is normal vs. a problem on this model
Your manual notes that high-efficiency compressors and fans can run longer than older refrigerators and may make pulsating or high-pitched sounds as they adjust. Use this table to separate normal operation from likely failure symptoms.
| What you notice | Often normal | More likely a problem |
|---|---|---|
| Long run times | Yes, especially after loading warm food | If temps never reach setpoints |
| High-pitched/pulsing sound | Yes, compressor and fans adjusting | Loud clicking with no cooling |
| Compressor warm to the touch | Yes | Extremely hot plus repeated clicking |
| No sound at all | Not usually | Possible compressor not starting or no power |
When the compressor is the likely culprit
A “bad compressor” diagnosis is most likely when:
- The refrigerator has power, fans run, but both sections stay warm.
- The compressor tries to start (clicks) but shuts off repeatedly.
- Cooling is weak even after cleaning airflow areas and confirming door seals.
If you are replacing the sealed-system compressor for this model, match the exact part by model. The listed compressor option is refrigerator compressor W10309994.
Why it matters
Misdiagnosing a compressor can lead to unnecessary cost. Many “no cool” complaints are caused by airflow issues, a defrost problem, or a start component problem rather than the compressor itself.
Last updated: February 2026
How wide is a Kenmore side by side refrigerator?
Most Kenmore side-by-side refrigerators are about 32 to 36 inches wide; for your Kenmore 10651512100, the exact cabinet width and required clearances are listed in the 10651512100 owner's manual and the 10651512100 installation guide.
Typical width ranges (what you can expect)
Side-by-side refrigerators commonly fall into these width buckets:
| Refrigerator style | Typical width | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard side-by-side | 33 to 36 in. | Most common fit for existing cutouts |
| Compact side-by-side | 30 to 32 in. | Less common; tighter kitchens |
| Counter-depth side-by-side | 32 to 36 in. | Depth is reduced more than width |
Measure the width the right way
To avoid a fit issue, we recommend measuring both the refrigerator and the opening.
- Measure the cabinet width (main box), not just the doors or handles
- Measure the opening width at the front and back (walls are not always square)
- Plan for door swing clearance next to a wall or cabinet
- Confirm whether handles add extra width beyond the cabinet
- Check that the unit can pass through doorways and hallways during delivery
Clearance matters as much as width
Even if the refrigerator fits the opening, it still needs breathing room and door clearance. The manual guidance for this model family calls for about 1/2 inch on each side and at the top for ventilation, and about 2 inches next to a fixed wall (depending on the model) so the doors can swing open.
Quick clearance checklist
- Side clearance for airflow: about 1/2 in. each side
- Top clearance for airflow: about 1/2 in.
- Wall-side clearance for door swing: about 2 in. (varies by setup)
Why it matters
Width and clearance determine whether the refrigerator cools efficiently, the doors open fully, and the ice maker water line has enough space behind the unit. Getting these measurements right prevents installation headaches and airflow problems.
Last updated: February 2026
What causes a side-by-side refrigerator to stop cooling?
For Kenmore model 10651512100, a “not cooling” problem is usually caused by a power interruption, controls being set to OFF or incorrectly set, blocked air vents that stop airflow between compartments, or the unit being in a normal defrost cycle. Use the checks in the 10651512100 owner's manual to confirm settings and airflow.
Quick checks we recommend first
- Verify the power cord is fully plugged into a grounded 3-prong outlet.
- Check the house breaker or fuse; reset or replace if needed.
- Make sure the refrigerator and freezer controls are not set to OFF.
- Look for blocked air vents in either compartment; move food packages away from vents.
- If the refrigerator was just installed or recently restarted, allow 24 hours to cool completely.
- If temperatures are warm right after heavy door use or loading groceries, give it several hours to recover.
What “stopped cooling” can mean (and what to do)
| What you notice | Most likely cause | What we do next |
|---|---|---|
| No lights, no sound | No power to refrigerator | Check outlet, breaker, cord seating |
| Lights on, but warm temps | Controls off or set too warm | Recheck control settings, then monitor |
| Freezer cold, fridge warm | Airflow blocked between sections | Clear vents, avoid overpacking |
| Temps fluctuate, then recover | Automatic defrost cycle | Wait about 30 minutes and recheck |
When to suspect a part problem
If power and settings are correct and vents are clear, cooling issues often point to airflow or sealed-system support components. Common suspects include:
- Evaporator fan issues (poor circulation)
- Defrost system problems (ice buildup restricting airflow)
- Water/ice issues that are separate from cooling (do not confuse with temperature problems)
For ice maker related symptoms that happen alongside cooling complaints (for example, no ice after temps rise), we typically start by confirming freezer temperature and then inspecting the ice maker and water supply components such as the ice maker assembly - refrigerator ice maker by whirlpool 4317943.
Why it matters
A side-by-side refrigerator depends on steady airflow from the freezer to cool the fresh food section. When vents are blocked, controls are off, or the unit is defrosting, temperatures can rise quickly and food safety can become a concern.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the code er 15 on a Kenmore refrigerator?
On Kenmore side-by-side refrigerator model 10651512100, ER 15 is not a standard, documented display code in the owner documentation; in real-world use it usually shows up when the control is detecting an ice maker or dispenser-related sensing/communication problem. Start with a safe reset and quick checks around the ice maker and water supply.
What to do first (safe, fast checks)
- Unplug the refrigerator for 2 minutes, then plug it back in.
- Confirm the freezer is at 0°F (ice makers stop if the freezer is too warm).
- Empty and reseat the ice bin; clear clumped ice that can jam the mechanism.
- Check the household water shutoff valve is fully open.
- Inspect the water line behind the refrigerator for kinks or pinches.
Common causes that trigger ER-style ice and water faults
| Symptom you notice | Most common cause | What we check next |
|---|---|---|
| No ice production | Ice maker not cycling or jammed | Ice maker module, bin fit, freezer temp |
| No water at dispenser | Low supply or valve not opening | Water inlet valve, line restrictions |
| Ice is small or hollow | Low water flow | Filter housing restrictions, valve, supply pressure |
Parts that often fix ice and water problems on this model
If the ice maker will not cycle after the checks above, replacement is a common next step: ice maker assembly - refrigerator ice maker by whirlpool 4317943.
If the dispenser and ice maker both have weak or no water flow, the fill valve is a frequent culprit: refrigerator inlet valve W10408179.
Why it matters
When the refrigerator detects an abnormal condition in the ice maker or water system, it can stop ice production to prevent overflow, leaks, or repeated motor stalls. Fixing the underlying ice or water issue restores normal operation.
Model-specific help
Use the 10651512100 owner's manual for safe power-disconnect steps, temperature settings, and component locations. If you need to verify water line routing and hookup requirements, use the 10651512100 installation guide.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the cubic foot of my Kenmore refrigerator model 10651512100?
Your Kenmore side-by-side refrigerator model 10651512100 has an approximate total capacity of 21.9 cubic feet. For the exact capacity listing and any compartment breakdown (fresh food vs. freezer), we recommend confirming in the 10651512100 owner's manual.
How to confirm the capacity on your refrigerator
We use the model-specific documentation as the best place to verify specs for Kenmore 106 models.
- Check the specifications section in the 10651512100 owner's manual
- Look for a rating label inside the fresh food compartment (often on a side wall)
- Compare the model number on the label to 10651512100 to ensure an exact match
- If you see a “total volume” line, that is the cubic feet value you want
Typical capacity range (for context)
Most Kenmore 106 series side-by-side refrigerators fall into a fairly consistent size range.
| Refrigerator type | Typical total capacity range |
|---|---|
| Side-by-side refrigerator | 20 to 26 cu. ft. |
| Compact/top-freezer (smaller) | 10 to 18 cu. ft. |
Why it matters
Knowing cubic feet helps us match the right parts and accessories (like shelves, bins, and filtration components) and it also helps when comparing energy use and storage needs across refrigerator sizes.
Last updated: February 2026
What's the average lifespan of a Kenmore refrigerator?
Most Kenmore refrigerators average 10 to 15 years of service life; a well-maintained Kenmore 10651512100 side-by-side refrigerator often reaches the upper end of that range when the doors seal well, airflow stays clear, and routine cleaning is done per the 10651512100 owner's manual.
Typical lifespan ranges (what we see most often)
| Refrigerator type | Typical lifespan | What usually ends it first |
|---|---|---|
| Top freezer | 12 to 18 years | Door seal wear, defrost issues |
| Side-by-side (like 10651512100) | 10 to 15 years | Ice and water system wear, airflow problems |
| French door | 9 to 14 years | Ice maker and dispenser complexity |
Maintenance that adds years
We recommend these habits because they reduce compressor run time, prevent frost buildup, and protect food temperatures.
- Clean condenser coils (dust and pet hair make the unit run hotter and longer)
- Keep door gaskets clean so doors close easily and seal tightly
- Set stable temperatures (avoid frequent dial changes)
- Don’t block vents in the freezer or fresh food section
- Fix water and ice issues early (slow fill, leaks, or clogs can cascade into bigger problems)
Quick “is it worth repairing?” checklist
Use this as a practical decision guide for an older Kenmore side-by-side.
- Cooling is weak but fans run: check airflow and defrost components first
- Ice maker stopped: confirm water supply, then consider the ice maker assembly - refrigerator ice maker by whirlpool 4317943
- No water to dispenser or ice maker: the refrigerator inlet valve W10408179 is a common wear item
- Temperature swings: a control issue such as the refrigerator thermostat WP2198202 can be involved
Why it matters
A refrigerator that is running inefficiently can shorten its own lifespan by overheating the sealed system and can also cause food temperature problems. Routine care is the cheapest way to delay major repairs.
Last updated: February 2026
Where is the model number on a Kenmore side by side refrigerator?
On Kenmore side-by-side refrigerator model 10651512100, 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 both the model and serial number for parts and service.
Where to look (fast checklist)
- Open the refrigerator (fresh food) door
- Look along the inside side walls of the compartment
- Check near the upper side wall area first
- Look for a label that lists Model and Serial
- Write the numbers down exactly as shown (including any leading digits)
What you should see on the label
Most Kenmore labels include these fields:
| Label item | What it’s used for |
|---|---|
| Model number | Matching parts diagrams and replacement parts |
| Serial number | Identifying production details for service |
| Purchase date (optional) | Your own records and warranty paperwork |
For model-specific placement details and examples, use the 10651512100 owner's manual.
Why it matters
We use the full model number to ensure you get the correct Kenmore parts (for example, an ice maker assembly, water inlet valve, or thermostat). Even small model-number differences can change which parts fit.
Last updated: February 2026





