Where is the model number on a Kenmore side by side refrigerator?
On Kenmore side-by-side refrigerator model 25356973603, the model number is printed on the serial plate located inside the refrigerator (fresh food) compartment. You will typically see it on a label on an interior wall when you open the refrigerator door; see the owner's manual for the exact label location and how to record it.
What to look for on the serial plate
- The label lists Model Number and Serial Number
- The model number format commonly starts with 253 (as shown in the guide)
- The serial plate is meant to be cleaned with soap and water only
- Write down the model and serial before ordering parts or scheduling service
Quick steps to find it
- Open the refrigerator door (not the freezer door).
- Look along the inside walls of the fresh food compartment.
- Find the serial plate label and locate the line that says Model Number.
- Record both the model and serial numbers for future reference.
Why it matters
We use the exact model number to match the correct Kenmore parts and diagrams for your refrigerator. Even small model variations can change which items fit, such as a water filter, door gasket, or electronic control board.
Common uses for the model number
| What you are doing | Why the model number helps |
|---|---|
| Ordering a water filter | Confirms the correct cartridge style and fit |
| Troubleshooting cooling issues | Helps identify the right control and fan parts |
| Replacing door seals | Ensures the gasket matches the door size and profile |
Last updated: February 2026
How to read Kenmore model numbers?
Kenmore model numbers tell us the exact product family and configuration so we can match the right parts and instructions. On your Kenmore side-by-side refrigerator model 25356973603, the full model number is the key identifier we use to pull the correct parts list and the correct 25356973603 owner's manual.
Where to find the model number on a Kenmore refrigerator
Most Kenmore refrigerators place the model and serial tag in one of these spots:
- Inside the fresh food compartment on a side wall
- On the ceiling of the fresh food compartment near the light
- On the door frame behind the crisper drawers
- On the back exterior panel (less common)
How Kenmore model numbers are structured (what the digits mean)
Kenmore model numbers are typically a prefix plus a base model plus a suffix.
- Prefix (often the first 3 digits): identifies the manufacturing source for Kenmore
- Middle digits: identify the base design and series
- Suffix digits/letters: identify variations (color, feature package, revision)
Quick example
| Example model number | What to notice | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 25356973603 | Starts with 253 | Helps narrow the correct parts breakdown for this refrigerator series |
| 141.16674800 | Includes a dot and trailing zeros | Still needs to be entered exactly as shown when searching parts |
Tips to avoid ordering the wrong part
When you use the model number to look up parts for your refrigerator, these steps prevent mismatches:
- Copy the model number exactly, including any dots or letters
- Use the model number from the appliance tag, not the box or receipt
- Match parts by part ID when possible (example: genuine Kenmore refrigerator water filter WF2CB)
- If you are replacing a water filter, follow the filter style and change procedure in the manual
Why it matters
Kenmore used multiple suppliers across different years; two refrigerators can look similar but use different door gaskets, control boards, ice maker parts, or water filter housings. Using the exact model number (like 25356973603) keeps the repair accurate and prevents returns.
Last updated: February 2026
Can you still get parts for Kenmore refrigerators?
Yes. We still carry replacement parts for Kenmore refrigerators, including model 25356973603. Common items like water filters, door gaskets, ice maker parts, and water valves are typically available; use the parts list for your exact model to match fit and function.
Best way to find the right part for Kenmore 25356973603
- Match the model number exactly: 25356973603
- Use the exploded-view parts list to confirm the part’s location
- Compare the part ID and description before ordering
- Check whether your issue is in the ice maker, water dispenser, door seal, or cooling system
- Use the troubleshooting and maintenance steps in the owner's manual
Popular replacement parts for this model
If you are servicing water, ice, or sealing issues, these are common fixes for this Kenmore side-by-side:
| Symptom | Common part to check | Example part on this model page |
|---|---|---|
| Bad taste/odor, slow water flow | Water filter | Genuine Kenmore refrigerator water filter WF2CB |
| No ice or no water dispensing | Water inlet valve | Refrigerator water inlet valve assembly 242252702 |
| Frost buildup, warm freezer | Defrost thermostat | Refrigerator defrost bi-metal thermostat 5303918214 |
| Door not sealing, moisture/frost | Door gasket | Refrigerator freezer gasket 241786014 |
Why it matters
Using the correct Kenmore parts for model 25356973603 helps prevent leaks, poor cooling, and repeat failures. For example, the manual notes the refrigerator uses an ice and water filter system and provides guidance for ordering and replacing the filter, which directly affects ice maker and dispenser performance.
Last updated: February 2026
How many cubic feet is my Kenmore refrigerator by model number?
For Kenmore model 25356973603, the most accurate way to get the cubic-foot capacity is to use the model and serial information from the serial plate inside the fresh food compartment, then confirm the listed capacity in the 25356973603 owner's manual.
Where to find the capacity information
We use these model-specific places first because they match your exact refrigerator configuration.
- Check the serial plate inside the refrigerator compartment (it lists model and serial information you can match to specs).
- Look in the specifications section of the 25356973603 owner's manual for capacity and feature details.
- If you are measuring for a replacement, compare your cabinet opening and door swing clearance, not just cubic feet.
Quick reference: what “cubic feet” means
Cubic feet is the total interior storage volume (refrigerator plus freezer). It is useful for comparing sizes, but it does not tell you how shelves, bins, and the ice maker reduce usable space.
| Spec term | What it tells you | What it does not tell you |
|---|---|---|
| Total capacity (cu. ft.) | Overall interior volume | Usable shelf space with bins/ice bucket installed |
| Refrigerator capacity | Fresh food storage volume | How tall items fit on shelves |
| Freezer capacity | Frozen storage volume | How much is taken by the ice maker and ice container |
Why it matters
Knowing the correct cubic-foot capacity for 25356973603 helps when you are comparing replacement refrigerators, planning kitchen fit, or troubleshooting storage issues (for example, an overfilled compartment can restrict airflow and cause warm spots).
Last updated: February 2026
What are the most common problems with Kenmore refrigerators?
The most common issues we see on Kenmore refrigerators like model 25356973603 are warm temperatures from airflow or defrost problems, water leaks from drain or water-supply components, ice maker and dispenser jams, and unusual noises from fans. Many fixes start with cleaning the condenser and checking door seals and fan operation (see the 25356973603 owner's manual).
Common problems and what usually causes them
- Not cooling or running too long: dirty condenser coils, doors opened often, or a door not sealing.
- Temperatures too warm: condenser needs cleaning, door slightly open, or controls set too warm.
- Water leaking: clogged/iced defrost drain, loose water line connections, or a failing inlet valve.
- Ice maker not working or slow ice: restricted water flow (filter), inlet valve issues, or ice maker component wear.
- Ice dispenser jammed: ice clumps from infrequent use; cubes freeze together in the bin.
- Noises (buzzing, rattling, clicking): evaporator fan blade hitting ice, worn fan motor, or normal defrost cycling.
Quick checks we recommend first (fast, no parts)
- Confirm doors close fully and the gaskets are clean and sealing.
- Clean the condenser area; a dirty condenser is a top cause of warm temps and long run times.
- Set temperatures, then give the refrigerator 24 hours to stabilize.
- If the ice dispenser jams, remove the bin and shake to loosen cubes (do not use sharp tools).
- If water flow is weak, replace the water filter and flush the system.
Parts that commonly solve these symptoms (when a part is needed)
| Symptom | Common part to check | Example part for 25356973603 |
|---|---|---|
| Warm fridge/freezer, fan noise | Evaporator fan motor or blade | Refrigerator evaporator motor 5303918549, refrigerator evaporator fan blade 5308000010 |
| Water dispenser or ice maker not filling | Water inlet valve | Refrigerator water inlet valve assembly 242252702 |
| Poor water taste/slow dispensing | Water filter | Genuine Kenmore refrigerator water filter WF2CB |
| Frost buildup, warm temps after a few days | Defrost thermostat | Refrigerator defrost bi-metal thermostat 5303918214 |
| Door not sealing, moisture, warm spots | Door gasket | Refrigerator freezer gasket 241786014 |
Why it matters
Most “not cooling” complaints are really airflow and heat removal problems (dirty condenser, poor door seal, fan issues). Fixing those early helps protect food, reduces compressor run time, and prevents ice buildup that can jam the dispenser.
Last updated: February 2026





