Kenmore 897.51805320 side by side refrigerator Parts

For Kenmore model 897 (models 897.5180#), the model number alone typically does not state the exact cubic-foot capacity. The most reliable way is to check the capacity/specifications section in the 897 owner’s manual; if you need an estimate, calculate interior volume from measurements.

Best ways to find cubic feet (most accurate first)

• Check the specifications/capacity listing in the 897 owner’s manual.
• Look for a product label inside the fresh food section (often on a side wall or near a crisper) that may list capacity.
• Search by the full model and series (for example, 897.5180 plus the color code) when comparing published specs.
• Estimate by measuring interior space (helpful when labels are missing).

How to estimate cubic feet by measuring

1. Empty one compartment (refrigerator or freezer) enough to measure.
2. Measure width x depth x height of the usable interior space in inches.
3. Multiply to get cubic inches.
4. Divide by 1,728 to convert to cubic feet.

Quick conversion table

What you have	Convert to cubic feet
Cubic inches	Divide by 1,728
Cubic feet	Multiply by 1,728 to get cubic inches

Why the model number is not a dependable “capacity code”

Kenmore model numbers can indicate platform/series and features, but capacity is not consistently encoded in a way that stays accurate across revisions. For side-by-side refrigerators like model 897, the manual and product label are the dependable sources.

Related tip (water and ice performance)

If you are checking capacity because storage seems tight due to ice buildup or airflow issues, confirm the freezer is defrosting properly. A failed defrost sensor can contribute to frost that reduces usable space; see the Kenmore refrigerator fridge and defrost sensor DA000547301 if you are troubleshooting defrost problems.

Last updated: January 2026

On Kenmore model 897 side-by-side refrigerators, the ER IF code points to an ice fan (ice room fan) airflow problem. That fan moves cold air to the ice maker area; when airflow is blocked by frost or the fan is failing, ice production and door-ice cooling can be affected.

What to check first (quick, no-parts steps)

• Power reset: unplug the refrigerator (or turn off the breaker) for 2 minutes, then restore power.
• Check for frost or ice buildup around the ice chute and ice room area; clear any visible blockage.
• Make sure the freezer door closes tightly and the door gasket is sealing.
• Confirm vents are not blocked by food packages.
• If the ice maker area is warm but the freezer is cold, the ice fan or its control circuit is the likely issue.

Common causes and the parts that usually fix it

In this model family, ER IF is most often tied to the fan circuit, wiring, or the control that powers the fan.

Likely cause	What you may notice	Typical fix
Ice fan stalled or noisy	Little or no ice, warm ice room	Fan service or replacement (model-specific)
Frost blocking airflow	Frost near ducts, intermittent code	Defrost issue diagnosis
Defrost system problem	Heavy frost on freezer back wall	Test defrost heater and sensors
Control not driving fan	Fan never runs, code returns quickly	Control board diagnosis/replacement

If you suspect a defrost-related airflow restriction, the defrost components are a good place to start, including the fridge and defrost sensor DA000547301 and the evaporator heater DA000731702. If the fan never runs even after clearing frost and resetting power, the main control board DA000068001 is a common next check.

Why it matters

When the ice fan cannot move cold air, the ice maker compartment warms up. That leads to slow ice production, clumping, melting, and repeated ER IF errors.

Where to find model-specific steps

Use the 897 owner’s manual for control panel features, operating tips, and troubleshooting guidance for your refrigerator.

Last updated: January 2026

On Kenmore model 897 side-by-side refrigerators, defrost is typically controlled by an electronic defrost control (part of the control system) rather than a separate, easy-to-spot mechanical “defrost timer.” Use the 897 owner’s manual to identify the defrost control style and the access steps for your exact configuration.

Where to look on most side-by-side refrigerators

On many Kenmore side-by-side designs, the defrost control is located in one of these areas:

• Control housing inside the fresh food section (near the temperature controls)
• Rear service area behind a lower access cover (near the compressor compartment)
• Main control board area (often on the back of the cabinet, behind a cover)

If your refrigerator uses an electronic control, you will not find a dial-style timer you can turn with a screwdriver.

Quick checks before you start

Unplug the refrigerator before removing covers or handling wiring.

• Confirm the unit is cooling but frost is building up on the freezer back wall
• Listen for normal “clicking” as defrost begins and ends (the manual notes this can be normal)
• Check that the condenser area is not blocked by dust or items
• If you see heavy frost, plan to inspect the defrost heater and sensor circuit

Common defrost-system parts for this model

If you are troubleshooting a no-defrost condition on model 897, these parts are commonly involved:

Symptom	Most likely area	Example part for model 897
Heavy frost on freezer back wall	Defrost heat not melting frost	Evaporator heater DA000731702
Defrost cycle not terminating correctly	Defrost sensing issue	Fridge and defrost sensor DA000547301
Multiple odd behaviors (cooling, defrost, display)	Control not managing defrost	Main control board DA000068001

Why it matters

A defrost failure can block airflow across the evaporator coil, which makes temperatures rise even though the compressor and fans may still run. Finding the correct defrost control location helps you test the right components (heater, sensor, control board) instead of replacing parts at random.

Last updated: January 2026