Kenmore Refrigerator Parts Diagram and Model Number Guide

Quick Answer

To find your Kenmore refrigerator parts diagram, you first need the model number located on a sticker inside the fridge wall or behind the bottom kickplate. The first three digits before the decimal point, like 106 or 795, identify the actual manufacturer which is essential for getting the right parts.

In my years of fixing these, I've found the biggest mistake people make is guessing on parts based on how the fridge looks. Kenmore is a brand owned by Sears, not a manufacturer, so your fridge could actually be a Whirlpool, LG, or Frigidaire in disguise. If you order the wrong part, you're out shipping costs and waiting another week. Finding the exact model number tag is the only way to get the right diagram.

KenmoreRefrigeratorSeverity: low

Time to Fix

5–10 min

Difficulty

beginner

Parts Cost

$0 (no parts needed)

Tools Needed

Flashlight, Phone camera

Kenmore Refrigerator Parts Diagram and Model Number Guide

Kenmore refrigerators are built by a handful of different companies including Whirlpool (106 prefix), LG (795 prefix), and Frigidaire (253 prefix). Each one uses completely different internal parts and wiring. I've literally opened two Kenmore side-by-sides that looked identical from the outside and found completely different compressors inside. This guide helps you figure out which 'flavor' of Kenmore you're dealing with so you can pull up the correct technical diagram for your specific repair.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

FlashlightPhone cameraPhillips #2 screwdriver (for kickplate screws on older models)Work gloves (for sharp metal edges on older kickplates)

Diagnostic Checklist

Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the model number on a Kenmore refrigerator?

Most of the time it's on the interior side walls of the fridge section, right up near the top on either side. That's where I find it probably 70% of the time. If it's not there, check the ceiling of the fresh food compartment or feel around the door frame where the gasket seals. On older top-mount models, it might be hiding behind a crisper drawer or down on the floor frame behind the kickplate. Snap a photo on your phone once you find it because you'll want every single digit and those stickers can be really hard to read in dim light.

How do I tell who made my Kenmore refrigerator?

Look at the first three digits before the decimal. That's the manufacturer code. 106, 663, and 665 are Whirlpool-built. 795 is LG. 253 is Frigidaire. 363 is GE. 596 is Amana. 401 is Samsung. This is honestly the most important thing to know when ordering parts because a water filter for an LG Kenmore won't fit a Whirlpool Kenmore, even if they look similar at the parts store. Once you know the prefix, you can also search using the original manufacturer's model number, which sometimes gives you way more options and cheaper prices than searching Kenmore directly.

Why does the model number have a decimal point?

The decimal splits the manufacturer code from the specific model ID. Take 106.51133210. The '106' tells you Whirlpool built it, and '51133210' identifies the exact design and which parts are inside. When you're searching a parts site, use the whole string including the decimal. Some sites want you to enter it without the decimal, so try both ways if one doesn't pull anything up. But don't just search '106' by itself or you'll get thousands of results that may or may not match your specific fridge.

Can I find parts using the serial number?

No, the serial number won't pull up a parts diagram. It's mainly used to figure out when the fridge was made and whether it's still under warranty. Some techs use it to narrow down production series changes, like if Whirlpool switched suppliers for the defrost timer mid-year. But for actually ordering parts, you need the model number, period. Some parts sites won't even let you search by serial. If you've lost the model tag completely, call Sears Parts at 1-800-469-4663 with your serial and they can sometimes cross-reference it for you.

Are Kenmore parts interchangeable between models?

Only if the manufacturer prefix matches AND the part numbers line up in the diagram. A water filter for a 795 (LG) Kenmore will never fit a 106 (Whirlpool) Kenmore, period. Even within the same manufacturer prefix, parts aren't always cross-compatible. Two Whirlpool Kenmore fridges from different years might use different door gaskets or completely different ice maker assemblies. Always verify using the full model number on a trusted parts site like RepairClinic or AppliancePartsPros, and confirm the part number before you order anything.

What if my model number sticker is worn off or missing?

This happens way more than you'd think, especially on fridges that are 15 or more years old. First check inside the door frame real carefully because sometimes there's a second sticker in there. If it's completely gone, dig out the original paperwork or the owner's manual because the number is usually printed on the first page. You can also log into your Sears account if you registered the fridge online. Last resort, call Sears Parts at 1-800-469-4663 with whatever you know, like the purchase date and approximate size, and they can sometimes help you narrow it down.

Models Known to Experience MODEL-KENMORE-REF-LOOKUP Errors

This repair applies to most Kenmore refrigerators with this error code. Common model numbers include:

106.51133210, 795.72053110, 253.70313211, 596.76503600, 665.61622101, 363.50222001, 401.70453010

Written by

Mike Sullivan

Lead Appliance Repair Technician · 20 years experience

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 17, 2026