Kenmore Refrigerator 596.68954801 (59668954801, 596 68954801) Parts

The Bimetal Defrost Thermostat is an OEM part for Whirlpool refrigerators. It plays a vital role in the defrost system, regulating the freezer temperature to prevent excessive frost buildup. The thermostat serves as a safety device by shutting off power to the defrost heater if the temperature gets too high, thereby protecting the appliance from overheating and potential damage. Its specifications include a 5-1/4" orange wire, a 25" brown wire, and a 1/2" clip.

You should replace the bimetal defrost thermostat if it becomes faulty. Over time, it can deteriorate due to normal wear and tear, electrical problems, or exposure to extreme temperatures, leading to malfunctioning of the defrost cycle.

Symptoms of a bad bimetal defrost thermostat include:

• Excessive frost accumulation in the freezer
• The refrigerator running continuously or not maintaining the proper temperature
• The defrost heater failing to activate

This OEM part is also compatible with Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Magic Chef, Admiral, Norge, Roper, and Kenmore models.

The Humidity Control Slide is an OEM part for Whirlpool refrigerators.This part regulates the humidity levels in the crisper drawers, ensuring optimal conditions for the storage of fruits and vegetables. The slide measures approximately 9 inches wide by 1-1/2 inches deep.

Causes of a bad Humidity Control Slide can include wear and tear over time, physical damage due to mishandling, or buildup of debris that hinders its movement. 

Symptoms of a bad Humidity Control Slide include:

• Inability to adjust humidity settings
• Visible damage or cracks on the slide
• Excessive moisture or dryness in the crisper drawers

This OEM Whirlpool part is also compatible with Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Magic Chef, Admiral, Norge, Roper and some Kenmore models.

The Threaded Handle Anchor is an OEM part for Whirlpool refrigerators. This component is essential for securely attaching the refrigerator door handle to the door, ensuring that it remains firmly in place during regular use. The anchor fits into the door and provides a threaded connection point for the handle screws, offering stability and ease of use.

Common causes of a bad threaded handle anchor include wear and tear from frequent use, cross-threading during installation, or physical damage from excessive force or impact.

Symptoms of a bad threaded handle anchor include:

• The refrigerator door handle feeling loose or unstable
• Difficulty securing the handle to the door
• The handle detaching from the door
• Visible damage or stripping on the anchor threads

This OEM part is also compatible with some Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Magic Chef, Admiral, Norge, Roper, and Kenmore models.

This door gasket runs around the perimeter of the door opening to create a dependable seal when closed. A proper seal helps limit air and moisture leaks, supporting stable internal conditions, reduced condensation, and efficient performance. What it does:

• Seals the door perimeter to block unwanted air and moisture infiltration
• Helps minimize condensation around the door and maintain consistent internal conditions
• Replaces gaskets that are torn, cracked, warped, or permanently compressed
• Can help when the door won't seal properly or you notice drafts, moisture, or temperature swings

• 1 door gasket

• Disconnect power if removing the door or working near electrical components
• Warm the gasket (soak in warm water or use low heat) to relax it before installation
• Press the gasket fully into the channel/retainer, ensuring corners are completely seated
• Check for uniform contact all around; adjust door alignment if needed and allow up to 24 hours for the gasket to conform

This door gasket seals the dishwasher door opening to keep wash water and moisture inside the tub. A fresh, flexible seal helps prevent leaks and improves cleaning performance by maintaining proper pressure and heat.

• Creates a watertight seal between the tub and door perimeter
• Helps prevent leaks at the bottom and sides of the door
• Helps resolve symptoms like water on the floor, moisture around the door, long dry times, or visible tears/flattening of the old gasket
• Restores proper door compression and wash chamber containment

• Disconnect power and turn off water supply before service
• Remove the old gasket from the channel; clean the groove of debris and residue
• Press the new gasket evenly into the channel, centering at the top and working down both sides
• Close the door to help seat the gasket; a short run cycle may help it conform

This refrigerator drip pan, also called an evaporator drain pan, mounts on the base to catch defrost water and allow it to evaporate. Replacing a cracked or warped pan helps prevent puddles and moisture damage around the appliance. What it does:

• Collects water from the defrost cycle and holds it for evaporation using condenser/fan airflow
• Helps keep water off the floor and out of the cabinet base area
• Typical failure symptoms include water under or behind the refrigerator, recurring puddles after a defrost cycle, visible cracks/warping, or musty odors
• Restores proper fit when the original pan is damaged, heat-distorted, or missing

• 1 refrigerator drip pan

• Disconnect power and pull the unit forward to access the rear; wear gloves and use caution around sharp metal edges
• Remove the lower rear access panel; carefully lift and remove the old pan from its supports
• Clean the area; transfer any pads or clips from the old pan if present; seat the new pan fully on the supports/locators so it's level and secure
• Reinstall the rear panel, return the refrigerator to position, restore power, and check for correct placement after the next defrost cycle

Restore the clean look and proper ventilation of your microwave with this air grille. It covers the upper front vent opening, helps guide airflow through the vent path, and shields internal components for reliable performance.

• Covers the upper/front vent opening while allowing proper airflow
• Helps secure the charcoal filter on many recirculating models
• Restores appearance and fit when the original grille is cracked or missing
• Common fix for a loose, rattling, or broken vent cover

• Disconnect power to the microwave before servicing
• Open the door (most models), remove the screws along the top edge, and slide the old grille to release its tabs
• Position the new grille, ensure tabs engage fully, and reinstall the screws without overtightening

This condenser fan blade restores the airflow that carries heat away from the condenser coils and compressor. Replacing a cracked, warped, or loose blade helps your refrigerator remove heat properly so it cools reliably and runs more quietly. What it does

• Draws room air through the condenser coil and over the compressor to dissipate heat
• Helps maintain stable cabinet temperatures and overall cooling performance
• Typical failure symptoms: fan not spinning or moving enough air, wobbling or rattling from the rear base, weak cooling, compressor running hot

• 1 condenser fan blade

• Unplug the refrigerator and remove the rear lower access panel before servicing
• Note the blade's orientation; pull the old blade straight off the motor shaft and press the new blade on until fully seated
• Ensure proper clearance in the shroud and spin by hand to confirm it turns freely
• Wear gloves and eye protection; keep hands clear of the blade during testing

This shelf trim is the molded edge piece for your refrigerator shelf. It snaps in place to restore a clean, secure lip that helps keep items in place and limits spills from reaching shelves below. What it does:

• Attaches to the edge of a refrigerator shelf to create a finished barrier
• Helps retain items and contain minor spills
• Restores stability when the original trim is cracked or missing
• Common symptoms: broken or loose trim, items sliding off the shelf, trim won't stay attached

• 1 shelf trim

• Disconnect power and remove food from the affected shelf before servicing
• Lift out the shelf or bin and place it on a flat, protected surface
• Release the old trim's tabs and slide or unsnap it from the shelf—avoid forcing or flexing
• Align the new trim and press until fully seated; reinstall the shelf or bin

This refrigerator door gasket seals the door to the cabinet to keep cold air in and moisture out. Replacing a worn or deformed gasket restores a reliable seal, steadier temperatures, and more efficient performance.

• Creates an air-tight seal around the door perimeter
• Helps maintain correct temperatures and reduce frost or condensation
• Supports proper door closing and overall cooling efficiency
• Replace if the gasket is torn, cracked, warped, hardened, or leaves gaps; if the door pops open; or if you see moisture/frost along the door edge

• Disconnect power; remove items from the door bins for access
• Pull the old gasket from the retainer; transfer/loosen corner screws if applicable
• Warm the new gasket (hot water or low-heat hair dryer) to relax it; seat the lip evenly, corners first
• Close the door and check for uniform contact; adjust with gentle heat and by leveling/hinge alignment if needed; allow up to 24 hours for the gasket to fully conform

The Start Device is an OEM part for Whirlpool refrigerators. This part provides the necessary electrical connection and power to initiate the refrigerator's compressor operation.

Causes of a bad start device can include electrical surges, regular wear and tear, or internal component failure.

Symptoms of a bad start device include:

• Refrigerator not cooling
• Clicking sounds from the refrigerator
• Compressor not starting
• Overheating compressor

This OEM Whirlpool part is also compatible with Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Magic Chef, Admiral, Norge, Roper and some Kenmore models.

This refrigerator door gasket replaces a worn seal to restore a tight, even closure around the door. A proper seal keeps cold air in and moisture out, helping maintain temperature, reduce frost, and minimize run time. What it does:

• Forms a tight seal between the door and cabinet frame
• Helps maintain set temperatures and reduce moisture intrusion
• Resolves frost or condensation at the door and frequent compressor cycling
• Common signs: torn, cracked, or warped gasket; gaps; door not sealing smoothly

• Includes: 1 door gasket

• Disconnect power before servicing; remove or secure contents for safety
• On many models, loosen the inner-liner screws or pull the old gasket from the retainer/channel to remove
• Warm the new gasket (warm water or low heat from a hair dryer) to relax shipping folds
• Seat corners first, then press the rest into the retainer; verify seal with a paper-slip test and adjust as needed

This damper cover insert fits the refrigerator's air damper/diffuser. It helps guide and seal airflow from the freezer to the fresh food section, supporting stable temperatures and reducing drafts when the original insert is cracked or missing.

• Seats inside the damper cover to shape and restrict airflow between freezer and refrigerator compartments
• Helps seal the vent opening to limit air leaks
• Supports proper temperature balance and airflow distribution in the fresh food section
• Typical symptoms include a broken/missing insert, air drafts at the vent, rattling from the cover, or inconsistent cooling

• Disconnect power to the refrigerator before servicing
• Remove shelves as needed and access the damper cover in the fresh food compartment
• Release and remove the damaged insert; snap the new insert into the cover with correct orientation and a secure fit
• Handle nearby foam seals and the damper door carefully to avoid damage

Replace a cracked or missing dairy tray on your refrigerator door. This door bin restores a dedicated spot for butter and small items so they stay organized and easy to reach while maintaining a secure fit on the door.

• Mounts on the refrigerator door as the dairy compartment tray
• Holds butter, cheese, and other small items securely
• Restores proper fit when the original tray is cracked, warped, or missing
• Common symptoms: broken tabs, tray falls off, loose/wobbly fit, items spilling when the door opens

• Open the door, lift the old tray straight up and out; align the new tray with the door slots and lower until fully seated
• Handle plastic parts gently and avoid forcing; allow parts to warm to room temperature to reduce risk of cracking
• Confirm both sides are fully engaged before loading items

This refrigerator crisper cover glass sits above the produce drawers to create a solid shelf and help the bins seal properly. Replace cracked or missing glass to restore safe storage space and consistent crisper performance.

• Forms the shelf/cover above the crisper drawers and supports stored items
• Helps the drawers seal to maintain proper humidity for produce
• Replaces damaged, cracked, or missing glass that creates an unstable surface
• Common symptoms: broken/shattered pane, sagging shelf, items tipping, drawers not closing or sealing flush

• Unplug the refrigerator and clear the shelf area before starting
• Remove the crisper drawers; lift the cover if needed and slide the old glass out
• Handle glass with two hands; wear gloves if the old panel is broken
• Ensure the new glass seats fully in the cover/frame before reinstalling drawers and food

This refrigerator compressor start device supplies the initial boost to start the compressor and supports reliable operation. When it weakens or fails, you may hear clicking from the rear and experience poor cooling or a compressor that won't run. What it does:

• Sends momentary power to the compressor's start winding for dependable start-up
• Opens the start circuit once the compressor is running
• Works with the compressor's protection to prevent overheating damage
• Failure symptoms may include: warm temps or no cooling, compressor won't start, or repeated clicking/humming then shutting off

• One start device assembly

• Disconnect power before servicing
• Access the compressor compartment (rear lower panel); locate the start device on the side of the compressor
• Note wire positions, pull the old device straight off the compressor pins, and seat the new device fully; reconnect wiring
• Reinstall panels and restore power; allow temperatures to stabilize