How to Find and Use Sears Refrigerator Manuals Online

Sears still hosts refrigerator manuals, but the process has changed since the company's store closures

Sears stopped operating most physical stores in 2018 and 2019, but the company maintained an online manual database. You can find your Sears refrigerator manual through Sears' parts and manuals website, though the interface is different from what longtime customers remember. The site requires your model number—a 10 to 12-digit code printed on a sticker inside your fridge—and searching by model is faster and more reliable than browsing by appliance type.

If you bought your Sears refrigerator before 2015, the manual may not be in the current online system. In that case, you have two backup routes: searching by model number on general appliance manual sites, or contacting Sears directly through their customer service line to request a physical or digital copy.

Key Takeaways

• Your refrigerator's model number is printed on a sticker inside the fridge, usually on the back wall or under a shelf, and you will need it to search Sears' manual database.
• Sears' official manual site is organized by model number rather than by appliance category, so searching by the exact number is faster than browsing.
• Older Sears refrigerators (pre-2015) may not appear in the current online system, and you may need to contact Sears customer service or use a third-party manual archive instead.
• Downloaded manuals from Sears are typically in PDF format and include sections on cleaning, organizing, temperature settings, and troubleshooting common problems.

Finding your model number on the refrigerator itself

The model number is your key to locating the right manual. On most Sears refrigerators, the sticker is located on the back wall of the fridge interior, usually near the top or bottom. On some models, it is mounted on the side wall or under a removable shelf. The number itself is typically 10 to 12 digits long and may be printed alongside other codes like the serial number or manufacture date.

Write down the entire model number exactly as it appears—do not skip digits or try to shorten it. Even a single missing digit will cause the search to fail or return the wrong manual. If the sticker is faded or damaged, you can also check your original purchase paperwork or warranty card, which usually lists the model number.

Searching Sears' manual database

Go to the Sears Parts and Manuals website (manuals.sears.com or the current equivalent through Sears.com). The homepage has a search box labeled "Enter Model Number" or similar. Paste or type your complete model number into that field and click search. The system will return results for your specific refrigerator model.

If the search returns no results, double-check that you entered the model number correctly—spaces, hyphens, and letter case all matter. If you still get no results after a second attempt, your refrigerator may be older than the current database covers, or it may have been sold under a different brand name (Sears owned Kenmore, Craftsman, and other labels). In that case, move to the backup search methods below.

What to expect in a Sears refrigerator manual

A typical Sears refrigerator manual includes sections on initial setup, temperature control, shelf organization, cleaning and maintenance, food storage guidelines for different categories, and a troubleshooting section for common problems like frost buildup, unusual noises, or temperature fluctuations. Many manuals also include a parts diagram so you can identify components if something needs replacement.

The manual will explain how to adjust your fridge's thermostat or digital controls, how to remove and clean shelves and drawers, and which foods should go in which zones for longest shelf life. This information is specific to your model, so a Sears manual for your exact refrigerator is more useful than general food storage advice.

Backup options if Sears' database does not have your manual

If your refrigerator is older or the Sears site returns no results, try searching your model number on ManualsLib.com or Manualowl.com, which archive manuals from many manufacturers including Sears and Kenmore. These sites are free and searchable by model number. You may also find the manual on the Internet Archive's Wayback Machine if it was posted on an older version of Sears' website.

If you prefer to contact Sears directly, call their customer service line (the number is on Sears.com) and provide your model number. Sears can sometimes email a PDF or mail a physical copy, though response times vary. This route is slower but useful if you need a manual for a very old model or if you want to verify you have the correct one before downloading.

Organizing and storing your downloaded manual

Once you download the PDF, save it with a clear filename that includes your model number—for example, "Sears-Refrigerator-Model-12345-Manual.pdf". Store it in a dedicated folder on your computer or cloud storage so you can find it quickly if you need to reference cleaning instructions or troubleshoot a problem.

You can also print a physical copy and keep it in a kitchen drawer or binder. Many people find a printed manual easier to reference while actually cleaning or organizing the fridge, since you do not have to switch between your phone or computer and the task at hand.

Using your manual to extend refrigerator life

Your manual contains specific guidance on how often to clean your fridge's condenser coils, how to defrost the freezer if your model requires manual defrosting, and which shelves are adjustable. Following these maintenance steps prevents common problems like frost accumulation, temperature swings, and odor buildup. The manual also explains the purpose of each shelf and zone—for example, which shelf stays coldest and is best for raw meat, and which drawer maintains the humidity needed for vegetables.

Refer to the troubleshooting section if your fridge stops cooling evenly, makes unusual sounds, or develops odors. Many problems have simple fixes that the manual will walk you through before you need to call a repair technician.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is the model number sticker on a Sears refrigerator?

The sticker is usually on the back interior wall of the fridge, near the top or bottom, or on the side wall under a shelf. Check your purchase paperwork if the sticker is missing or faded—the model number is always listed there.

Can I find a manual for a Sears refrigerator I bought 20 years ago?

Sears' current online database may not include very old models. Try searching your model number on ManualsLib or Manualowl, or contact Sears customer service directly. They sometimes have archives of older manuals even if they are not on the main website.

What if the Sears website is down or the manual link is broken?

Use the Internet Archive's Wayback Machine (archive.org) to search for older versions of Sears' manual pages. You can also try third-party manual sites like ManualsLib, which often have copies of the same PDFs.

Do I need the serial number as well as the model number?

No. The model number alone is enough to find your manual. The serial number identifies your specific refrigerator for warranty or repair purposes, but the manual is the same for all refrigerators with the same model number.

Can I get a manual for a Kenmore refrigerator from Sears?

Yes. Kenmore was Sears' house brand, and Kenmore manuals are often in the Sears database under the Kenmore name. Search by your model number on Sears' site, or try searching "Kenmore [model number] manual" on a general search engine.