The bright interior of a lighted refrigerator is something we take for granted until it remains dark when we open its doors. Why is my Whirlpool refrigerator light not working? A malfunctioning door switch could be to blame. Use these tips to troubleshoot Whirlpool refrigerator light problems and find the right fix.
5 Reasons for a Whirlpool Refrigerator Light Not Working
Restoring a refrigerator light usually requires a simple solution. But first, determine the reason for a Whirlpool refrigerator light not working with one of these common causes.
Problem with Incoming Power Source
Like all large appliances, a refrigerator requires adequate and consistent power to operate. What are other signs of power problems when you find your Whirlpool refrigerator light not working? If the refrigerator won’t dispense water or ice and has a warmer internal temperature it may not be receiving power.
Here’s how to check the refrigerator’s power sources:
- Check the power cord: Make sure it’s completely plugged into a functioning outlet and is free of damage.
- Look for tripped breakers: Check your home’s circuit breaker box and reset any tripped breakers.
- Avoid extension cords: These cords can’t reliably transmit the voltage the refrigerator requires, causing surges that interrupt power.
Whirlpool Refrigerator Light Bulb Has Burned Out
Most Whirlpool refrigerator lights are LED lights that do not require replacement. However, some models do have traditional bulbs that must be changed when they burn out. Before changing the bulb, make sure it’s secure in its housing, as a loose bulb may not turn on.
If the light bulb is secure, refer to your user manual to determine the correct size, shape and wattage of the bulb. The manual will also provide instructions on how to perform a Whirlpool refrigerator light replacement. Most are easily accessible behind a panel in the rear of the refrigerator.
Refrigerator Doors Were Open Too Long
When using our refrigerator organization guide to store items, try not to leave the doors open for too long. Once the refrigerator doors are open for ten minutes, the interior lights will shut off. Closing all the doors will reset the lights. However, to avoid overworking the refrigerator, only open the doors for brief periods, when retrieving or replacing an item. During cleaning or organizing, it’s best to turn off your refrigerator’s power until your work is complete.
Refrigerator Door’s Wire Harness Is Disconnected
If you notice your refrigerator LED lights not working after the fridge was moved, the door’s wire harness may have been shaken loose. This harness contains wires that power the door switch, turning the refrigerator lights on or off when the doors open or close. Moving the refrigerator or adjusting its doors can jostle the harness, loosening it from its connection.
The harness connection can usually be found behind a plastic hinge cover on the top of the refrigerator door. Refer to your user manual to determine how to access the harness and ensure that it’s connected properly. If the wire harness is damaged, it must be replaced.
Faulty Whirlpool Refrigerator Door Switch
The door switch controls the refrigerator light, activating when the door opens or closes. If the switch malfunctions, you may notice your Whirlpool refrigerator lights flickering or nor turning on at all.
Most door switches are located near the top or bottom of the door opening. When assessing the switch, first make sure the refrigerator doors are properly aligned and the refrigerator is level. Also make sure that magnets or other electronic devices are not near the switch, as they can also affect its function. If none of these issues are factors, the switch must be removed and tested with a multimeter to determine if it’s faulty. We suggest that only an experienced DIYer or professional refrigerator repair service perform this repair.
The experts at Callahan’s Appliance can fix a Whirlpool refrigerator light not working or perform any other repair. Schedule your service with us today!
