How to Fix a Fridge Light

A little common sense is all that is needed when you have problems with your fridge light bulb. If it does not work, it does not necessarily mean you need to get a new fridge. Just a few common-sense checks and you should be able to find the source of the problem and fix it in a jiffy.

By continuing to read our article, you will find where to check and what solutions are the most appropriate to apply. Take a few minutes to get caught on simple fridge light repairs.

A System of Checks

There are a few places you need to check, and it is best to do them in the order we present them. The order is important as you can stop checking if you found the problem in the first one or two spots.

Step 1 – Check All Power Sources

Do this check first will eliminate any question you have about power reaching the light. Once you know power is available, you can move on to the next checks to find the problem.

1. Power Cord– Make sure it is plugged in as it is easy to knock the plug out of the socket. If it is unplugged plug, it back in and check the light bulb to see if it lights up. If not move on to the next step.
2. Power Cord 2– Look to see if there is any damage to the power cord. Frayed or exposed wires may cause the power to fail. Replace the cord if it is.
3. Circuit Breaker– Go to the circuit breaker box and make sure the fridge breaker is still on. If it isn’t turn it off all the way, then turn it back on again.
4. Power Outlet– Unplug the fridge and use a non-contact circuit breaker to test the outlet. If the outlet is faulty, it should be replaced.

Step 2 – Double-Check the Light Bulb

Now that you have established that the power is getting to the fridge and the light bulb, this step has you double-checking the bulb itself.

1. Check the Bulb– Look for a broken filament and if there isn’t one then you have to test the bulb with a meter.
2. Use A Multimeter– Remove the bulb and set the multimeter to Rx1. Place the probes on the bottom of the light bulb. If the meter registers infinity, then you need to change the bulb. Change the bulb in this situation.

Step 3 – Check Fridge Socket

It may not be the bulb that is bad, so you need to check the socket. It could easily get damaged and stop the bulb from making the right connection. Make sure you have a flashlight to help you see into the socket when you check it.

• Unplug the fridge so you do not get any surprises.
• Look into the socket and see if any of the terminals are damaged or discolored.
• If there is, the light socket needs changing.

If the light bulb still doesn’t work after all of these checks, there is still one more check to make.

Step 4 – Check the Fridge Door Switch

The final place to check is this little device. This is the final stop on your check tour. The door will turn the light on and off for you when it is in top working order. If all the other checks passed their checks, most likely this is the source of your problem.

• Unplug the fridge from the wall socket.
• Locate the switch, remove the cover but be careful that you do not damage it, then remove the switch.
• Set your multimeter to Rx1 and use the probes to touch the terminals on the switch to complete the circuit. The meter should move from infinity to zero. Next press the switch and see if the reading goes back to infinity. If it doesn’t, the switch is faulty.

Some Tips to Help You

1. If the door switch passes the check, you may have another problem and you will need to call in the repairman to check your fridge’s electrical system.
2. You can check the bulb first. Just put it in another socket and turn it on. If it lights, then the problem lies in one of the other 3 areas or more. If it doesn’t, just replace the bulb. If the new bulb lights up, your work is done.

Not having the light work is not a big deal. It is a simple fix that takes only a few minutes to check each possible source. Plus, you can take the light bulb shortcut and possibly save yourself some time.