How to Fix a Refrigerator Light Switch

They do wear out, that is the trouble with some appliances like fridges. The most insignificant part will wear out on you. Just when you are looking for a midnight snack, the fridge light switch malfunctions leaving you completely in the dark. You do not know what you are grabbing when this takes place.

It is a good thing to know, that replacing the refrigerator light switch is not that difficult to do. All you have to do is be careful and make sure to unplug the appliance. To learn how to do this simple task, just continue to read our article. It has the information you need to know to do the job successfully.

One Word of Warning

Whenever you are working on appliances, safety is always going to be the key. The two ways to remain safe when making repairs on electrical items is to use the right tools and to be careful.

Some people want to make a big deal out of this but if you unplug the power cord, your chances of getting hurt are almost nil. You do not need to wear gloves unless you do careless things during the repair

If you elect to do the repair, the burden of safety is on you, and take all proper precautions to make sure you do not get hurt. Follow all instructions carefully and do not fool around. Your best safety tools are your intelligence and common sense.

How to Replace a Refrigerator Light Switch

Being left in the dark is no fun, especially when you are in the mood for a midnight snack. It is hard to see what you are doing when the light in the fridge refuses to come on. When that happens, you know you need to make this simple repair.

There are two methods you can use to get this task done. The first, and this is important if your appliance is still under warranty, is to call an approved repairman. The second is to follow the upcoming instructions and do it yourself. This is a simple repair that doesn’t take a lot of time, so save the money if you can and DIY.

Step 1 – Unplug the Fridge

This is always the first step in any repair that is made on anything requiring power.

Step 2 – Remove the Food

You do not have to move the fridge anywhere; this repair is that simple and can be done where the appliance sits. What does need to be moved or removed are those food items that are in fragile containers or in your way. Having a free, uncluttered working zone is practicing good safety habits.

Step 3 – Take the Control Box Off

There should only be one screw holding this box in its place. Once the screw is gone, pull the box forward to unhook it from the security tabs.

Step 4 – Unhook the Box

Once you have released the box from the tabs, lower it slowly so as not to damage any of the wirings inside. Then when the box is low enough reach in and unhook the electrical connection. The connectors should easily pull apart.

Step 5 – Place the Box in A Secure Spot

After unhooking the box from the fridge’s electrical system, place it on a table or counter where you can work without interference.

Step 6 – Remove the Switch

There should be a locking tab next to the switch. Press it to unhook it from the control box. Next, push the switch out of the box, and then disconnect the wiring from the switch.

Step 7 – Installing the New Switch

Throw the old switch away and then take your new switch and connect the wires to it. Push the light switch into place and make sure the tab locks it into place.

Step 8 – Putting the Control Box Back

When you removed this box, you probably unhooked a tube or two. Make sure those tubes line up and then re-connect the wire connector to the one on the fridge ceiling. Line up the box and push it back so the security tabs latch on and then replace the screw.

Step 9 – Double-check your work and make sure you got everything back where it is supposed to go. Then plug in your fridge and give the light switch a little test. If it works like the old switch did before it broke, you are done and ready to have a midnight snack again.

As you can see, there is little to replacing an old refrigerator light switch. It only looks complicated and if you use some common sense you won’t hurt yourself and you won’t miss out on any part of the big game on television.