How To Fix A Refrigerator Light That Won’t Come On

For most of us, the refrigerator’s light is essential, especially when grabbing a fast midnight snack. But what should you do if the door opens, but the light doesn’t come on?

If your refrigerators are still operational, but the light is broken, you have a problem. If the light on your fridge won’t turn on, you should look at a few different things.

This article will provide you with the options and the necessary knowledge to fix the issue on your refrigerators. So, let’s get started!

Why Do You Have a Malfunctioning Refrigerator Light?

Your refrigerator’s light may not be functioning for a variety of reasons, including the ones listed below:

• Faulty electricity supply: The interior light of your appliances may not function simply because it is unplugged or the power supply is not getting to it.
• A stuck or faulty switch: The first thing to do if your refrigerators have a similar push button switch and the fridge light is not working is to see whether the button or the small lever is broken.
• Blown fuse: It’s also possible that the problem stems from the lamp itself. A broken filament inside the lamp, visible with the unaided eye, is a warning that it is failing.
• The lightbulb socket has no power: The lamp must be screwed into a socket to operate. You should check the voltage in the socket if the fridge light isn’t working.
• A tripped GFCI outlet: If your refrigerators are plugged into such an outlet, try pressing the “reset” button.
• Circuit board fault: The refrigerator’s main circuit breaker panel contains the circuit board. Most refrigerator models will have on/off switches on the control panel, which may be defective. The best refrigerators on the market as of 2023 are listed here.

How to Fix a Refrigerator Light: 8 Easy Steps

We can help you figure out what’s wrong and fix it step-by-step if you want to repair your refrigerator light. The eight easy steps are listed below:

1. A Refrigerator Door Light Switch Check

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If the lamps on your refrigerators won’t turn on, it may be because the lightbulb has burned out or reached the end of its useful life.

This little plunger switch, which is mounted in the plastic liner of the interior, depresses when the refrigerator door is closed and springs out when the door is opened.

The lightbulb is off when the refrigerator door is closed, and when it is opened, the spring-loaded plunger establishes an electrical connection, turning on the lamp.

Here is a ranking of the best mini freezers available.

2. Repair the Lightbulb Firmly

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You’ll need to remove the lid to do this. It can require investigation because not every fridge has the same cover construction.

Pulling away from the lid and depressing a couple of latches, you might be able to open it. Or perhaps a screwdriver is required.

To get through, use your mechanical sense and knowledge of plastic covers. When you can physically reach the lightbulb, tighten it clockwise.

If the lamp turns on when you twist, the issue is resolved; kudos. If not, carry on with the investigation. You can follow these simple instructions to remove refrigerator odors.

3. Examine the Power Supply

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Surprisingly, light failure is frequently due to a brief power outage. Check your appliances; the power cord might be unplugged.

Ensure the refrigerator’s power cord is fully inserted into the socket receptacle before doing anything else.

The circuit breaker regulating the refrigerators may trip due to an overload or short circuit, in which case the circuit will be cut off.

Make sure the power outlet is working properly. The power to your refrigerator will cease flowing if the outlet develops a problem.

You can use a non-contact circuit tester to inspect the outlet. Learn the pros and cons of a refrigerator water dispenser here!

4. Repair the Wiring

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Check any wire you can access while the lamp cover is still off.

Some sloppy wiring connections may come loose from the electrical contact that turns on the lamp when the refrigerator is shaken.

See what happens if you move the wiring that you can access. Try to pull or press the wires toward the back of the light socket if you see a flicker.

To re-establish a connection, do this. We hope your lamp turns on; if not, continue with the next step.

5. Inspect the Lightbulb

When you’re sure it’s not the wiring of your appliances, gently spin the lightbulb counterclockwise until it comes loose to remove it. Peek inside the glass container carefully.

When a filament is visibly broken, a burnt-out bulb must be replaced. Give a gentle shake to the bulb; you may hear a rattling noise.

The bulb has to be replaced if you hear a faint scraping or tinkling sound resembling a tiny Christmas bell.

6. Examine the Light Socket

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Unplug the fridge before having a close inspection. Examining the connection more thoroughly comes next. Examine both the socket and the bulb base at the same time.

They may have rusted or grown filthy from dust and aerated food from refrigerators. Surprisingly often, dirty sockets are found inside plastic protective covers.

If you notice some dirt, wipe it with a paper towel or a warm damp cloth with a glass cleaner. Inspect the control plate for damage or wear.

Try screwing the bulb back in after drying the socket terminals and base. As you reconnect the connection, there’s a potential that your lights will flicker back on.

If so, you successfully got rid of the gunk that either impeded a tight screw-in or prevented the two metal pieces from conducting contact.

7. Change the Lightbulb

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You should try replacing the lightbulb next if the bulb is burnt out or cleaning the base with a damp cloth doesn’t work. Typically 120V and between 25 and 40 watts refrigerator bulbs.

You can use the current bulb as a reference because many have the size, style, and wattage printed on them.

Take your light bulb to the local hardware store if you can’t locate any useful markings (or the hardware section of a department store.)

You should be able to find the appropriate alternate bulb in the appropriate wattage with the aid of the store assistant. Don’t forget to indicate that it is for your refrigerators.

Put the alternate bulb in the socket when you have one. If it doesn’t turn on immediately, there is still one more simple thing to perform.

8. Change the Refrigerator Door Switch

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If everything else fails, you can finally replace your switch. Starting with the make and model of your appliances, order an alternate switch.

Prepare to replace the switch once you have the replacement in your possession. To begin, disconnect your refrigerator, just in case.

Use a putty knife or a flat screwdriver to pry the old door switch. Change the replacement switch’s wire connection, then push the new switch into the socket.

Press the door switch and plug your refrigerator back in. Your refrigerator’s lamp should turn on immediately with a new bulb and door switch.

It’s time to call a qualified appliance repair electrician if it still doesn’t function. That’s it!

Can My Fridge Still Work Without the Light?

Installing refrigerator or freezer lightbulbs makes organizing and identifying your food items easier. So, even if the freezer lamp fails, your refrigerator will continue functioning normally.

However, a lamp that is not working even when the lamp is fine can mean that the power to the entire refrigerator is out.

Conclusion

A faulty freezer or refrigerator light can be inconvenient if you get up early or enjoy the occasional midnight snack.

It’s best to check your house appliances (dishwashers, dryers, etc.) and ensure they’re in good shape when you discover anything unusual.

Even though it might not appear serious, waiting to address the situation could result in bigger problems or destroyed appliances.

Therefore, if your freezer or refrigerator light isn’t working, consider the causes above before contacting an electrician.

You will avoid long-term harm and potential future appliance failure. We hope this guide was helpful to you.