A refrigerator light is an essential part, whether the internal light or control panel light. This article explains Whirlpool refrigerator light issues and proven solutions.
Table of Contents
Whirlpool Refrigerator Light Bulb Location
Most Whirlpool refrigerators have a light bulb on the ceiling inside the unit. You will find it at the center or front center once you open the door. There is usually a light cover over the bulb, so it may not be immediately evident. You will need to remove the light cover before accessing the light bulb. The same applies to LED lights.
Whirlpool Refrigerator Lights Not Working – How to Fix
If you find that the lights in your Whirlpool refrigerator are not working, check the following:
1. Light Bulb
First, check to see if the light bulb is tightly screwed to the socket. If you recently changed the bulb, you may have neglected to tighten the bulb. And if that is the case, the interior lights cannot work. Turn the bulb, remove it, and fix it into the light socket again. Then, check to see if the light is working.
2. Light Switch
If the bulb is not the source of the problem, check the light switch. The switch is the same as the door switch and it is beside the for. Once you close the door, it pushes the switch in and turns the light off. But if the switch is broken, it needs a replacement. Get a multimeter and test the switch for continuity. Replace the switch if you find no continuity.
3. Light Socket
The socket is the part that holds the bulb and directly supplies power to it. If the socket is not working, the light cannot turn on in the refrigerator. So, run a power test on the socket using a multimeter. If the socket is not getting power, it may be defective and in need of a replacement. But if it is getting power without powering the bulb, especially if you just checked or replaced the bulb, the socket is defective and in need of a replacement.
4. Light Assembly
The entire light assembly may not be working. That means every part of it may need to be replaced. Contact Whirlpool to find out whether or not it sells individual light assembly parts. Sometimes, you may have to replace the entire assembly to fix the issue.
5. Light Board
Finally, the light board may be the source of the problem. If other tests do not reveal the cause, you may have to replace the board. However, do it cautiously because boards do not easily fail. Nevertheless, check to see if it is receiving voltage to power the lights. If there is not enough voltage, replace the light board.
The same steps apply if the refrigerator light goes on and off. Ensure the bulb is tight in the socket and the switch is in good working condition. If your refrigerator door stays open for too long, it may cause the light to go off after about ten minutes. As a result, it may seem as if the lights are not working. Ensure nothing is keeping the door open and close it securely. Wait a few minutes and open the door again. The light should be working at this time.
How to Change a Whirlpool Refrigerator Light
To change a Whirlpool refrigerator light, you must locate it and determine the type of bulb in use. It is crucial to replace the light with the same type if it must work well. Check out this article on how to replace a Whirlpool refrigerator light for instructions on how to change LED or regular light bulbs in a Whirlpool refrigerator.
Whirlpool Refrigerator Door Ajar Light Stays On – What to Do
The refrigerator may be reading the door as open even though it is closed. Check to see if any item in the refrigerator is sticking out. Rearrange items in the refrigerator and ensure the shelves, bins, and racks are in their proper order. Also, check the door seals; ensure they are in good working condition. If not, replace the seals so that the doors can close and tightly seal.
Furthermore, ensure the light or door switch is working. Once the door on the left closes tightly, it should push the door switch to indicate the door is fully closed. If the switch sticks out, it may trigger the control board to read the door as open. As a result, the door ajar light does not go off. You may have to replace the switch if that is the case.
Additionally, ensure the refrigerator is leveled. Follow this guide to level the unit on all sides and from the front to the back. And check to be sure the doors are aligned; a poor alignment may affect how well the door closes and may cause the door ajar light to remain on even when the door is closed.
If the problem continues, it may be because of the control board. A faulty control board may no longer detect the sensor when the door is closed. That may keep the light on when the door is closed. Test the control board or hire an appliance technician to check it. Alternatively, contact the Whirlpool Service Center for further assistance, especially if you have an active warranty.
Check out these other articles…
How to Level a Whirlpool Refrigerator [Detailed Guide]
How to Clean a Whirlpool Refrigerator…[Detailed Guide]
How to Adjust a Whirlpool Refrigerator…[In-depth Guide]
How to Replace a Whirlpool Refrigerator…[Detailed Guide]
How to Remove a Whirlpool Refrigerator…[In-depth Guide]
Whirlpool Refrigerator Light Comes On But Nothing Else – Fixed
If the interior light comes on, it is not a power issue. The compressor may be faulty, causing the refrigerator not to run. If the compressor is not working, the unit cannot cool because the cooling system stays off. Hire a technician to check the compressor and determine whether or not you should get a replacement or buy a new refrigerator.
Consider resetting the refrigerator before replacing the compressor. Disconnect the refrigerator from electric power and leave it unplugged for about thirty to forty-five minutes. Ensure you do not open the refrigerator doors or disturb it any other way; leave it as undisturbed as possible. That may mean storing food items in the unit in another refrigerator or an ice-packed cooler. Afterward, reconnect the refrigerator to electric power and see if it begins working.
Another possible cause of the unit not working even though the light comes on is the loss of coolant or refrigerant. If the sealed system becomes compromised, the refrigerant will leak and stop the refrigerator from working. You may want to check the cooling pipes for leaks; use a leak detector or soapy water to detect areas where there are possible leaks. If that is the case, hire a technician to patch the leaks and charge the system with refrigerant.
Whirlpool Refrigerator Light Dim – Quick Fix
There are several reasons the light in your Whirlpool refrigerator is dim and the following are ways to fix them:
1. Old Lights
The light may be old or faulty. In such a case, you may notice the fault when it becomes dim without warning. Replace the light with a new one, whether it is a regular bulb or an LED light. Before replacing the light, check to see if the bulb is loose. Remove the bulb and correctly reconnect it, ensuring you tighten it this time. If that does not work, test the light and see if it remains dim. If the replacement fixes the problem, you are good to go. But if it remains dim, check the next step.
2. House Wiring
Newer Whirlpool refrigerators require stronger and newer wiring. If the house wiring is too old, it may be unable to produce the voltage needed to power the refrigerator. Consequently, the refrigerator may not work as it should and the light becomes dim. Hire an electrician to check the house wiring and rewire the necessary parts so that the refrigerator can work well.
3. Light Switch
The switch close to the door of the refrigerator may be defective. It may be loose or filled with dust. And if that is the case, it may affect the functionality of the light. Ensure there is no dirt stuck in it, preventing it from working. Clean the switch and the area around it and see if it fixes the light issue. But if it continues, test the light switch with a multimeter and check for continuity. If there is no continuity, replace the switch.
4. Power Cord
Check the refrigerator’s power cord; a fault with the cord may affect the interior light. Ensure it is not twisted and is fully connected to the wall outlet. Also, ensure the outlet produces enough voltage to power the unit. A reduction in power supply affects how the refrigerator runs. Disconnect the power cord from the outlet and reconnect it. Then check to see if the light stabilizes. If that does not work, take the next step.
5. Power Usage
If there is an increase in the use of power in the house or area, it affects every appliance, including the refrigerator. A typical refrigerator uses a lot of voltage and when there is a drop, it may affect the light. In such a case, you may be unable to fix the issue. You will need a qualified electrician to check out the power supply issue and make the necessary repairs.
You may need the help of a professional technician to determine the cause of the dim light if none of the above repair steps works. Contact the Whirlpool Service Center to request service or use an independent technician.
Whirlpool Refrigerator Light Fixture Replacement – Steps
Follow the steps to replace the light fixture or socket in a Whirlpool refrigerator:
Step 1
Disconnect the refrigerator from electric power. Unplug it from the wall outlet if you can reach it. Otherwise, turn off the circuit breaker that controls the refrigerator.
Step 2
Remove the light cover and set it aside. How you remove the cover will depend on the Whirlpool refrigerator model. For some, you have to unmount a few screws before removing the light cover. Others require simply pulling the cover off.
Step 3
Unscrew the existing bulb from the light socket and pull the socket out of the wall liner. When you do this, you will see a wire harness connecting the wires to the refrigerator. Gently disconnect the wire harness and connect it to the new light socket.
Step 4
Push the new socket into the wall liner, ensuring to do it gently so it does not break. Fit it securely in place and screw the bulb back into it. Ensure the bulb fits securely and is tight before putting the light cover up again. Snap it in place or mount the screws to hold it to the wall. Reconnect the refrigerator to electric power and test the socket to see if it powers the light bulb.
Here is a video that demonstrates how to replace the light socket behind the control panel in a Whirlpool refrigerator…
Whirlpool Refrigerator Filter Light Won’t Reset – What to Do
The water filter light does not automatically reset. After replacing the water filter, you have to reset it manually. How you reset it will depend on the refrigerator model, so consult the user manual to determine the correct steps for resetting it. Also, flush the system after the filter replacement to remove any pocket of air.
Some models have a dedicated water filter button. If your model does, press the button on the control panel and hold it for about three seconds. The illuminated icon for the water filter should return to the color blue while the words Replace Filter should vanish from the control panel’s display.
Other models have a dedicated filter reset button. So, if your refrigerator does not have a water filter button, it may have the filter reset button and if it does, press it and hold it until the status light turns off. When the light goes off, the system is reset.
However, if the refrigerator does not have any of these buttons, you may have to use a combination of buttons. For some, the Max Ice and Max Cool buttons should reset the filter light. Hold both buttons simultaneously for about three seconds after replacing the filter. The display should show a countdown from three to one, and the icon should flash and play a short tone.
If none of the above applies, follow the instructions in the user manual. The instructions should show the specific button combinations that work for your model.
Whirlpool Fridge Red Light H20 – What It Means
The H20 light in a Whirlpool fridge represents the water filter light. When the filter is due for a replacement, usually after six months of constant use, the H20 light turns red to alert you to the need for a replacement. If the H20 light is red after replacing the water filter, press the Light and ice type buttons simultaneously for about three seconds. The light should go off as the system resets.
Whirlpool Refrigerator LED Lights Flickering – Fixed
There are a few reasons the LED lights in a Whirlpool refrigerator flicker. The following are the reasons and how to fix them.
1. Faulty Dimmer
Whirlpool refrigerator LED lights typically use one dimmer to control their functions. The dimmer fits in the freezer but over time, the dimmer may accumulate moisture and begin to fail. As a result, the lights begin to flicker.
You may try wiping the moisture from the dimmer, but the best solution is to replace it. Follow the instructions in the user manual to replace it or get the services of a professional technician for the job.
2. Malfunctioning LED Module
The module is the light fixture itself and can malfunction. If the dimmer is not faulty or replacing it does not fix the flickering lights, you may have to replace the entire LED module. Disconnect the refrigerator from electric power and open the door. Locate the module on the ceiling of the refrigerator and unthread the single screw.
Remove the screw and lower the light cover to remove it. Next, use a screwdriver to pry the locking tabs on the module loose. Lower it and disconnect the wire harness securing the module to the refrigerator. Now, remove the old module and connect the new module to the wire harness.
Push the right side of the module into the lining and snap the left side into position, ensuring it locks. Replace the cover and secure it with the screw. Finally, reconnect the refrigerator to electric power and test the module.
3. Defective LED Controller
The controller in the freezer may be defective. If your Whirlpool refrigerator model has a controller, it may be time to replace it. There may also be damaged resistors that require replacements. Hire a professional appliance technician to check the controller and resistors, and replace the defective ones. But if the resistors or the controller are not the sources of the problem, you may have to replace the LED lights.
Whirlpool Refrigerator Light Won’t Turn Off – Quick Fix
Check the door switch and the light socket. Turn the switch on and off, monitoring the light for any response. If there is no response, the switch may be faulty and in need of a replacement. Test it with a multimeter to check for continuity. Replace the socket if you find no continuity.
If the switch is in good working condition, the next step is to check the light socket. A faulty socket can cause the light not to turn off. It is easy to replace the part, so buy a new light socket compatible with your refrigerator model and fix it in the place of the old one. If the light begins to work, problem solved. Otherwise, the refrigerator may have wiring problems and only a professional can fix the issues.
If the light inside your Whirlpool refrigerator does not turn off, it may be due to several reasons. To be sure the light stays on even after closing the door, open the refrigerator door and test the light switch. The switch is usually close to the door so that it becomes activated when the closed-door presses against it. Press the switch to see if it controls the light. If it remains on, it means the light does not go off with the closed door.
Another way to verify the problem is to test the light socket. Use a multimeter to test the socket for power and continuity. Replace the socket if it has no continuity or the power supply is not regular. Furthermore, check the items closest to the light in the refrigerator. They will be warm or hot if the light never goes off. The items cannot get as cold as items in other parts of the unit. But you can also remove the light bulb to keep the light off ad preserve the food as you look for a permanent solution.
Whirlpool Refrigerator Lights and Water Not Working – Solution
Check the door switch. The switch controls the interior lights and dispenser, and when you open the refrigerator door, the light comes on while the dispenser deactivates. A defective door switch can keep the dispenser and light off, so toggle it and see if there is any response.
If there is no response, run a continuity test on the switch using a multimeter. It should show continuity so if you find none, you need to find a replacement door switch. Ensure you clean the liner into which the switch goes and properly fix the switch for optimal functionality. If you are unsure of how to remove the door switch, which is to use a putty knife or small screwdriver, allow a professional to do the repairs.
Another possible solution is to check the wires under the left door for damages. Open the doors and remove the front bottom grille to check the water line and wires protruding from the left door. Trace it to a point a few inches under the unit and you will find a wire connector.
Check to see if the harness and wires are intact. If there is any damage, remove the harness and splice the wires; they can still work without the harness. After correctly splicing the wires, secure them under the refrigerator and put the grille back in place. Close the door, connect the refrigerator to electric power, and test the light and water.
If these repairs do not fix the problem, it may stem from a more complex wiring or control board problem. Consider replacing the control board to see if it fixes the problem. Otherwise, contact Whirlpool to report the issue and request service or hire an independent professional technician for further repairs.
Whirlpool Refrigerator Cooling Off Light On – Fixed
If the Cooling Off light is on, on your Whirlpool refrigerator, it means the cooling function is off. Turn it back on by pressing the Measured Fill and Lock buttons simultaneously for about three seconds. Consult the user manual for your refrigerator if the model does not have these buttons. The manual has instructions on the button combinations for specific models.
When there is a power outage, the refrigerator turns off and needs to be manually turned back on when power is restored. If you do not do it, the cooling function stays off and the unit does not cool. Turn on the refrigerator following the instructions in the user manual.
Recap
A Whirlpool refrigerator light is essential for seeing the interior parts and contents of the refrigerator. Without the light, it may be difficult to use the unit unless there is an alternative source. But if the light becomes faulty, it may be an indication of a more serious problem with the unit. It may also affect other crucial parts and affect the cooling capacity of the unit.
Therefore, run a check on different parts of the unit when the light stops working. Check the light bulb, light socket, light assembly, light switch, and light board, and replace any defective parts. This article explains troubleshooting steps for lights not working in the refrigerator or even when the lights do not go off. Follow the detailed guide to sort out the light issues.
However, if the issues persist and affect the refrigerator’s cooling capacity, it is time to get professional help. Contact the Whirlpool Service Center to request service or hire an independent appliance technician for further assistance.
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