Your Whirlpool refrigerator lights are not working? If your fridge is working well, but the lights don’t work, the quickest fix is to replace the bulb. However, if you have a fairly new fridge, chances are you may need to take a good look at it for other possible issues.
Whirlpool refrigerator LED bulbs were made to last for up to an impressive 50,000 hours. So, before you start calling in a professional or start switching to a new bulb, try these few troubleshooting steps first.
5 Common Reasons Why Your Whirlpool Refrigerator Lights Are Not Working
1. The fridge is on Sabbath mode.
Whirlpool refrigerators have a Sabbath Mode that allows you to keep the temperature settings the same while turning off the control panel, interior lights, and sound indicator lights. You can open and close the fridge without activating the interior lights. You will know if your fridge is on Sabbath Mode as the word “Sabbath” or “Saturday” is flashed on the screen. To deactivate Sabbath Mode, simply press and hold SABBATH for 3 seconds to turn it off.
2. The door has been open for a long time.
If you have left the refrigerator door open for more than 10 minutes, it will automatically turn off its interior lights. This is to help conserve energy.
If your door isn’t all the way shut, the light can stay on. Then when you open the door, the light stays out. So, you should check your fridge door to make sure it’s closed all the way. The light should come back on by itself after a few minutes.
3. Defective light switch
The light switch is the switch that turns your refrigerator light on and off as the door is opened and closed. It’s usually on the top of a Whirlpool fridge and has a label that says light switch.
The switch and spring in the door tab that turns the light on and off may be broken. So, when the door opens and shuts, the tab doesn’t get pushed in or bounce out. You may need to have it fixed or replaced by a professional.
4. The wiring harness is loose or faulty
This step requires you to remove one of the refrigerator panels so you can inspect the wiring. If you’re not sure how to do this, you can always hire a refrigerator technician to do it for you, but they may charge a lot.
When your LED light isn’t working, Whirlpool recommends checking the wiring harness. It’s more likely to shake loose if you recently moved your fridge. If it’s a loose wire, simply put it back in. However, if it doesn’t work, you may need to check if the wiring harness is faulty. You can do this using a multimeter. Simply plug the wires into the meter and check if there’s power running.
5. Run a Power Cycle
Just like any appliance, restarting or running a power cycle to your refrigerator could also fix a lot of issues. Simply turn off your refrigerator and unplug it. Then wait 30 seconds to one minute. Then plug it back in and turn it back on. This should fix your LED lights.
There you have it! This is just one of the many simple home repairs you can make. For your DIY repairs on appliances and fixtures, you can also repair any kind of lamp or fix a broken AC. If by any chance, you need to get a new fridge, you can read LG vs Whirlpool refrigerators and GE vs Whirlpool refrigerators to know which is the better brand for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some of your most common questions about your Whirlpool refrigerator:
How do I change the LED bulb in my Whirlpool refrigerator?
Step 1: Make sure your Whirlpool refrigerator is unplugged before looking for the LED bulb.
Step 2: Find the light bulb. In most Whirlpool models, it’s usually located in the center of the fridge’s interior.
Step 3: Detach the light shield by simply pulling it down. Then, start removing the LED bulb by disconnecting the wire harness.
Step 4: Replace the defective bulb with a new one. Secure the wire harness and place the new bulb into the housing.
Step 5: Re-attach the light shield and turn on the fridge to see if it works.
You can watch the video below for more detailed instructions:
Where is the light in a Whirlpool fridge?
Since not all Whirlpool fridges are the same, the location of the light might also differ. You also tend to have different types of lights, such as interior lights, freezer lights, etc. But these are the places where most Whirlpool refrigerator lights are typically found:
- Behind the temperature control
- Front-center of the top of your fridge
- Next to the door
How long do Whirlpool LED lights last?
Whirlpool refrigerators’ LED lights have an impressive life span and can last up to 50,000 hours. Unlike incandescent lights that burn heat, high-quality LED lights don’t burn up so it’s made to last longer. You don’t have to worry about frequently replacing your LED bulbs. Plus, they’re also made to be energy-efficient.
How long do Whirlpool refrigerators last?
Depending on the model, Whirlpool refrigerators typically last between 13 to 17 years. Of course, the older your fridge is the more it’s prone to repairs. Nevertheless, Whirlpool refrigerators are considered among the most reliable brands along with LG, GE, and others.
How do I reset my Whirlpool refrigerator?
Since not all Whirlpool refrigerators are built the same, resetting them can also vary depending on the model. However, here are some of the options you can try to see which works:
- Unplug your fridge for 5 to 10 minutes. Replug and then activate the fridge by pressing the LOCK and FILTER buttons simultaneously on the control panel.
- Press the TEMPERATURE button alternatively with the switches on the door shelves for 3 seconds. The panel will show an “E” to indicate that the reset was successful.
We hope the knowledge we’ve provided will enable you to take better care of and care for your Whirlpool refrigerators.
