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Refrigerator Light Not Working

The part(s) or condition(s) listed below for the symptom Refrigerator light not working are ordered from most likely to least likely to occur. Check or test each item, starting with the items at the top of the page.

Most Frequent Causes for Refrigerator light not working

For the most accurate results, enter your model number.


Cause 1Light Assembly

The light assembly might be defective. Some manufacturers don’t sell the light assembly components separately, and instead require you to purchase the light assembly.

Parts
Cause 2Light Bulb

The light bulb might be out. Replace the light bulb before replacing any of the other parts associated with the light bulb.

Parts
Cause 3Dispenser Control Board

While it's not a likely cause, a defective dispenser control board could be responsible for a dispenser light not working. You can inspect the board for signs of burning or a shorted-out component. You can also use a multimeter to determine if the board is sending voltage to the dispenser light's plug-in connecter. If no voltage is present, you'll know the board is defective and will need to be replaced.

Parts
Cause 4Light Switch

To determine if the light switch is defective, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. If the light switch does not have continuity, replace it.

Parts
Cause 5Door Switch

To determine if the door switch is defective, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. If the door switch does not have continuity when activated, replace it.

Parts
Cause 6Light Socket

To determine if the light socket is defective, use a multimeter to determine if the socket is getting power. If the socket is getting power, but the light bulb won’t work, this indicates that the light socket is defective. If the light socket is defective, replace it.

Parts
Cause 7Main Control Board

While it's not a likely cause, a defective main control board could be responsible for a refrigerator light not working. You can inspect the board for signs of burning or a shorted-out component. You can also use a multimeter to determine if the board is sending voltage to the light socket or plug-in connecter. If no voltage is present, you'll know the board is defective and will need to be replaced.

Parts
Cause 8Light Board

First, ensure that the light board is receiving the proper amount of voltage. If the light board is receiving sufficient voltage, but the refrigerator light will not work, replace the light board.

Parts
Cause 9Door opened too long

On most newer refrigerators, if the door is opened for an extended period of time the control board will shut the light off. Close and open the door to turn the light back on.

Cause 10Control Board

While it's not a likely cause, a defective control board could be responsible for a refrigerator light not working. You can inspect the board for signs of burning or a shorted-out component. You can also use a multimeter to determine if the board is sending voltage to the light socket or plug-in connecter. If no voltage is present, you'll know the board is defective and will need to be replaced.

Parts
Cause 11LED Light

The most likely cause for a refrigerator light not working is the LED light has burned out. You can confirm the light is defective by using a multimeter to test for voltage present at the LED light plug-in wire connecter. If sufficient power is reaching the connecter, you'll know the LED light itself is faulty and will need to be replaced.

Parts
Cause 12Refrigerator in Sabbath mode

If the refrigerator is in Sabbath mode, the refrigerator will continue to cool, but the lights will not work and the controls will be disabled. Refer to the owner's manual to exit the Sabbath mode and return to normal operation.