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.
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Most Frequent Causes for Refrigerator light not working
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
Other Common Refrigerator Repairs
- Refrigerator not cooling
- Refrigerator water dispenser not working
- Refrigerator ice maker not working
- Refrigerator ice dispenser not working
- Refrigerator not defrosting
- Refrigerator is noisy or loud
- Refrigerator defrost drain clogged
- Refrigerator freezer is cold but refrigerator is warm
- Refrigerator leaking water
- Refrigerator freezing food
- Refrigerator ice and water dispenser not working
- Refrigerator ice maker overflowing
- Refrigerator runs constantly
- Refrigerator WiFi not working
- Refrigerator coffee maker leaking
- Refrigerator coffee maker not working
- Refrigerator control panel not working
- Refrigerator door not closing properly
- Refrigerator freezer not freezing
- Refrigerator ice is dirty
- Refrigerator has a bad smell or burning smell
- Refrigerator freezer door or drawer not closing properly
- Refrigerator has frost or ice buildup
- Refrigerator has frost or moisture buildup around the door
- Refrigerator door(s) misaligned
- Refrigerator dispenser leaking water
- Ice Maker in Refrigerator Compartment Not Working
- Ice Maker in refrigerator compartment frosting up
- Refrigerator not running
- Refrigerator beeping/alarm sounding
