How to replace a freezer door switch
This DIY repair guide explains how to replace a door switch in freezer. The door switch turns the light on when you open the door and activates the door alarm if the door is open too long. If the freezer lights aren't working or if the door alarm doesn't sound when it should, replace the door switch with the manufacturer-approved replacement part.
Use these steps to replace the door switch in Kenmore, Frigidaire, Gibson, Crosley, White-Westinghouse, and Electrolux upright freezers.
Replacing a freezer door switch video.
Instructions
- 01.
Disconnect the electrical power
Unplug the freezer or shut off the circuit breaker for the freezer.
- 02.
Remove the front grille
Remove the screws holding the grille at the base of the freezer and pull the grille off.
PHOTO: Remove the grille screws.
PHOTO: Remove the grille.
- 03.
Remove the door switch
Reach under the freezer and push the left side of the door switch out.
Squeeze the locking tab on the right side of the door switch and pry the door switch out of the cabinet.
Disconnect the wires and remove the door switch.
PHOTO: Pry out the door switch.
PHOTO: Pull off the door switch wires.
- 04.
Install the new door switch
Connect the wires to the new door switch.
Push the new door switch into the cabinet and snap it into place.
PHOTO: Connect the door switch wires.
- 05.
Reinstall the grille
Place the grille on the base of the freezer and reinstall the mounting screws.
PHOTO: Reinstall the grille.
- 06.
Restore electrical power
Plug in the freezer or turn on the house circuit breaker to restore power.
Most common symptoms to help you fix your freestanding freezers
Choose a symptom to see related freezer repairs.
Main causes: burned out light bulb, bad door or lid switch, faulty LED light board, wiring failure, control system failu…
Main causes: lack of power, bad compressor, refrigerant leak, bad thermistor, defrost system failure, dirty condenser co…
Main causes: compressor failure, no refrigerant, faulty sensor, control failure, broken defrost heater, bad defrost bi-m…
Main causes: damaged door or lid gasket, cracked cabinet liner, bad defrost bi-metal thermostat, broken defrost heater, …
Main causes: excessive frost, bad defrost heater, bad defrost bi-metal, control system failure, low refrigerant charge, …
Main causes: dirty condenser coils, condenser fan failure, dirty bottom front grill, leaky door or lid gasket…
Main causes: lack of power, control system failure, broken compressor start relay, locked up compressor, compressor moto…
Main causes: leaky door or lid gasket, broken defrost heater, bad defrost bi-metal thermostat, defrost control failure, …
Repair guides for upright freezers
How to replace a freezer control panel
A freezer control panel that doesn’t show the temperature or respond when you press the buttons could be broken. This DI…
How to replace a freezer door switch
When the door switch fails, the freezer can’t detect that the door is closed. Follow the steps in this repair guide to r…
How to replace a freezer thermistor
When the thermistor can’t sense the freezer temperature, the freezer is colder or warmer than the set temperature. Follo…
Effective articles & videos to help repair your freestanding freezers
Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your freezer.
Learn some of the most common symbols found in a wiring diagram and what they mean.…
Learn how to repair broken, frayed or damaged wires in your appliances.…
Learn how to use a multimeter to check for wiring problems in an appliance that's not working…