July 20, 2015

How to replace the light switch in a top-freezer refrigerator

The easy-to-follow instructions in this DIY repair guide explain how to replace the light switch in a top-freezer refrigerator. The light switch turns the refrigerator light on and off when you open and close the refrigerator door. The refrigerator light switch also monitors the door position for the electronic control board. If the door is open for more than 5 minutes, a door alarm sounds. If the light doesn't turn on when you open the refrigerator door or if the door alarm sounds when the door is closed, replace the light switch with a manufacturer-approved refrigerator part.

This basic procedure works for Kenmore, Frigidaire, Electrolux, Whirlpool, Maytag, Amana, GE, Gibson, Crosley and Haier refrigerators.

Quick links

Video

Instructions

Tools required

Work gloves

Slot screwdriver

Nut driver set

Repair difficulty

Time required

15 minutes or less

How to replace a top-freezer refrigerator light switch repair guide video.

Replacing a refrigerator light switch video.

Instructions

01.
Shut off the power
Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.
02.
Remove the control box
Remove the screw that secures the control box to the ceiling of the refrigerator compartment.
Pull the control box forward to disengage the tabs at the back of the control box.
Pull the control box down and unplug the control box wire harness from the ceiling of the refrigerator compartment.
Remove the control box and place it on a work table.
PHOTO: Remove the control box screw.
PHOTO: Pull the control box down.
PHOTO: Unplug the wire harness.
03.
Remove the light switch
Press the side locking tab in and push the light switch out of the control box.
Disconnect the wires from the light switch.
PHOTO: Release the locking tab.
PHOTO: Push out the light switch.
PHOTO: Disconnect the wires.
04.
Install the new light switch
Connect the wires to the new light switch.
Push the new light switch into the control box and engage the side locking tabs.
PHOTO: Connect the light switch wires.
PHOTO: Install the light switch.
05.
Reinstall the control box
Plug the control box wire harness into the refrigerator compartment ceiling connector.
Line up the drain tube spout at the back of the control box with the drain hole in the upper back wall of the refrigerator compartment.
Push the control box back across the ceiling of the refrigerator compartment, inserting the drain tube into the drain hole and engaging the tabs at the back of the control box.
Reinstall the screw that secures the control box to the ceiling of the refrigerator compartment.
PHOTO: Plug in the wire harness.
PHOTO: Line up the drain tube.
PHOTO: Reinstall the control box.
PHOTO: Reinstall the screw.
06.
Restore electrical power
Plug in the refrigerator to restore power.

Warning: Undertaking repairs or maintenance to appliances or power equipment can be hazardous. Should you choose to undertake repairs or maintenance, you are assuming the risk of injury to your person or property. In an effort to reduce the risk, use the proper tools and safety equipment noted in the applicable guide and follow all instructions. Do not proceed until you are confident that you understand all of the steps and are capable of completing the repair. Some repairs or maintenance, however, should only be performed by a qualified technician.