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Universal Refrigerator light not working

If your refrigerator light not working is the problem, start with the parts the manufacturer and our diagnostics list first: the light assembly can fail and some brands only sell the complete assembly, so that may be the necessary replacement. Next check the light bulb itself — replace the bulb before swapping other components. A defective dispenser control board is less likely but can cause the dispenser light to fail, so inspect the board for burn marks or use a multimeter to check for output voltage. After that, test the refrigerator light switch and the door switch for continuity; either one can prevent the fridge light from turning on. Finally check the light socket for power; if the socket is getting voltage but the bulb still won’t light, replace the socket. Whether you call it a fridge light not working or a refrigerator interior light not working, RepairClinic has the parts and step-by-step guides to help you fix it. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to see the exact replacement part that fits your refrigerator.

01 - Universal Refrigerator Light 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.
Enter model number to search for the required part specific to your product
Top Solution

02 - Universal Refrigerator Light Bulb

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

03 - Universal Refrigerator Dispenser 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.
Top Solution

04 - Universal Refrigerator Light 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.
Highly Likely

05 - Universal Refrigerator Door 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.
Highly Likely

06 - Universal Refrigerator Light 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.
Highly Likely

07 - Universal Refrigerator Main 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.
Common

Frequently Asked Questions

Refrigerator light not working — what should I check first?
Fridge light not working but dispenser light also out — could it be the dispenser control board?
How do I test the refrigerator light switch, door switch, or light socket with a multimeter?
I replaced the bulb but the interior light still won’t come on — do I need the whole light assembly?
How do I enter my model number or part number on RepairClinic.com to find the correct replacement part?

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