Why Is My Whirlpool Fridge Light Flashing

A Whirlpool fridge is a modern appliance that comes with LED lights that illuminate the interior of your fridge and freezer. However, sometimes you may notice that your Whirlpool fridge light is flashing or flickering, which can be annoying and confusing. What does it mean when your Whirlpool fridge light is flashing and how can you fix it?

The most common reasons for a Whirlpool fridge light flashing are loose wires, faulty door switches, power supply issues, a faulty switch, an issue with the dimmer, a problem with the condenser coils, a bad circuit board, or a problem with the wiring connection.

Loose wires

One of the possible causes for a Whirlpool fridge light flashing is loose wires. Loose wires can cause poor electrical contact and make the light blink or flicker. This can happen due to vibration, corrosion, or wear and tear over time

To fix this problem, you need to check and tighten the wires that connect the light to the power source. Here are some steps to follow:

• Unplug your fridge or turn off the power supply.
• Locate the light module or assembly in your fridge or freezer compartment. You may need to remove a cover or panel to access it.
• Use a screwdriver or a pry tool to remove the light module or assembly from its housing.
• Check the wires that connect the light to the power source. Look for any loose, damaged, or corroded wires.
• Use wire strippers or pliers to strip off any insulation from the wires if needed.
• Use wire nuts or electrical tape to reconnect and secure the wires.
• Reinstall the light module or assembly and restore power to your fridge.

Faulty door switches

Another possible cause for a Whirlpool fridge light flashing is faulty door switches. Door switches are devices that turn on and off the light when you open and close the door. If the door switches are malfunctioning, they may not sense the door position correctly and make the light flash

To fix this problem, you need to check and replace the door switches if necessary. Here are some steps to follow:

• Unplug your fridge or turn off the power supply.
• Locate the door switches on your fridge or freezer compartment. They are usually on the top or side of the door frame.
• Use a multimeter to test the door switches for continuity. Set the multimeter to ohms and touch the probes to the terminals of each switch. The reading should change from infinity to zero when you press and release the switch. If not, the switch is defective and needs to be replaced.
• Order a new door switch from Whirlpool or a reputable appliance parts supplier.
• Install the new door switch by following the instructions in your owner’s manual or online sources.

Power supply issues

Another possible cause for a Whirlpool fridge light flashing is power supply issues. Power supply issues can occur due to power surges, outages, fluctuations, or faulty outlets. These can affect the voltage and current that reach your fridge and make the light flash³

To fix this problem, you need to check and stabilize your power supply. Here are some steps to follow:

• Check your circuit breaker or fuse box for any tripped or blown fuses. Reset or replace them if needed.
• Check your wall outlet for any damage or loose connections. Plug in another appliance or device to test if it works properly. If not, you may need to replace or repair your outlet.
• Check your power cord for any damage or wear and tear. Replace it if needed.
• Use a surge protector or a voltage stabilizer to protect your fridge from power surges or fluctuations.

A faulty switch

Another possible cause for a Whirlpool fridge light flashing is a faulty switch. A switch is a device that controls the power flow to your light module or assembly. If the switch is faulty, it may not turn on and off the light properly and make it flash⁴

To fix this problem, you need to check and replace the switch if necessary. Here are some steps to follow:

• Unplug your fridge or turn off the power supply.
• Locate the switch on your control panel or inside your fridge compartment. It may be a slide switch, a rocker switch, or a touch pad.
• Use a multimeter to test the switch for continuity. Set the multimeter to ohms and touch the probes to the terminals of the switch. The reading should change from infinity to zero when you turn on and off the switch. If not, the switch is faulty and needs to be replaced.
• Order a new switch from Whirlpool or a reputable appliance parts supplier.
• Install the new switch by following the instructions in your owner’s manual or online sources.

An issue with the dimmer

Another possible cause for a Whirlpool fridge light flashing is an issue with the dimmer. A dimmer is a device that adjusts the brightness of your light module or assembly. If the dimmer is not compatible with your LED lights, it may cause them to flash or flicker⁵

To fix this problem, you need to check and replace the dimmer if necessary. Here are some steps to follow:

• Unplug your fridge or turn off the power supply.
• Locate the dimmer on your control panel or inside your fridge compartment. It may be a knob, a slider, or a button.
• Check if the dimmer is compatible with your LED lights. You can find this information on the label of the dimmer or the light module or assembly. If not, you may need to replace the dimmer with one that is compatible with your LED lights.
• Order a new dimmer from Whirlpool or a reputable appliance parts supplier.
• Install the new dimmer by following the instructions in your owner’s manual or online sources.

A problem with the condenser coils

Another possible cause for a Whirlpool fridge light flashing is a problem with the condenser coils. Condenser coils are devices that release heat from your fridge and help it cool down. If the condenser coils are dirty, damaged, or blocked, they may not work properly and cause your fridge to overheat. This can affect the performance of your light module or assembly and make it flash⁶

To fix this problem, you need to check and clean your condenser coils. Here are some steps to follow:

• Unplug your fridge or turn off the power supply.
• Locate the condenser coils on the back or bottom of your fridge. You may need to remove a panel or cover to access them.
• Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove any dust or dirt from the coils. Be careful not to damage the coils or bend the fins.
• Use a soft cloth or a damp sponge to wipe off any remaining dirt or grease from the coils.
• Plug in your fridge or turn on the power supply and check if it cools better.

A bad circuit board

Another possible cause for a Whirlpool fridge light flashing is a bad circuit board. A circuit board is a device that controls the functions of your light module or assembly. If the circuit board is damaged, corroded, or burned, it may not send or receive signals correctly and make the light flash.

To fix this problem, you need to check and replace the circuit board if necessary. Here are some steps to follow:

• Unplug your fridge or turn off the power supply.
• Locate the circuit board on your light module or assembly. You may need to remove a cover or panel to access it.
• Check the circuit board for any signs of damage, corrosion, or burns. Look for any loose, broken, or missing components.
• Use a multimeter to test the circuit board for continuity or resistance. Set the multimeter to ohms and touch the probes to different points on the board. The reading should be consistent and within range. If not, the board is defective and needs to be replaced.
• Order a new circuit board from Whirlpool or a reputable appliance parts supplier.
• Install the new circuit board by following the instructions in your owner’s manual or online sources.

A problem with the wiring connection

Another possible cause for a Whirlpool fridge light flashing is a problem with the wiring connection. The wiring connection is what connects your light module or assembly to your power source and switch. If the wiring connection is loose, damaged, or corroded, it may cause poor electrical contact and make the light flash.

To fix this problem, you need to check and repair your wiring connection if necessary. Here are some steps to follow:

• Unplug your fridge or turn off the power supply.
• Locate the wiring connection on your light module or assembly. You may need to remove a cover or panel to access it.
• Check the wiring connection for any signs of damage, corrosion, or looseness. Look for any exposed, frayed, or cut wires.
• Use wire strippers or pliers to strip off any insulation from the wires if needed.
• Use wire nuts or electrical tape to reconnect and secure the wires.
• Reinstall the cover or panel and restore power to your fridge.

Conclusion

A Whirlpool fridge light flashing can be a nuisance and an indication of a problem with your fridge. By following the steps above, you can troubleshoot and fix some of the most common causes for this issue. If you need more help or advice, feel free to contact us or schedule a service appointment.