Why Is My Whirlpool Refrigerator Light Flashing?

If you open your Whirlpool refrigerator door to find the light flashing inside, you should know there is a problem.

Aside from causing inconvenience while you search for a convenient snack, a flickering, flashing light in your fridge might also indicate possible damage.

So what exactly might cause your Whirlpool refrigerator light to start flashing, and what can you do to fix it? Find out here.

The light in your fridge was put in there to improve visibility inside the fridge’s main compartment. But it might not serve its purpose if it flickers and flashes.

Before you call a pro to service your refrigerator, here are some possible reasons why your light is flashing and how to fix the problem.

Reasons Why Your Whirlpool Refrigerator Light Is Flashing

1. Loose Bulb

The first and most obvious reason would be that your bulb has come loose. If this happens, the current that flows into the bulb might not be consistent, causing it to flicker and flash. Simply tighten the bulb to fix the problem.

Remember that if the bulb has expired, it will stop working entirely. So if it’s flickering, you should know it’s not burnt out yet. That said, replacing the bulb is not necessarily ideal if flashing is the problem.

2. Wrong Bulb

If you recently had your Whirlpool bulb burn out and you purchased and installed a replacement, it’s possible that the bulb you used is not the right kind for your fridge. Low-voltage LED bulbs will inevitably flicker when screwed into a fridge with dimmers.

Read your manual to determine what kind of replacement bulb you should buy. Even better, buy your replacement Whirlpool refrigerator bulbs from the manufacturer to ensure you get the right type for your fridge.

3. Electrical Issues

An inconsistent current running from your home into your refrigerator can cause its light to flicker, but it can do much more damage than just that.

If you notice that your fridge’s compartment isn’t consistently cool if there’s a lot of condensate in your fridge, and if your appliance seems to be making more noise than usual, consider a power supply issue.

Check the outlet to see if the refrigerator is plugged in properly. You might also want to consider assessing the number of electronics feeding off of the circuit where your refrigerator is.

Reducing the number of appliances running simultaneously can help normalize electricity use.

If only the bulb is involved, then there might be specific problems with the wiring for the bulb. To fix this problem, you will have to call a professional to inspect your appliance for you.

If your unit is still under warranty, you may be able to have it fixed for free by contacting the manufacturer’s hotline.

4. Internal Damage

Inside your refrigerator is a circuit board that controls your appliance’s different functions. Over time, it’s possible for the circuit board to succumb to wear and tear, causing malfunctions in the affected areas of the board.

Any damage to your Whirlpool fridge’s lighting system will result in lighting malfunctions like flashing.

Again, circuit board issues are best resolved by a professional. However, these intricate boards require expert knowledge, so it’s not recommended that you tackle the problem alone.

Regarding the cost of circuit board repair or replacement, you might be looking at a price between $80 to $800, depending on the extent of the damage.

If you’re lucky, the circuit board might be working just fine, with the damage localized at the level of the light switch. This costs much less to repair.

Summary

A flickering light in your Whirlpool fridge is a sign of something wrong. To prevent the problem from worsening, you should tackle the issue as soon as the signs start to show.

Some of the reasons might require nothing more than a bulb check. But if your Whirlpool fridge is dealing with bigger problems, you should not hesitate to call a professional.