Why Doesn't The Interior Light Turn Off When The Doors Close

Good day All,

On some models French Door Refrigerators we have discovered the light goes on and off via a magnetic field which activates as the two f/f doors are closed.

This can be found/tested by simply placing a magnet close to the controls on the left f/f door. You should see the light go off as the magnet goes closer and on as you move the magnet away.

The opposing door should have a magnetic field in line with the other door. Pass your screw driver up and down the same opposing area to find this field. If not then there is no magnet or magnetic connection for the doors to activate or deactivate the lights.

In one of our test we had to replace the door which had the magnet and solved the problem.

Do you suspect that your refrigerator’s interior light is staying on even when the door is shut? A refrigerator light that stays on will warm the refrigerator’s interior, cutting down on its efficiency. Of course, you may not be aware that this is happening because, obviously, you can’t see what’s going on inside the refrigerator when the door is shut. But, with most refrigerators, you should be able to see the light go off when the door is a fraction of an inch from closing.

You can also feel the bulb when you open the door—but do so carefully. If it has stayed on, it will be hot. It’s actually very easy to tell whether this is happening. Test the light-switch button that the door closes against. When you push it in all the way, the light should go off. If it doesn’t, the light switch is defective and must be replaced.

If you are adept at simple repairs, this is a job that you may be able to handle yourself, but be sure to unplug the refrigerator before working on it. You can buy a replacement refrigerator door switch online at Amazon.com; be sure to get one that matches your model of refrigerator. Instructions for replacement will be inside the package.