How to replace GE refrigerator door light switch WR23X29170

Is your GE refrigerator leaving you in the dark with lights that won’t turn on or off correctly? Don’t fret – we’ve got a simple DIY solution to get your fridge’s fresh food compartment shining bright again by replacing the door light switches yourself. Plus, there’s a handy how-to video just below that will guide you step-by-step through the process!

Looking for the right part? Enter your appliance model number below to find the exact match and get your appliance running like new again!

Have issues with the lights inside your GE refrigerator’s fresh food compartment? Are the lights not turning on at all or failing to turn off when you close the doors? Replacing the door light switches is an easy do-it-yourself fix that will have your refrigerator lighting working properly again in no time.

If you need a replacement evaporator motor mounting seal WR24X27948, you can order it here. Looking for more GE refrigerator parts? Just enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com or visit this page to find them. 

Watch the full repair here!

The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. We recommend consulting your manufacturer’s documentation or contact us with any questions.

What you’ll need

Replacing the door light switches in a GE refrigerator is a straightforward repair that you can tackle yourself. You’ll just need a few basic tools:

• Quarter-inch nut driver – To remove the screws at the top of the refrigerator to access the light switches
• Flat blade screwdriver – To pry the old light switches out of their brackets

• Door light switches (2) – It’s recommended to replace both switches at the same time even if only one is faulty. You can purchase the new switches by clicking here.

Safety precautions   

Safety should always be a priority when working on any appliance. Here are a few practical tips to help you stay safe:

• Turn off the power to the appliance by unplugging it or switching off the circuit breaker before starting any maintenance or repairs. This protects you from the risk of electric shock.
• Wear insulated gloves to shield your hands from sharp edges, pinching hazards, or debris.
• Work at a steady pace and take your time to avoid accidents or injuries.
• Make sure your workspace is well-lit so you can clearly see and access the parts you’re working on.
• Keep the area clear of clutter, and ensure children and pets stay out of the workspace.
• Never handle internal parts with wet hands. Check that both your hands and the work area are completely dry.
• Refer to your appliance’s user manual for any specific instructions or safety guidelines related to the part or repair.
• Handle parts gently to avoid damage to the appliance or potential injuries from applying too much force.
• Use safety glasses when dealing with chemicals, dust, or large debris to protect your eyes from harm.
• If the appliance was recently used, give it enough time to cool down before working on any heated components.
• Take photos or notes of wiring connections and terminals before disconnecting anything to make reassembly easier.
• Avoid touching exposed wires or terminals. If you must handle wires, use non-conductive tools or wear insulated gloves to minimize the risk of electrical shock.

Accessing the door light switches

The first step is to gain access to the existing door light switches that need to be replaced. Here’s how:

1. Open both fresh food compartment doors. The switches are located at the top corners of the refrigerator cabinet.
2. Using the quarter-inch nut driver, remove the five screws at the top of the refrigerator – two near each corner and one in the middle.
3. Lift up the top hinge cover on each side and set them aside.
4. Disconnect the electrical plug from the bracket in the center so the panel can be lifted up.
5. Carefully lift up the top panel to expose the door light switches. You should see one on each side.

With the top panel lifted, you’ll have clear access to remove and replace the two-door light switches.

Removing the old switches

Now that you can see the two existing door light switches, it’s time to remove them:

1. Press the actuator on the old switch all the way in until it goes beyond the edge of the cover panel.
2. While holding the actuator in, slide a flat-blade screwdriver under the switch and gently pry it up and out of the bracket.
3. Make note of which wire color connects to each switch terminal for reference when reinstalling the new switch.
4. Remove the wires from the old switch terminals. Using the flat-blade screwdriver can help pry them off if needed.
5. Repeat steps 1-4 for the switch on the opposite side.

Once the wires have been detached, you can fully remove the old door light switches and discard them.

Installing the new switches

With the old switches removed, installing the new replacements is straightforward:

1. Start with the right-side switch first since it only uses two terminals.
2. Attach the brown “common” wire to the top terminal.
3. Attach the white “normally closed” wire to the middle terminal.
4. Press the actuator on the new switch and push it firmly into the bracket until it clicks.
5. Move to the left side switch. Attach the black “normally open” wire to the bottom terminal.
6. Attach the pink “normally closed” wire to the middle terminal.
7. Attach the brown “common” wire to the top terminal.
8. Press this actuator in fully to secure the switch in the bracket.

Double-check that all wire connections are secure. The new switches are now installed!

Finishing up

Once the new door light switches are securely in place, just wrap up with these final steps:

1. Carefully reinstall the top panel, and reconnect the electrical plug.
2. Replace the two hinge covers on the sides.
3. Reinsert and tighten the five-quarter-inch screws at the top.
4. Plug the refrigerator power cord back in and turn it on.
5. Verify that the fresh food compartment lighting is working properly when you open and close the doors.

If the lights are working again with the new switches installed, the repair is complete! You may notice the lights turning on and off more reliably and consistently now.

More information

Thanks for reading! If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, you can find more resources including our DIY blog at AppliancePartsPros.com. There, you can enter your model number to order the exact parts you need. Most orders arrive in two business days.

You can also reach our award-winning customer service team at 1-877-477-7278, chat with a pro on our website and watch thousands of free video tutorials on our YouTube channel.

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