How to replace door switch W11445850 on a Whirlpool refrigerator

Is your Whirlpool refrigerator leaving you in the dark? A faulty door switch might be the culprit, preventing the light from turning on when you open the door. Don’t worry—this quick and easy fix is just a few steps away, with a helpful how-to video included below to guide you through the process.

Need a part?  Search below using your appliance model number to find exactly what you need:

The door switch on a Whirlpool refrigerator triggers the interior light when the door is opened or closed. The bad news is that the door switch may become faulty, which can prevent the light from turning on or off when the door is open and closed. The good news is that this repair is relatively simple and should only take a few minutes to complete.

Let’s walk through the replacement process so you can switch out the faulty door switch and get your fridge working correctly again!

You can find a replacement door switch here. If you need other replacement parts for your Whirlpool refrigerator, just enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to find them. It’s that easy! Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Watch here: How To Replace: Whirlpool Refrigerator Door Switch W11445850

What you’ll need

• Putty knife
• Flathead screwdriver
• File
• Work gloves
• Replacement door switch (make sure it’s compatible with your specific fridge model before installing)

Disclaimer: The specific tools required may vary depending on the model of your appliance and the type of fasteners used on it. Always consult the user manual or refer to any specific instructions provided by the manufacturer for the recommended tools for your appliance model.

Check part compatibility

Before you replace the door switch, make sure you have an OEM part that’s compatible with your specific refrigerator model. To do this, you’ll need to find the appliance model number.

The model number will say MOD or Model before the numbers and is typically found on a sticker or a metal plate in one of the following locations:

• Inside the refrigerator, either on the side wall or the ceiling
• On the back of the refrigerator, near the bottom
• On the side or bottom of the refrigerator door

Once you’ve found the model number, write it down or take a clear photo of it for reference.

Next, visit AppliancePartsPros.com, where you can enter your model number to check if the door switch is compatible with your model.

Read more: How To Find Your Appliance’s Model Number

Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before you attempt any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by eliminating any risk of electric shock.
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it.
• Take your time while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries. Rushing is the enemy of precision.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can see and access appliance parts.
• Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your appliance or replacement part.
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause personal injury.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
• Always take photos or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting them to make reassembly easier.

Read more: Top 5 Tips for Troubleshooting Appliance Problems

How to replace the door switch

Follow these steps to swap out the door switch in your Whirlpool refrigerator.

1. Unplug the refrigerator from the power outlet.
2. Find the door switch at the top front of the freezer compartment.
3. Open the freezer door and remove the freezer basket to gain access to the switch.
4. Use a putty knife to release the clips on the front of the light housing assembly. Insert the putty knife and gently pry it off.
5. Hold onto the housing assembly since there’s a harness connected to it. Pull the housing assembly forward to reveal two tabs at the back.
6. Squeeze the locking tabs on the sides and pull the plug.
7. Remove the switch from the housing assembly. Use a flathead screwdriver to disconnect the wires from the switch.
8. Press on the tab of the switch and push it out. Turn the switch and use the putty knife to pry it out from the other side.
9. If the replacement switch is slightly larger than the cutout in the original housing, use a file to slightly enlarge the opening. Only file a little at a time.
10. Once the new switch fits, insert it into the original light housing assembly.
11. Connect the wires to the new switch.
12. Install the housing assembly back into the refrigerator. Plug it in at the top and make sure it’s locked in place.
13. Align the two tabs of the housing assembly with the corresponding slots in the refrigerator and lock it in.
14. Reinstall the freezer basket and close the freezer door.
15. Plug the refrigerator back in and test the new switch.

Read more: 10 Tips and Tricks to Clean Your Appliances

Additional information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the door switch on your Whirlpool refrigerator.

If you still need some replacement parts, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. We offer over two million parts and most orders arrive in two business days. If you need some help with finding the right part or placing an order, you can contact our team at 1 (877) 477-7278.

While you’re waiting for your new part to arrive, you can explore our DIY blog and watch thousands of video tutorials on our YouTube channel.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to see our latest repair guides!