How to replace the dispenser light on a Whirlpool refrigerator

Struggling to find your fridge’s water dispenser in the dark? If the dim light in your Whirlpool refrigerator has you fumbling at night, we’ve got the perfect fix! Follow our easy guide and watch the video below to learn how to replace the dispenser’s light module in no time.

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

Is your Whirlpool fridge’s dispenser area looking a little… dim? If the light’s gone out and you’re tired of guessing where to place your glass at night, it might be time to replace the dispenser light. Don’t worry—it’s a super simple fix! We’ll show you how to swap out the W11290115 light module and get your fridge glowing again in no time.

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.

WATCH: How to replace a dispenser light in a refrigerator

Safety first

When working on any appliance, always keep safety first to avoid personal injury or damage to the appliance or parts. Here are some safety 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 preventing 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 clearly 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.
• Consider wearing safety glasses and/or a dust mask when working with chemicals, dust or a large amount of debris to prevent irritation or injury.

Tools and materials needed

• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Dispenser light W11290115– Take your model number to AppliancePartsPros.com to locate the correct part for your unit.

Step 1: Remove the interface control panel

First things first, we need to access the dispenser light by removing the interface control panel. Here’s how:

1. Locate the panel that houses the dispenser controls and water/ice dispenser.
2. Using your small flat-blade screwdriver, carefully pry out the interface control panel. There are typically three tabs holding it in place, so go slowly and gently disengage each one.
3. Once the panel is loose, pull it out far enough to disconnect the harness plug (the wire that powers the controls).

Pro Tip: Take a picture of the harness plug connection before unplugging it. This will make it easier to reconnect everything properly later.

Step 2: Access the dispenser light

With the interface control panel out of the way, you should now have a clear view of the dispenser light. Locate the old light – it should be plugged in and secured with tape.

1. Carefully remove any tape holding the light harness (the wire connected to the light) in place.
2. Once the harness is free, unplug the old dispenser light by pressing the release tab and pulling it out.

Step 3: Remove the old dispenser light

Now that the old light is unplugged, we can remove it completely from its housing.

1. Using your flat-blade screwdriver, locate and open the small tabs holding the dispenser light in place. There are typically two tabs, one on each side.
2. Gently pry open the tabs just enough to release the light from its bracket.
3. Carefully pull out the old dispenser light.

Pro Tip: Handle the old light carefully – you don’t want any broken glass getting into the dispenser area.

Step 4: Install the new dispenser light

With the old light out of the way, it’s time to install the fresh, new dispenser light (part number W11290115).

1. Start by bending the light harness slightly to one side. This will give you a bit more flexibility when inserting the new light.
2. Carefully insert the new dispenser light into the bracket opening, making sure it’s properly seated and flush.
3. Press firmly until you hear/feel the light click into place. The tabs should automatically secure it.
4. Plug the light harness back into the new dispenser light.
5. Use a small piece of tape to secure the harness and keep it neat.

Pro Tip: Handle the new light gently to avoid damaging the bulb or housing.

Step 5: Reassemble the interface control panel

With the new dispenser light installed, it’s time to put everything back together.

1. Start by carefully sliding the interface control panel back into place, making sure the tabs line up with the slots.
2. Press the panel firmly until it clicks into position.
3. Reconnect the harness plug you disconnected earlier, ensuring it’s plugged in securely.

Step 6: Test and complete

Almost done! Before calling it a day, let’s test our handiwork.

1. Plug your refrigerator back in (or turn the circuit breaker back on).
2. Check that the new dispenser light is shining bright.
3. Run through a few dispenser cycles to make sure everything is working properly.

And that’s it – you’ve successfully replaced the dispenser light on your Whirlpool refrigerator! Give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done.

More information 

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the dispenser light in 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.

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