How to Troubleshoot & Replace Whirlpool AP6973145 / W11396033 Door Switch

The light in my Maytag freezer was not working, even after changing the bulb. After some research I decided that it was probably the door switch. I ordered the part from Appliance Parts Pros which arrived in two days. Thank you for the fast shipping! I watched the video on their website and I was able to have the light back on in about 5 minutes. I just want to add that if your freezer door is on the bottom like mine, it is a little awkward to change this switch. You have to get on the floor with the freezer door open and change it from the side. 

The second time around, I was able to get the right switch (I received a freezer door switch with the first order I placed). Extracting the switch from it's hole in the refrigerator wall was as easy as the video showed. I unplugged the old switch from the wiring, plugged the new switch into the wiring, and pushed it back into the hole. Total time - perhaps 3 minutes at most. 

I ordered a new switch, worked great! 

Replaced switch. 

Replaced it with a new one from Appliance Parts Pros. Using a factory replacement part made by Whirlpool. I viewed your video to get a sense of what approach to use for removal of the old switch. A putty knife was perfect. Screw driver or other blade tool would work, but this was best to reduce or eliminate damage to the appliance. 

Tried replacing ice maker assembly (W10873741), the main water supply valve (W10498992), dual water valve (W10238100) and freezer door switch and nothing fixed the problem. Filter is new and water supply pressure is more than adequate. Was able to return all with refund, minus restocking fees and shipping so no biggee. In the end, I discovered severed wire(s) at the lower freezer door hinge area that over time were cut due to opening/closing freezer door. Was able to reconnect severed wires using solder, but I expect that some time in the future the problem will occur again. At least then, I will know where to look first and not have to hunt and peck my way through the repair. I am now very intimate with the workings of my ice maker system and hope this helps others in similar situation. 

I bought two switches, refrigerator has two doors, installed and it’s working fine. I have light when I open the door. It was a very easy installation. Very happy 

Purchased OEM part from Appliance Parts Pros after watching their video on how to replace. 

Unplugged the fridge. Used a putty knife with duck tape covering it so not to scratch the plastic frame while prying the broken switch out. It popped right out. Unplugged the old switch. Plugged the new one in. Then inserted the new switch into hole. 

Husband & I looked through the website, ordered switch we believed was the problem. We should have conversed with a representative, but didn't. When switch arrived, I took the old one out (not near as simple as youtube video showed), but got it out with putty knife and screwdriver. That's when I realized we had ordered the wrong part. The new switch had 2 prongs, our broken one had 3. Then started a chat with an expert representative, Joshua. He was so helpful, and professional. He sent a new (correct switch) out the same day and emailed a form to complete for me returning the wrong switch. Got the new switch within a couple of days. Very easily got the new one installed...just plugged it in! Should we need anything else, will not hesitate to contact Appliancepartspros.com, for their assistance in determining what we need and then ordering it.