How To Replace The Light Fixture In A Kenmore Elite Refrigerator

Kenmore Elite side-by-side refrigerators have an interior light fixture, similar to most other refrigerators. When the light goes out, usually a simple bulb replacement is all that is necessary. Sometimes, however, the light fixture in the unit goes bad, requiring replacement. Replacing the light fixture in a Kenmore Elite refrigerator is generally the same whether you have a standard side-by-side or an Elite Trio with a bottom drawer. Replacement fixtures are available through Sears, appliance repair centers and Kenmore dealers.

Step 1

Unplug the Kenmore Elite refrigerator power cord from the wall outlet. Open the refrigerator door and remove the contents from the shelves. This gives you room to work and also prevents glass from getting into food should a bulb break accidentally.

Step 2

Remove the cover from the light assembly. If you have a Kenmore Elite Trio, the cover has two small tabs near the front. Pry the tabs loose with a small flat-head screwdriver, and shift the cover toward the rear of the refrigerator. Lower the cover and remove it from the unit. All other Elite refrigerator light covers simply snap into the top of the unit. Squeeze the front and back of the cover together and pop it out of the unit.

Step 3

Turn the light bulbs counterclockwise with your fingers and remove them from the light fixture. For single light fixtures, twist the socket counterclockwise to release the tabs of the socket fixture from the top of the unit. Lower the socket and disconnect the wire connector from the socket terminals.

Step 4

Remove the two screws securing the fixture top cover to the refrigerator with a Phillips-head screwdriver, if you have an Elite Trio. Lower the top cover, and twist the two light sockets counterclockwise to remove them from the cover. Unhook the socket connector from the refrigerator connector and remove the socket fixtures from the unit.

Step 5

Push the socket fixture connector into the refrigerator wire connector until it locks into place. Push the wires up into the top of the refrigerator compartment, and line up the tabs on the back of the socket with the hole in the refrigerator. Insert the socket and twist it clockwise until it locks into the refrigerator's top panel. If you have an Elite Trio, twist the sockets into the top of the top cover. Line up the top cover with the two mounting holes and secure with the retaining screws.

Step 6

Screw in 60 watt appliance bulbs into the sockets until tight. Place the bulb cover into place until it locks. Plug the Kenmore Elite refrigerator power cord back into the wall outlet.