GAFZ21XXRK01 Whirlpool Refrigerator - Instructions

The refrigerator light in our Kenmore fridge has been flaky for a number of years. The slightest bump would knock it out of the hole it fits into leaving the bulb dangling. Usually since we were used to it, we could avoid bumping it so it was no real problem, but a recent visitor bumped it and it once again was hanging. I decided this time, to take a serious look at it and fix the problem for real. I had options, duct tape, hot glue gun, goop...or a new part! A quick search on the internet, and I found www.PartSelect.com I entered my model # , quickly found the correct part number. The part came 1 1/2 days after I ordered it. The repair was very simple, I unplugged the fridge, removed the wires from the spade connectors on the old light socket, and attached them to the new socket. I then pushed the socket into the hole, and with new spring clips, it snapped snuggly into place. The socket came with extra wire connectors which I didn't need, the socket fits multiple brands of appliances. It also came with a bulb protector, but that wasn't needed for my fridge either. I was very pleased with the speed and ease of the repair. No more dangling light bulbs!

Removed the 2 screws holding the light bulb shield, then the 4 uolding the metal panel. Unplugged the olw door switch and replaced.
reassembled the pieces.

Pulled the refrigerator out from the wall, I had unplugged it prior so it didn’t burn out the compressor. Put both new pieces together, I ordered both just in case they were both bad. Used the screwdriver and removed the screws from the bottom cover. Removed the silver wire thing, unplugged the wire connector and pulled out the old piece. Plugged the wire connector into the new piece and pushed the new piece into the silver prongs, replaced the silver wire thing, put the back on the refrigerator and replaced the screws and crossed my fingers.
Plugged it in, turned on the refrigerator and freezer on from inside the refrigerator and joila it started right up and is working. I am a 63 year old female, and had watched the video first on how to remove and replace it.

I have a Whirlpool side by side refrigerator/freezer, 12 years old. One day it just stopped cooling and there was water running under the fridge (melted the ice in the ice bucket). Checked the freezer fan and it was working. I also checked the condenser fan by checking air flow under the fridge; there was airflow, so it was working. Listened to the sound of refrigerator. Noticed the compressor was coming on and after a few seconds clicked (tripped). I figured either the compressor is burned or the Start Device is bad. Turned the plug off, took off the lower back cover using a nut driver. Removed the clip holding the Start Device and gently unplugged the Start Device from the compressor. Measured the resistance across compressor terminals. They should all read some resistance (10,6,4 ohm roughly). Also checked the continuity between each terminal and compressor shell. They were all open (means no shorting). I figured the Start Device should be bad. Ordered new part for $40, replaced it with old one, put the cover back on. Plugged the unit on and everything was working. Remember that it takes a while to cool both compartment, so do not expect the fridge/freezer to get cool quickly.

First took all frozen food out and than undid the screws that held back on--than cut the wires that held the piece and replaced it but also found that the plug was frozen so we thawed that out, that is why it took longer. Used air compressor to blow air and it broke it free and than we finished and put the food back after it got cold. So far it is working find and to beat all we received our part the next day so my husband could fix it that weekend--Thank you for the quick respond-
Patricia in Marengo Ohio

Referencing the info/schematics you have on your website, I unscrewed/unattached top-front panel (carefully), from behind the panel you have to detach the wires (2) from the switch, pushed "in" the switch to remove, put in new switch and attach wires to test BEFORE remounting panel. Tada!! Thank you PartSelect! You saved me at least $80...would have been at least $100 to have a repair person come to the house!

Repair went well,took about five to ten minutes to disconnect the power from the fridge removed the defective switch installed the new one ,reconnected the power,,,and Let there be light and there was light!

replacement went easy most of the time was spent removing the ice build up

I took out the old socket by moving a clip. Reattached the electrical wires, clicked in the socket and that was it.

I simply removed the old switch by gently pulling down on the old switch with a screwdriver. When it was about half way out I just gently pulled down on the old switch and it popped out... I removed the two connectors attached to the old switch by pulling on the connectors with a pliers...I tried using my fingers but wasn't able to pull the connectors off so I used pliers. It worked perfectly.. When pulling off the old connectors, make sure you attach the new switch to the same tabs on the new switch... It was very easy to do and took under 5 mins.....The light switch works perfect....P.S. You should unplug the frig while making the connection just in case....Safety first....!!!

inserted a knife between the switch and the plastic interior in order to pop the switch out.
then took off the 2 wires on the old switch put them on the new switch and reinserted the switch into the plastic interior.

I took a chance and ordered a switch that is next to the top of the door. looked for how to remove it easily done in ten minutes works fine last long time.

I just lifted up the door shelf and removed it. Threw it away and replaced it with the new one. It looks beautiful.

The light rocker switch wasnt working. I found the part on the web site. It was so easy. I used a screw driver to pop out the old one and pop the new one in. It took 5 min. Thanks!!!

I removed the switch housing (4 screws), replacing the switch in the housing was a snap. It took 5 minutes, cost $8 and light works like new!

Why didn't I order this part and do the repair earlier? Very simple.