Maytag Refrigerator lights flickering? If you own a Maytag refrigerator and notice the interior lights flickering, blinking rapidly, or cutting in and out, you're not alone. This is a fairly common issue on certain Maytag and Whirlpool models that use an LED light board to power the interior lighting. When the board starts to fail, the refrigerator still runs normally and keeps things cold, but the flashing lights can be distracting and make it hard to see inside.
Maytag Refrigerator Lights Flickering & How To Fix
In my case, the culprit was a faulty LED light board (part number 55-4Q184-401). Replacing it turned out to be a quick and inexpensive fix that restored bright, steady lighting inside the refrigerator. Below, I'll walk you through the symptoms, the exact fix I used, and before/after videos to show the difference.
Symptoms
- Interior Maytag refrigerator lights flickering or blinking rapidly when doors are open
- Issue did not resolve after unplugging and plugging the fridge back in
- Problem only affected LED lighting — cooling performance was normal
Tools Needed
- Small flathead screwdriver or plastic pry tool
- Phillips screwdriver (if your housing is screw-mounted)
- Replacement LED light board (55-4Q184-401)
Why Your Maytag Refrigerator Lights Blink
If your refrigerator lights are acting up, it's usually due to one of three causes:
- Faulty LED Light Board: The LED lights in Maytag refrigerators are wired in series, so if one board fails, it can make all lights flash. This is the most common cause.
- Loose or Faulty Door Switches: Check the door switches for corrosion or loose connections, as a bad switch can cause intermittent lighting.
- Residual Power in the LEDs: Sometimes, stored energy in the LED circuit can create a glow or flicker effect even when everything else is fine.
Troubleshooting
- Unplug the Refrigerator: Always disconnect power before inspecting or repairing.
- Inspect the Door Switch: Look for corrosion or loose wires, and press the switch to ensure a solid connection.
- Replace the LED Light Assembly:
- Remove the light assembly with a screwdriver (mine was held in by tabs and removed by pulling down and sliding towards the door).
- Disconnect the electrical connectors by squeezing the tabs and pulling them out.
- Install the new LED assembly, reconnect the wires, and snap it into place.
- Try a Reset: If lights still blink, hold the lock and light buttons simultaneously for 10 seconds until the display flashes or beeps.
With the common causes in mind, here's how I fixed the blinking lights.
How I Fixed The Blinking Refrigerator Lights
- Ordered a new LED light board: 55-4Q184-401
- Removed the old faulty board from the housing.
- Installed the new board in the same slot.
- Powered refrigerator back on and tested lights.
After replacing the LED board, the fridge blinking issue was completely resolved. The lights are now bright and steady.
Before & After Videos
Before:
After:
Replacement Whirlpool - Maytag LED Light Board
Here's a picture of the faulty LED light board that needed to be replaced:
You can get an OEM replacement Maytag / Whirlpool Refrigerator LED Light Board (55-4Q184-401) directly from Amazon.
Compatible Part Numbers
- 55-4Q184-401
- W11333374
- W11043011
- W11527432
- W11387579
- W11042554
- W10866538
- WRX735SDHZ02
- Q184G2
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Conclusion
If your Whirlpool or Maytag refrigerator lights are flickering or blinking, there's a good chance the LED light board has gone bad or a plug is loose. Fortunately, replacing the board is one of the easiest Maytag refrigerator repairs you can do yourself. If your fridge is outside of warranty, the OEM part is still readily available online, and swapping it out can save you the cost of a technician. Hopefully this walkthrough helps anyone else looking for a simple Maytag refrigerator light replacement solution.
Have you run into this issue with your Maytag or Whirlpool refrigerator? If this solution fixed it for you, feel free to share this post as it might help someone else who is troubleshooting their flickering lights.
TL;DR: Flickering Maytag fridge lights? Often the cause is either a bad LED light board, door switch, or loose connection. In many Whirlpool or Maytag refrigerator light blinking cases, simply replacing the LED board can restore steady lighting.