If your Frigidaire refrigerator is no longer turning on, a damaged power cord might be the reason. A faulty cord can stop the appliance from receiving the power it needs to operate. Fortunately, you can replace the cord yourself using a few basic tools.
Below is a guide to help you complete the repair safely and correctly.
What You’ll Need
Gather the following tools and a compatible replacement part before beginning. Make sure the power cord fits your refrigerator model.
- Compatible replacement power cord (part number 241516904 for many models)
- 1/4 inch nut driver
- 1/2 inch open-ended wrench
- Flathead screwdriver
- Side cutters or wire cutters
Common Signs of a Faulty Power Cord
Before beginning any repairs, it helps to confirm whether the power cord is the actual issue. Look for these symptoms that may indicate the cord needs to be replaced:
- The refrigerator does not power on even when plugged into a working outlet
- Power flickers or shuts off unexpectedly
- The cord feels hot to the touch or has melted sections
- Visible cuts, cracks, or fraying along the cord insulation
- Burn marks around the plug or power entry point
- You smell burning or see sparks coming from the plug
If you notice one or more of these signs, replacing the cord can help restore proper function and prevent further damage or fire hazards.
Safety Tips to Follow
Follow these safety practices to stay protected while working on the refrigerator:
- Unplug the refrigerator or turn off the power at the circuit breaker before beginning the repair.
- Allow the refrigerator to cool down if it was recently in use.
- Turn off the water supply at the valve before removing any parts.
- Place a towel beneath the water line connection to absorb any drips.
- Work slowly and carefully to avoid injury or damaging the appliance.
- Use a well-lit area so you can clearly see the parts you are working on.
- Keep your workspace clean and clear of objects. Make sure children and pets are not nearby.
- Do not work on internal parts with wet hands. Keep the work area dry at all times.
- Check your refrigerator’s user manual for model-specific instructions related to safety or installation.
- Handle components with care to prevent breakage or personal injury.
- Wear insulated gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges and debris.
- Avoid touching exposed wires or terminals. Use non-conductive tools or wear insulated gloves if you need to handle them.
- Take photos or write down how the wiring is connected before removing anything. This will help when you reconnect the parts later.
How to Replace the Power Cord on a Frigidaire Refrigerator
Follow these steps to disconnect the damaged power cord and install a new one so your refrigerator can operate safely and reliably.
Disconnect Power and Water
- Unplug the refrigerator from the wall outlet.
- Turn off the water supply connected to the refrigerator.
- Place a towel underneath the water valve to catch any water that may drip.
Remove the Rear Access Panel
- Locate the rear access panel where the power cord enters the refrigerator.
- Use a 1/4-inch nut driver to remove the four screws holding the panel.
- Carefully pull off the panel and set it aside.
Disconnect the Water Supply Line
- Use a 1/2-inch open-end wrench to loosen the fitting on the water supply line.
- Detach the water tube from the valve and set it aside.
Detach the Old Power Cord
- Locate the bracket and green ground wire near the water valve.
- Remove the screw holding the bracket using the nut driver.
- Find the large white plug connected to the old power cord.
- Insert a flat-head screwdriver into the notch on the plug to release the locking tab.
- Pull apart the plug to disconnect it.
- Locate the two green ground wires connected to the compressor.
- Use side cutters to clip both wires to free the old cord.
Remove and Reuse the Bracket
- Locate the mounting bracket on the old cord.
- Use a flat-head screwdriver to pry it open.
- Slide the bracket off the old cord and set it aside.
Prepare and Install the New Power Cord
- Slide the mounting bracket onto the new power cord, about 1.5 inches from the green ground wire.
- Push the bracket firmly in place and squeeze it to secure it.
- Align the white plug on the new cord and connect it to the refrigerator’s socket until it clicks.
- Insert the screw through the bracket and both green ground wire loops.
- Position the bracket in the original location and tighten the screw using the nut driver.
Reassemble and Test
- Reattach the rear access panel to the refrigerator.
- Insert and tighten the four screws using the 1/4-inch nut driver.
- Reconnect the water supply line to the refrigerator valve by hand.
- Use the wrench to tighten the connection.
- Plug the refrigerator back into the power outlet.
- Turn the water supply back on.
- Check for any leaks and confirm that the refrigerator powers on properly.
What to Do After the Replacement
Once the new cord is installed, a few checks and follow-up steps can help confirm everything is working as it should.
- Plug in the refrigerator and check if it powers on normally
- Listen for the compressor or fan to start running
- Confirm that the interior lights turn on when the door is opened
- Set the desired temperature and let the unit run for a few hours
- Monitor the appliance to make sure cooling is restored
- Check for any warning lights or error codes on the display panel
- Inspect the new cord connection for any movement or heat buildup
- Reattach the access panel and clean up the work area
If the refrigerator still does not power on after replacing the cord, the problem may lie in the control board, outlet, or internal wiring.
In Summary
Finishing the job of replacing your Frigidaire refrigerator’s power cord can feel rewarding. With basic tools and a little care, you can fix a problem that might be stopping your fridge from working. A broken cord is often the cause when the appliance won’t turn on, so it makes sense to check and replace it if needed.
Following each step closely helps get the job done right. Listening for the motor to kick in, checking that the lights turn on, and watching the temperature return to normal all help confirm the fix worked.
If things still don’t seem right afterward, the issue might be with something else like the outlet or control board. In that case, asking a technician for help is a good next step. Still, going through this process gives you a good starting point and a better understanding of how your refrigerator works.