How to reset whirlpool refrigerator after power outage

A refrigerator may not work after a power outage. The fridge may not cool or even turn on. When the refrigerator won’t turn on or has completely stopped working, you need to find the solution. After a power outage, what is the first thing to check to get the refrigerator running again?

A power outage can cause power issues with refrigerators. If your power has gone out and your refrigerator will not turn on or begin cooling, please check the following issues below.

FAST REFRIGERATOR HELP – AFTER POWER OUTAGE: When the power comes back ON and if the refrigerator is not running, first check the main refrigerator circuit breaker, next check to see if the refrigerator turned off during the power outage. Turn the refrigerator ON by pressing the appropriate button on the control panel or turn the switch ON located within the fridge. All models will vary when turning the fridge ON.

If the fridge still does not turn ON, check the GFCI power outlet that the refrigerator is plugged into. The outlet may have tripped during the power outage. If the fridge still does not run, check the cord and plug for damage. If all these items are ON and in working order, simply wait 15 minutes for the fridge to begin cooling.

Get Refrigerator Running After Power Outage

Quick Fridge Power Outage Checklist…
– Check the main refrigerator circuit breaker
– Make sure the refrigerator is turned ON
– Be sure the GFCI power outlet that the refrigerator is plugged into is not tripped
– Inspect the cord and plug for electrical short
– Fridge component or part is faulty
– Refrigerator may simply need time to begin cooling

1. Breaker Has Tripped
Power outage has caused the refrigerator circuit breaker to trip
The breaker is not located on the refrigerator.
The breaker box is usually located outside the house.
Locate the breaker box and check the fridge breaker to be sure it is in the ON position.
Flip the refrigerator breaker ON.

2. Refrigerator Control Panel Issue
Power outage has simply turned the refrigerator OFF
All refrigerators are different – Check owners manual for HOW TO turn the refrigerator back ON.
A refrigerator with a control panel may have the ON OFF buttons located on the control panel.
Some refrigerators have a switch located inside to turn it ON or OFF.
NOTE: If the lights are on within the refrigerator, you may need to wait 15 minutes for the refrigerator to begin cooling again.

Need to turn your refrigerator ON? Refrigerator Owners Manuals Here

Refrigerator Display Blank Not Working – How To Reset Fridge Display?

How to turn on (reset) a Samsung refrigerator?
The refrigerator/freezer controls are located on the display panel (if applicable).
Did the cooling mode turn OFF?
Press buttons on the control panel for turning cooling mode back ON.
Samsung refrigerator ON OFF info here.

How to turn on (reset) a Whirlpool refrigerator?
The refrigerator and freezer controls are located on the dispenser panel (if applicable).
Did the cooling mode turn OFF?
Press and hold “Lock” and “Filter” simultaneously for three seconds to turn the cooling feature back on.
Whirlpool refrigerator ON OFF info here.

3. Reset GFCI Outlet
Check to see if the refrigerator outlet has tripped (if applicable)
For safety reasons some outlets have a small reset switch that can trip during a power outage.
Press the GFCI reset button on the outlet to reset it as the power outage may have tripped the outlet.
NOTE: If the reset button on the power outlet trips, the outlet will NOT get power, reset it to get power.

Refrigerator Has NO Power – How To Troubleshoot?

4. Fridge Lights Are On But Not Cooling
A part within the refrigerator/freezer may have failed or the fridge needs time to begin cooling
If the power has just come back on and the refrigerator is running, the fridge may need time to begin cooling again.
Wait at least 15 minutes for the refrigerator to begin cooling again once power has come back on.
Refrigerator Has Power and Lights But Not Blowing Cold Air

5. Inspect Refrigerator Power Cord
Power outage can cause electrical damage in some rare cases
An electrical issue may have shorted out the refrigerator power cord or plug.
Slide the refrigerator out slowly, check the power cord and plug to see if electrical shorting has occurred.
If the power cord is damaged and or shorted it will need to be replaced.

6. Refrigerator Part/Component May Have Failed
The power outage may have shorted out a part or component
If you have tried all the above solutions and the fridge still fails to run, you may have a faulty part.
You can try troubleshooting the problem by working from most likely fault to the least likely faulty.
Refrigerator Is Not Cooling – What To Check And How To Fix

HINT: If the refrigerator works but DOES NOT DISPENSE ICE after a power outage, check here for how to troubleshoot…
How To Fix Ice Maker After Power Outage

All the above methods to get your refrigerator working after a power outage will work with Hotpoint, Emerson, Maytag, Sharp, Bosch, KitchenAid, GE, Profile, Whirlpool, Samsung, LG, Haier, Kenmore, Frigidaire, Toshiba, and Panasonic refrigerators.

Keep Food Safe During Power Outage

Food Safety During Power Outage
Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed during outage.
A refrigerator can keep food cold for about 4 hours if the doors are kept shut.
A mostly full freezer can hold the temp for 48 hours or 24 hours if not full.
Put frozen meats on a tray so when they become thawed the juices will not drip.
More info on food safety during a power outage here…

Need help with your refrigerator? Please describe the issue you are having using the form below. Please give us the model number of your fridge so we can investigate further. We can help you with your refrigerator not running after a power outage!

Allen is an appliance repair technician. He is the author and creator of this website. He has 33 years of experience troubleshooting and repairing home appliances, commercial food machinery, and aircraft fuel systems. Allen has many years of experience with electrical, HVAC, plumbing, solar, lighting, flooring, landscaping, painting, vehicle maintenance, and critical aviation related systems.