Does a refrigerator light bulb have to be a special appliance bulb? After 10 years mine burned out and I tried a regular 60 watt bulb, just to use for a short time, and it doesn't work either. And the little 40 watt ceiling fan bulbs have a different size "base" that goes in to the socket. What's so special about an "appliance" bulb? Appreciate any help.

Appliance bulbs are designed to take the cold and the humidity versus the regular bulbs. I've used regular bulbs when mine burned out until I could get to the store and buy new ones. Would suggest you invest the exta few cents and use the appliance bulbs.

Thanks for answering. But, I have no problem buying a refrigerator bulb. I just wonder why the regular bulb won't work. And it's brand new. You said you had used one for a short time until you got a "real" one, but my regular bulb won't work. Could it be something wrong with the socket? Guess I won't really know until I get the "real" bulb put back in there. I'm just worrying "in advance" I guess. I'll try to think positive. Thanks.

The socket, the switch are all possibilities. Usually, though it's corrosion in the socket or the tab at the bottom is pushed too far down or even missing.

A normal bulb should work.

Appliance bulbs have thicker glass on them so they don't break easy. They are also smaller.

What you can try:

1) Put the refrigerator bulb in a regular socket. Rules out bulb.

2. UNPLUG FRIDGE
3. Inspect for corrosion and a poor bottom contact
4. If corrosion is found sand lightly with 400 grit wet-or-dry sandpaper
5. If tab is flat at the bottom, pull it up GENTLY. One side is generally permanently attached.
6. Install a known good bulb with a little vaseline on the threads and base
7. Plug fridge back in

7. Activate the switch on the door a few times to see if it's hung up.

Thanks for your answer. I'm going to get the bulb today and will just hope that it will work. If not... then I'll follow your advice. Thanks, Barb