June 01, 2015

How to troubleshoot flashing lid lock errors on a vertical modular washer video

How to troubleshoot flashing lid lock errors on a vertical modular washer.
How to troubleshoot flashing lid lock errors on a vertical modular washer.

This video from Sears PartsDirect shows how to troubleshoot a blinking lid lock light on your top-load vertical modular washer. The lid lock light on VMW washers, made by Whirlpool, Kenmore and Maytag, will flash whenever there is a problem with the washer. The problem may not necessarily be a broken lid lock.

Learn about a few possible issues, including the actuator motor, and see how to check the error codes on your washer to find out what the problem is. You can order replacement washer parts or find other helpful tips on our washer repair help page.

Tools and parts needed

Why the lid lock light flashes

Hi, my name is Wayne from Sears PartsDirect. We’re going to talk about the vertical modular washing machine today. This washer is made by Kenmore, Whirlpool and Maytag.

When a vertical modular washer runs into a problem, the washer stops and the lid lock light will start flashing and flashing and flashing and keep flashing, until you fix the problem. With the lid lock light flashing, what are you going to do? Go out and buy a new lid lock switch? Before you do that, realize the lid lock light will flash, for any and all problems this machine has. 

Run the diagnostics test

Before you run out and buy a new lid lock, run the diagnostics test and recall the saved error code that indicates the real cause of the problem. Here’s a video that shows how to recall those saved error codes. 

Replace the lid lock

If your error code says you have a bad lid lock switch, then replace it. Here’s a link to a video showing you how. 

Replace the actuator motor

But chances are, the lid lock’s not the problem. This washer doesn’t fail that often, but when it does, it’s generally the actuator motor.

What’s the actuator motor, you ask? It’s this little motor at the bottom of the washer. Fortunately, the actuator is real easy to get to. Here’s a link to show you how to replace it.

I hope this video helped you out today. Be sure to check out our other videos, here on the Sears PartsDirect YouTube channel. And don’t forget to subscribe.

Repair guides for top-load washers

How to replace the motor coupler on a top-load washer

How to replace the motor coupler on a top-load washer

If the washer drains but won’t agitate or spin, the motor coupler might have broken to protect the drive motor from dama…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 60 minutes or less
How to replace the agitator dogs in a top-load washer

How to replace the agitator dogs in a top-load washer

If the top of the agitator moves both ways instead of just one, replace the agitator dogs, using the steps in this repai…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace the drive block on a top-load washer

How to replace the drive block on a top-load washer

The drive block rotates the spin basket. If the basket wobbles or rattles in the spin mode because the drive block is wo…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 60 minutes or less

Articles and videos for top-load washers

How to use your washing machine efficiently

How to use your washing machine efficiently

Find tips for using your washing machine efficiently to save energy and help reduce utility bills.…

Tapping into a new feature in the Search Bar on Sears PartsDirect

Tapping into a new feature in the Search Bar on Sears PartsDirect

Learn about a new feature added to the Search Bar on Sears PartsDirect…

How to remove control parts and the lid switch on a Maytag Atlantis III top-load washing machine

How to remove control parts and the lid switch on a Maytag Atlantis III top-load washing machine

Learn how to open the console and remove control parts from a Maytag Atlantis III top-load washer.…