July 01, 2015

How to replace a laundry center washer lid lock switch

How to replace a laundry center washer lid lock switch

This DIY repair guide explains how to replace a washer lid lock switch on a laundry center. The washer lid lock switch is a safety device that detects if the lid is open or closed, and locks the lid during the wash and spin cycles. If the lid lock switch breaks, the switch won't detect the position of the lid and the washer won't agitate or spin. Replace a broken washer lid lock switch with the manufacturer-approved laundry center part.

These easy-to-follow steps show how to replace the washer lid switch in Kenmore, Frigidaire, Gibson, Crosley and White-Westinghouse laundry centers.

Quick links
Tools required
#2 Square-head screwdriver
Work gloves
Repair difficulty
Time required
15 minutes or less
Repair difficulty
Time required
15 minutes or less
Replacing a washer lid lock switch on a laundry center

This video explains how to replace the washe rlid lock switch on a laundry center.

Instructions

  1. 01.

    Shut off the power

    Unplug the laundry center. If the dryer uses gas, shut off the gas supply.

  2. 02.

    Remove the washer front panel

    Remove the 2 screws at the bottom of the front panel.

    Slide the front panel down to disengage the mounting tabs and pull off the front panel.

    PHOTO: Remove the screws from the bottom of the front panel.

    PHOTO: Remove the screws from the bottom of the front panel.

    PHOTO: Remove the lower front panel from the laundry center.

    PHOTO: Remove the lower front panel from the laundry center.

  3. 03.

    Remove the lid lock switch

    Disconnect the wires from the lid lock switch.

    Remove the screws from under the front corners of the top panel.

    Lift the top panel up and remove the lid lock mounting screws.

    Remove the lid lock switch.

    PHOTO: Remove the screw from under the right front corner of the top panel.

    PHOTO: Remove the screw from under the right front corner of the top panel.

    PHOTO: Remove the screw from under the left front corner of the top panel.

    PHOTO: Remove the screw from under the left front corner of the top panel.

    PHOTO: Disconnect the lid lock switch wires.

    PHOTO: Disconnect the lid lock switch wires.

    PHOTO: Remove the lid lock mounting screws.

    PHOTO: Remove the lid lock mounting screws.

    PHOTO: Remove the lid lock switch.

    PHOTO: Remove the lid lock switch.

  4. 04.

    Install the new lid lock switch

    Position the new lid lock switch under the top washer panel and reinstall the mounting screws.

    Lower the top panel.

    Connect the wires to the new lid lock switch.

    Reinstall the screws in the top panel.

    PHOTO: Install the new lid lock switch.

    PHOTO: Install the new lid lock switch.

    PHOTO: Connect the wires to the new switch.

    PHOTO: Connect the wires to the new switch.

    PHOTO: Reinstall the top panel screws.

    PHOTO: Reinstall the top panel screws.

  5. 05.

    Reinstall the washer front panel

    Push the front panel mounting tabs into the mounting slots on the frame.

    Slide the front panel up slightly to engage the mounting tabs and reinstall the mounting screws.

    PHOTO: Reinstall the washer front panel.

    PHOTO: Reinstall the washer front panel.

    PHOTO: Reinstall the screws at the bottom of the front panel.

    PHOTO: Reinstall the screws at the bottom of the front panel.

  6. 06.

    Restore power to the laundry center

    Plug the laundry center into the wall outlet. If the dryer uses gas, turn on the gas supply.

Warning: Undertaking repairs to appliances can be hazardous. Use the proper tools and safety equipment noted in the guide and follow all instructions. Do not proceed until you are confident that you understand all of the steps and are capable of completing the repair. Some repairs should only be performed by a qualified technician.

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