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.

Symptoms common to all laundry centers

Choose a symptom to see related laundry center repairs.

Main causes: unbalanced load, broken suspension springs or shocks, worn snubber ring
Main causes: door not fully shut, bad door switch, faulty push-to-start switch, wiring failure, bad drive motor, blown fuse, control failure
Main causes: clogged drain system, blocked drain hose, bad drain pump
Main causes: broken lid switch or lid lock, faulty drive motor, drain system problem, broken drive system components
Main causes: control system failure, broken heating element, bad gas valve coils, gas supply failure, voltage supply problem, blown fuse
Main causes: broken dryer drive belt, weak drive motor, binding drum seals
Main causes: blocked exhaust vent, clogged lint screen, bad timer, moisture sensing problems, weak gas valve coils, bad heating element
Main causes: bad lid switch or lid lock, drive motor failure, broken motor coupler, bad timer, faulty electronic control board
Main causes: lack of water supply, failed lid switch or lid lock, bad water level pressure switch, control system failure, bad water valve

Repair guides common to all laundry centers

These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your laundry center.

How to replace a laundry center washer timer

If the washer doesn't fill, spin or drain, the timer could be the problem.

Repair difficulty
Time required
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How to replace a laundry center washer snubber ring

If the washer tub bangs the cabinet during the spin cycle even though the load is balanced, you might need to replace the snubber ring in the base of the washer.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace a laundry center dryer door switch

The dryer won’t start if the door switch is defective. Your can replace it in about 15 minutes.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less

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