How to Repair the Whirlpool Estate Washing Machine Lid Switch

If water flows into your washing machine, but neither the drum nor the agitator turns and the cycle doesn't start, check your lid switch. The lid switch is easy to remove, check and repair.

First, unplug the washing machine. Raise the washer cover and look for two screws that hold the lid switch in place. This is the switch that works like the light in your refrigerator door. A plastic piece in the washing machine lid activates the on and off feature of the switch. If the lid is up, the switch is off and the cycle will not start. If the lid is down, the switch is on and the cycle will run.

Remove the screws to the lid switch case. You can tilt the washer drum with your hand to give yourself room to remove this plastic box holding the switch. Pull the box out gently until you can see it clearly. It will still be connected by the wiring, so don't pull too hard and disconnect the wiring.

The switch is inside a small plastic box that houses the electric components. In most cases the problem is that the washer lid came down too hard or too repeatedly if your washer is several years old, and jarred the box, causing the plastic housing to open slightly and thus separate the electrical connection. If this is the case you can test it by holding the plastic box shut with your fingers and the lid switch in the down position and checking to see if the washer will spin. This does require plugging the washing machine back into live power. If this makes you nervous you should consult a repairman.

If the washer still does not spin, either your switch is faulty and needs to be replaced, or you have a completely different problem. If it does spin, your problem has been found and your fix is simple. Take some super glue and reseal the box. You can also tape around the box to add strength, but be careful not to block the lid switch from moving from the off to the on position.

Re-attach the lid switch mechanism back into place and you are ready to begin washing again. This will save you from buying a new washing machine, when it is only necessary to repair a bit of broken plastic.