How To Change Lid Switch On Whirlpool Washer

Well-nigh newer Whirlpool washing machines come equipped with Lid Lock engineering that prevents them from being opened while in employ. This feature seems pretty handy—until information technology malfunctions and your washer refuses to run. While there are a number of ways to unlock your machine under normal weather, opening i that's on the fritz will require a magnet or some basic wire splicing skills. Keep in mind that these kinds of renegade fixes may void your warranty, and that if you decide to attempt them, you'll be doing so at your own adventure.

Accessing the Lid Lock Switch

Turn off the washing machine and unplug it from the wall. If necessary, scoot the appliance abroad from the wall but enough to expose the master power cord. Pull the cord free from the wall socket to disable the ability to the washer. Do not keep until you've confirmed that the power string is completely asunder.
- Once you've unplugged your washer, lay the power cord flat confronting the side of the chiffonier and tape it down to continue it from accidentally getting wet or becoming damaged while y'all work.
- If y'all determine to tinker with your washer without starting time unplugging information technology, yous could be putting yourself at take chances of electric shock.
Close off the h2o by turning the twin supply valves counterclockwise. These valves will either be located in a recessed nook on the wall behind the unit or nether the utility sink, if your laundry room has 1. When you find them, grip the rotating dials and twist them all the style to the left until you lot can't move them anymore. This will guarantee that there'due south no h2o flowing to the machine.
- Sometimes, the supply valve dials will be color-coded ruddy and bluish to clearly indicate which one corresponds to hot and cold water.
- Information technology'southward non safe to make any sort of mechanical modifications to your washing machine without first cutting the h2o supply, even if information technology'south unplugged.
Open the washer'due south elevation console by disengaging the hidden retentivity clips. You'll find i of these clips on either side of the upper role of the unit's front face. Slip a screwdriver blade under the border of the housing on one side of the machine and push straight against the clip inside to release information technology. Repeat this process on the second prune, and then raise the panel to become it out of your manner.
- You can also jog the clips using another long, slender blazon of tool, such as a putty knife.
- On certain models, you lot may need to undo the hinge screws on the backside of the washer's upper command console in lodge to lift the top console.
Identify the hat lock switch on the underside of the pinnacle console. This is the electronic mechanism that actually controls the washer's locking role. On almost models, it will be housed in a small box made of grey or black plastic. Chances are, this little widget is responsible for the effect you're experiencing.
- The chapeau lock switch assembly volition still be connected to its wire harness, which is usually secured to the underside of the washer's peak panel via a series of clips. To avoid making more piece of work for yourself, go out both of these attachments as they are.

Overriding the Locking Machinery with a Magnet

Set up a magnet on the site where the lid lock switch meets the washer cabinet. Only nether the unit's housing at this spot in that location is a solenoid, which is a type of powerful electromagnet. Placing a separate magnet there will create a stable electromagnetic connection with the solenoid and "fox" the machine into thinking that the hat is closed when information technology's really open up.
- Any type of small magnet should practice the trick. Just make certain you lot choose a thin one, similar a refrigerator magnet, if you want to be able to shut the lid completely.
- The chapeau lock applied science on many older washing machines works by using a strong magnetic accuse to go on the lid close during the wash bike.
Replace the top panel, plug the washer in, and perform a test wash. Don't forget to turn the water supply back on beforehand. If your magnet is positioned properly, information technology will be possible for you to open up and close the lid at volition during regular use. This won't touch on the machine'due south normal operations in the slightest.
- This work-around may exist useful if you lot want to be able to throw additional items in later on in the launder cycle without the machine cutting off every time.
Adjust the placement of the magnet if your washer is still stopping. Assuming the appliance continues to bear the fashion it normally does, y'all may take no choice simply to open it dorsum up and give it another shot. Try to line up your magnet with the verbal spot on the superlative panel where the hat lock switch ordinarily hovers. If that doesn't take intendance of things, hunt around for a stronger magnet.
- Double-bank check that the attractive side of your magnet is facing downward. Otherwise, it may not generate a solid link with the solenoid.
- If yous're having trouble finding a magnet strong plenty to maintain a connection, merely unscrew the one that's fix into the border of the washer lid. You tin can e'er put it back when y'all're done.

Cutting the Wires for the Lid Lock Switch

Remove the lid lock switch associates. Use a ⁄4 inch (0.64 cm) nut commuter to loosen the two mounting screws holding the box in identify on the bottom of the panel. Lower the assembly carefully and let it dangle freely from its wire harness at around breast level. That way, y'all'll have no difficulty accessing information technology with your tools.
- Identify the mounting screws in a shallow dish or similar container so you won't lose them. If they disappear, you lot won't be able to get the switch back in its proper place at the finish of your project.
Pry the cover off of the assembly. These sorts of covers are near always secured using retention clips. Simply pull upward on the clips with the edge of your thumb to undo them. So, lift off the cover and set up it aside.
- In some cases, information technology may exist necessary to take out a couple of small screws in order to remove the switch cover.
Examine your washer'southward tech sheet to determine which wires to cut. Browse the included wiring diagram until you observe the wires labelled "hat switch" and "lock switch." The bulk of washing machine lid lock switches are powered by 3 or four wires, each of which performs a different function. Hopefully, these volition be color-coded. If non, the tech sail volition map out the system of the wires on the command board.
- Near washing machine models come with a thin booklet attached to the back or bottom interior portion of the chiffonier. Inside this booklet (known as the "tech sheet") you'll discover a diagram that lays out the verbal configuration of your appliance's electrical wiring.
- If your switch has iii wires and the hat switch and lock switch are assigned to positions one and three, that ways yous'll cut the wire on either side of the middle wire.
Snip the wires corresponding to the lid lock mechanism and lid switch. Catch a pair of pliers or some sharp scissors and make a squeamish make clean cut right through the center of each wire. Without an intact connection, the wires won't be able to channel the electrical electric current that causes the lid to remain locked.
Strip almost ane inch (2.5 cm) of insulation from the end of each wire. Position the blades of your wire strippers at the appropriate spot along the first wire and clamp the handles together forcefully. Without letting go of the handles, drag the tool towards the loose stop of the wire to slide off the insulated coating.
- Stripping the wire just removes the excess fabric from the cut section, allowing you lot to work freely and efficiently.
Twist the ends of the two wires together and bring together them with a wire connector. Take each wire and gently whorl the exposed strands between your thumb and forefinger to group them. Once the strands are neatly mingled, hold the two wires side-by-side and twist them together like a candy pikestaff. Screw a plastic connector over the conjoined wire ends to secure them.
- Yous can as well use a strip of electrical tape if you don't happen to have whatsoever spare wire connectors on hand.
- Smoothing the strands on the ends of the wires before you twist them together volition prevent them from sticking out awkwardly and ensure a clean connection.
Reassemble the washer and endeavor information technology out. Tuck the newly joined wires back into the switch casing, reinstall the removable embrace, and press down on it until information technology clicks. Reposition the switch on the underside of the machine'southward pinnacle console and tighten the mounting screws, then secure the meridian panel once over again. Finally, plug the washer back in and start it upwards. If you've washed everything correctly, you should exist able to open up the lid at whatsoever betoken during the machine'due south various cycles.
- Unlike standard washing machines, hat lock models won't stop automatically when y'all open them after skirting the locking mechanism. For this reason, you'll need to be extremely conscientious not to get your limbs, clothing, hair, or jewelry too close to the spinning anarchist while you accept the hat open.

Tips

Even if you manage to get your washer open, it's a good idea to have it serviced by a licensed professional to determine the source of the trouble and come up up with a safe, reliable fix.