How To Bypass The Lid Lock On My Washing Machine (Do This!)

For decades, washing machines have been a common household appliance and over the years they have received a number of upgrades. If you weren’t already aware, many modern washers have a lid lock feature. Not to be confused with the lid switch feature, which prevents the washing machine from operating when the lid opens, the lid lock does exactly as it sounds. It locks the washer’s lid into place during cycles.

The lid lock function primarily exists as a safety function and can come in handy. However, when the lid lock malfunctions and your washing machine refuses to start, you may need a way to get around it. Opening a washing machine that has a faulty lid lock will require either the use of a magnet or some basic wire splicing. However, keep in mind that these actions may void your warranty, and you’ll be attempting them at your own risk.

The main reasons for a lid lock function on washing machines, both front and top loading, has to do with safety. Put simply, the lock is what prevents the lid from being opened during certain cycles of washing including the load sensing cycle and the spin cycle. The ladder of which can cause serious bodily harm if someone were to open the washer and reach in.

Washers can spin anywhere from 800 to 1600 rotations per minute (rpm). This measurement indicates how many times the basin spins in a complete circle per minute. The speed of a washing machine’s spin cycle is incredibly fast and can most certainly cause broken bones. This fact is why it is absolutely critical to have a lid lock function on your washing machine.

This feature is especially useful for households with children. It is just another way to protect your children from the dangers that exist inside the home. During the load sensing cycle, the tub is filled with an adequate amount of water based on how much laundry is inside the machine. The lid locks during this cycle in order to ensure that no disruption occurs while the water is being filled.

The first step in bypassing the lid lock function on a washing machine, the Whirlpool brand included, is to turn off the washing machine and disconnect it from the power source. Do not proceed until you’ve confirmed that the appliance is completely unplugged from the socket.

Some of the lid lock mechanisms on washers are activated by heat, meaning bypassing them can be as easy as letting them cool down. Allow your Whirlpool washing machine to sit unplugged for at least 10 minutes. Then, attempt to lift the lid. If it will raise, then you’re all set! If the lid lock is still engaged, proceed with the steps outlined below.

With your washing machine unplugged from the wall, you’ll now want to shut off the water source. Even if your washer is unplugged, it is never safe to make any mechanical modifications to the unit until the water supply is cut. To do this, locate the twin supply valves either under the utility sink or in a recessed nook on the wall behind the appliance.

Once you find them, turn the rotating dials counterclockwise until they won’t move anymore. This will guarantee that no more water is flowing to the machine.

First, open the top panel of the washer by disengaging the retention clips. These clips are hidden on either side of the upper section of the appliance’s front face. Pry a screwdriver under the edge of the housing on one side and push against the clip inside to release. Continue this same process for the second clip, allowing you to raise the panel.

With the top panel out of the way, locate the lid lock switch on the underside. This switch is the electronic component that controls the locking feature. In most models, it will be found inside of a small box that is made of either black or gray plastic.

Underneath the washer’s housing, where the lid lock switch meets the cabinet, is a solenoid. A solenoid is a powerful electromagnet, which is keeping the lid locked. To release it, you need to create a stable electromagnetic connection that will “trick” it into opening.

Place a small magnet between the lid lock switch and where it fits into the unit. This action should release the switch, allowing you to raise your Whirlpool washer’s lid. Consider taping the magnet in place to be able to open and close your washing machine during regular use.

Quick Tip: If the small magnet is not creating a solid link with the solenoid, make sure that you’re placing it in the exact spot where the lid lock switch hovers. Otherwise, you may need a stronger magnet. For this, you can unscrew the magnet that is placed on the edge of the washer lid.

Related Questions

How do I bypass lid lock on my GE top-loading washer?

Depending on your particular model, most GE top-loading washers will lock while they are running. If you need to bypass the lid lock and open the lid, simply press the Start/Pause button. No matter which cycle it is on, the washer will stop and allow you to raise the lid. Once you’re done, close the lid and push the Start/Pause button to continue the wash cycle.

Why is my Amana washer not spinning?

If your Amana washing machine isn’t spinning or you have standing water in the tub, verify that the drain hose is installed correctly. This is generally the case if the “spin” light is also on, as it turns on after 10 minutes of the drain pump being on with no change in water level.