Kenmore Washer Lid Lock Bypass [A Comprehensive Guideline]

Among several safety features of washing machines, “Lid Lock” is a common and often used feature that is implemented in almost every washer, not only in Kenmore. But, in several situations, you may need to bypass this lock.

In this situation, you can bypass this lid lock in 2 ways. One is that you just have to press the lid switch manually which is located on the washer (not on the lid). Another one is, open the washer cabinet and connect the two wires (which are attached to the lid switch) to one another.

Here, as a new user, this information mightn’t be enough for you. So, continue reading to learn more about this process.

How Does Kenmore Washer Lid Lock Work?

Kenmore washer lid switches work by completing or interrupting an electrical circuit when the lid is opened or closed. This is a safety feature to prevent the washer from operating while the lid is open.

The Kenmore washer lid switch is typically located on the top of the washer, near the lid hinge.

It is a small, black plastic switch with two wires attached to it. The wires are typically colored white and black.

When the lid is closed, a small plastic part attached to the lid presses the lid lock switch (located on the washer’s upper side) which completes an electrical circuit.

This allows power to flow to the washer motor and other components, allowing the washer to operate.

But, when the lid isn’t closed or if it’s opened during the wash cycle, the switch breaks the electrical circuit. As a result, the current stops flowing to the motor and stops the washing process.

Tools Required To Bypass Lid Lock On Kenmore Washer

As we always know for fixing anything or doing anything with any electrical appliances, we require some specific tools. So, here bypassing a lid lock switch isn’t an exception and it also requires some tools.

These tools not only make this bypassing process too easy but also help you to do it without damaging your washer. So, let’s find out which tools you need for this process:

• 1 Phillips head screwdriver
• 1 flat-head screwdriver
• Electrical tape
• Pilers
• Wire stripper (not mandatory)
• 1 piece 2/3 inch jumper wire

Kenmore Washer Lid Lock Bypass: A Detailed Step-by-step Guide

In fact, bypassing a washer lid lock switch can be dangerous and isn’t often recommended by experts.

But in some situations and to troubleshoot some issues (like the washer not spinning, making strange noises, etc) it became necessary to bypass it.

Here, you can bypass this lock in 2 different ways. One is Temporary and the other is Permanent.

Though this process isn’t too difficult, you have to follow the expert’s instructions to do it successfully.

So, let’s check out their detailed process.

Method 1: Temporary bypass

A temporary bypass is the best option if you want to identify any issues with your washer. In order to follow this method you just need a thin or shard-edged plastic tool.

Let’s see how you can bypass it temporarily.

• Step 1: Open your washer lid/door and find the lid lock switch. It’s typically located at the upper side of your washer where its lid stays down.
• Step 2: Here you’ll find a little hole and if you attentively look inside, you’ll find a little switch underneath it.
• Step 3: Now take a tiny plastic tool, and insert its thin edges into that hole. Then slightly push/press it inside and keep pressing it.
• Step 5: Next try to start your washer washing cycle. If there aren’t any issues, without closing the lid, the washer will start working.

This short video might help you to do it:

**N.B.: In this process, always try to use plastic tools. Because the lid lock switch might be in contact with AC current and any use of any metal tools may give you a heavy electric shock.

Method 2: Permanent bypass

If your washer’s lid switch becomes faulty and you can’t find a replacement unit, here, to continue using your washer you have to permanently bypass this. Don’t worry! This is a quite easy and simple process.

Just follow these steps:

• Step 1: First, unplug your washer from the AC power outlet.
• Step 2: Now, open the control panel’s upper cover and unscrew the screws from it.
• Step 3: Next take out the entire cabinet from the washer tub and locate the lid switch. Here, you will notice two wires (mostly red and black) are connected to it.
• Step 4: Then, from the lid switch, disconnect these two connected wires. Now, using a plier or wire stripper, remove the wire’s upper plastic/rubber cover to get access to the inner copper wire.
• Step 5: After that, connect these two wires together, and using some electrical tape, cover the wire joint.
• Step 6: Finally, set up or assemble all the parts that you removed and try operating your washer. Hopefully, it will work perfectly.

**You can also follow this video to learn how to do it:

Is It Safe Or Not To Bypass The Kenmore Washer Lid Lock?

Simply said: it’s not safe to bypass a washer lid lock. However, there are a few specific reasons when you might need to bypass your Kenmore washer’s lid lock.

Some of them include:

• The lid lock is broken, and you want to use your washer
• To diagnose a problem with the washer
• To add clothes to the washer during the mid-cycle

Basically, the lid lock system on every washer is a safety feature that stops the washer operation while its lid is open.

Mainly, this safety feature is added to protect children and pets from being injured by the agitator or other moving parts inside the washer.

But, bypassing this lid lock actually increases the safety hazard, especially if there are young children or pets in the home.

Additionally, bypassing the lid lock can sometimes badly affect the washer’s optimal operation.

For example, if the lid is opened during the wash cycle, water and detergent can splash out from the washer tub, and the washer may also become unbalanced. This could ultimately damage the washer.

FAQs

Throughout the article, we tried our best to cover almost everything related to the Kenmore washer lid lock bypassing process. Still, if you have any questions in your mind, read this FAQ section.

Final Words

After all, hopefully you have succeeded in the Kenmore Washer Lid Lock Bypass process. But, while bypassing, remember that you are disabling your washer’s most important safety feature.

So, always try not to do it. But, if there is no other way except bypassing this lock, try to do it safely and as soon as possible fix the issue related to it.