Whirlpool washer lid won’t lock: Causes and Solutions

The working efficiency and safety features are extraordinary when it comes to Whirlpool washers. But what will happen if your Whirlpool washer lid won’t lock? It will keep the washer’s lid open and your safety will be under threat.

In general, defective lid lock switches, misalignments, and obstructions are the major causes of why the lid won’t lock on a Whirlpool washer. Sometimes, it may also be caused by some electrical issues.

However, the problem won’t go long, if you can successfully troubleshoot and fix the possible reasons behind this issue. So, let’s see how they go.

What does the lid lock do on a Whirlpool washer?

The lid lock technology on a Whirlpool washer is a safety feature that protects the washer from being operated while in use.

It keeps the lid closed during wash cycles and prevents accidents like the water coming out or the user getting closer to the moving parts.

However, this feature is actually pretty handy until there’s nothing wrong with its mechanism.

The lid lock mechanism usually turns on when the washer is in use and it turns off when the wash cycle is complete.

Troubleshooting and fixing Whirlpool washer lid won’t lock

There are several reasons responsible for why the lid won’t lock on your Whirlpool dishwasher. So, here are the reasons and their troubleshooting steps you can try to solve the lid that won’t lock:

1. Obstructions: Look for obstructions

Sometimes, there can be some debris or foreign objects get stuck in the locking mechanism and cause the lid not to lock or engage properly.

So, start by checking for any obstructions in the latch or lid mechanism.

If you find any obstructions preventing the lock mechanism from working, clear it to ensure that the cover can lock securely. 

But the lid on your Whirlpool washer still fails to lock accurately, try out the next solution.

2. The door strike is misaligned: Check and align the door strike properly

The lid lock on a Whirlpool washer engages with the door strike. If the door strike is misaligned or becomes damaged, it may interfere with the lid mechanism from being locked.

So, ensure that the door strike is properly aligned and it has not got any damage. If you find any signs of damage, you may need to replace the damaged door strike on your washer.

3. Faulty Lid lock switches: Verify and replace the switches

If there’s nothing wrong with the door strike, inspect the lid lock switches for any signs of damage or wear.

The lid lock switches are the part of the lock mechanism that communicates with the washing machine while the lid is open or closed.

As a result, a faulty lid switch can be responsible for the lid not to lock on a Whirlpool washer.

So, test the lid switch to see if it’s functioning properly. Here are the steps you can follow to do so:

• To begin with, unplug the washer from the power source.
• Now locate the lid switch on your washer. To do so, you may need to remove the top or bottom panel of your washer depending on its model. 
• Visually inspect the switch to see if it is damaged or worn out. Also, look for loose connections.
• If you notice any loose connections or damaged wires, you may need to repair or replace it. 
• But if there’s no issues with that, use a multimeter to test the continuity or resistance of the switch. 
• If the lid switch doesn’t show any continuity, replace it with a new one.

On average, the replacement cost of a faulty lid or lock switch on Whirlpool washer is between $85-$160 including parts and labor. But if you find the lid switch is functioning properly, switch to the next troubleshooting step.

4. Misalignment: Check the lid lock and the latches

If the lid lock and the latches on the Whirlpool washer are not accurately aligned, the lid may fail to lock.

It usually happens because of an accidental movement or bump of the washer.

Moreover, the latches on the washer body can also be broken or worn out with time. So, check the latches to see if they are properly aligned or not.

Also, look for any signs of damage between the lid lock and the latches. Repair or replace them as necessary.

5. Electrical issues: Reset the washer

If there is an issue with the electrical supply to the washer or the control board malfunctions, the lid may not lock correctly. In this case, sometimes a simple reset can solve these problems.

To do so, here we go:

• Unplug the washer from the power outlet and wait for a few minutes. 
• Then, plug the washer back into the outlet. 
• Within a 12 seconds period, lift and lower the lid on your washer for 6 times. 
• With that the washer will be reset and start the washer again.

After resetting your Whirlpool, if you see the problem still persists on your washer, contact a professional technician for further assistance.

Is there a way to bypass the lid lock on a Whirlpool washer?

There is no legitimate way to bypass the lid lock on a Whirlpool washer as it ensures your safety.

 If you keep the lid open during a wash cycle or when the washer is full of water, it can be risky for you, your kids and pets.

However, there are also ways you can try to temporarily bypass the lid lock, if you don’t want it or for troubleshooting purposes.

Here we will discuss the easiest one of them. Let’s see does it goes:

• To begin with, disconnect the power supply to the washer to ensure your safety while working. 
• Depending on the model of your Whirlpool washer, locate the lid lock switch on the washer.
• Once you have located the switch, cover off the assembly and inspect the wire harness connected to the lid lock.
• Typically the Whirlpool washers have three or four wires connected to the switch. Always prefer to check the diagram of your washer to ensure the lid and lock wires. 
• Now cut the lid and lock wires using a sharp scissor or wire cutter.
• Then, strip the insulation from at least one inch end of each wire. 
• After that, twist them together and connect them with a wire connector. 
• Now reassemble the switch and start a wash cycle to see if the washer functions properly after bypassing the lid lock.

After starting a wash cycle, if you can simply lift the lid, then you can be sure that you have successfully bypassed the lock.

FAQs

After going through this discussion, there might be some confusion running through your mind. Let’s answer some of these questions to make the discussion clearer and more impactful.

Conclusion

Now that we know what causes your Whirlpool washer lid lock won’t lock and the solutions, you should check the washer to see if it’s running.

However, it’s important to inspect your environment before doing this.

Ensure your safety by assuring power supply to the washer and lock system. But don’t even try these methods, if you don’t have any previous experiences.