A Nonspinning washer is one of the everyday house chores problems we usually encounter in our laundry room. And truth be told, it’s such a hassle dealing with it.
What we didn’t know is: your washer lid lock is a common culprit here. So, if the lock is malfunctioning—or worse, damaged! Then the washer won’t start.
But don’t worry because you can take this matter into your hand. Read this guide to learn how to bypass lid lock on Whirlpool washer and save hassle and money from a 10-minute fix.
Table of Contents
Method 1. Cut the lid lock wire
Does the title scare you? Don’t worry because cutting the wire switch is one of the most effective ways to bypass your 3 wire lid switch— or even your 4 wire lid switch!
In this Whirlpool Cabrio washer lid lock bypass method, you will manipulate the machine system by attaching the two wires, which signal that the lid is closed.
This method will also be helpful in fixing lid lock on the Whirlpool Cabrio washer.
Pro tip: This works on Whirlpool washing machines with an oval LED underneath the washer dial like the Maytag washer!
What to Prepare
- Screwdriver
- Pliers
- Wire cutter or scissors
- Wire stripper
- Electrical tape
- Optional: wire connector
Step 1: Unplug and let it cool down
The first step you need to do in this task is to ensure your safety. So before diving into the actual bypassing, unplug the machine first from any power source.
After that, allow your machine to sit and rest for about 10 minutes to be fully free from any electric flow. Then, you can start the actual steps on bypassing your Whirlpool washer lid lock.
Step 2: Open the control panel
Of course, to fully access the switch wires, you first need to open the panel that secures the inner component of the washer.
- Locate where the control panel is. It is usually at the back of the machine or just behind the control dials.
- Then, get a nut screwdriver and start loosening the screws that hold the assembly and the panel together.
Pro tip: Secure the removed screws in a safe area to avoid losing them.
In some cases, the wires are housed inside a cover. If this is the case for you, locate the gap space (handle) and pry it out to disengage the clips.
Step 3: Examine the switch wiring
To attain the best possible result, get your Whirlpool washer manual and examine the positioning and function of each wire through the illustrated switch diagram.
You can continue the process if your washer has 3 or 4 switch wires. However, proceed to the following Whirlpool washer switch bypass method.
Step 4: Cut and strip wires
Now onto the actual bypassing task! Follow these mini steps to bypass 3 wire washer lid switch.
- Make sure that the machine is unplugged for your safety.
- Locate the lid lock wire. Usually, the lid and lock wires are white and blue/gray, but this might vary from model to model. Always refer to the diagram!
- Cut the lid and lock wires cleanly using your wire cutter or sharp scissors. Remember to do it one at a time to avoid messing it up.
After cutting the two lid lock wires, strip the insulation from at least an inch of each wire using your wire cutter. If you don’t have a wire cutter, get a blade and skin at least 1 inch of the wires’ coating.
By doing this, you must expose the conductor from its corresponding coating. Doing this will make the next step easier.
Step 5: Connect the 2 cut wires
To entirely override the machine system, you should attach the snipped wires. Through that, the system will automatically think that the Whirlpool washer lid is fully closed and ready to start.
- With your fingers, get the two exposed wire conductors from each wire and twist them together.
- Make sure the conductors are twisted very well for the power to circulate freely.
- Put the wire connector on the twisted conductors to secure it further, ensuring the wires will not separate in the long run.
- Afterward, get electrical tape and tape the wire connector on both ends.
- If you don’t have a wire connector, secure the two twisted wire conductors using the electrical tape.
Step 6: Reassemble the machine and do a wash test.
Once the wires are twisted, tuck them back in their usual place and reassemble the control panel.
- Attach the removable wire housing. Press it until it clicks, ensuring the clips are engaged with the catchers.
- Get the control panel plastic cover and reattach it using the screws you safely set aside.
- Tighten the screws using a screwdriver. Make sure it’s fully closed to avoid an unwanted incident.
After reassembling your machine, plug it into the power source and try to test it out. Try starting the washer while the lid is open to see if you’ve bypassed the Whirlpool washer.
The Whirlpool lid lock flashing indicates that the lock is not engaged. Repeat the process if this happens to you, and try retwisting the wires together.
Method 2. Bypassing with a magnet.
What to prepare:
- Magnet
- Electrical tape
- Scissors
If you don’t want to void the warranty of your Whirlpool washer by modifying the machine’s wiring system, then this washing machine lid lock bypass method would be the best for you.
Moreover, this method also solves your problem if your Whirlpool washer lid won’t lock.
The magnet will provide an electromagnetic force into the solenoid in this method. In return, the connection between your magnet and solenoid will trick the machine and open the washer’s lid while running.
You can use this method on any magnet-activated lid lock switch like the Whirlpool wtw5000dw1.
Step 1: Unplug the machine and open the machine’s upper panel.
Like the previous method, it is best to unplug the machine from any electric or power sources to ensure your safety while bypassing your Whirlpool washer.
After you unplug the machine, let it cool down for 10 minutes to empty the electric flow inside it. Close the water supply as well.
Once done, open the panel by prying it open to disengage the clips from the catcher. Or if the panel is attached using screws, get a screwdriver and unfasten the screws.
Step 2: Place the magnet in the right place.
After opening the panel, locate the site where the solenoid sits.
With a magnet, run it onto the machine’s surface and feel its reaction to confirm if you’re in the right position. If it resists, then that’s where you should put your magnet.
Once you think your magnet is in the correct position, secure it with electrical or duct tape to keep it in place while the washer is running and agitating.
You can choose a slimmer or smaller magnet to close the panel without any hassle. However, if you want to ensure the magnetic forces are enough to connect with the solenoid, then you should use a larger magnet.
Step 3: Do a test wash and reposition the magnet if necessary.
Reassemble the panel, plug the machine back into the power supply, do a wash test to see if you’ve successfully overridden the lid lock mechanism of your Whirlpool washer.
The washer must start even if the lid is open. If the machine stops spinning midway while your washer is open, you should readjust the magnet inside the panel.
Can a Washer Work Without a Lid Lock?
For safety purposes, your washer typically won’t work without a lid lock or if it’s not engaged with the system.
However, there are different measures that you can take if you want your washer to work even if your lid lock is not engaged. That is by bypassing and manipulating the machine into thinking that your lock is activated.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve learned how to bypass lid lock on Whirlpool washer, you can check your washing clothes while the machine is running.
However, it is essential to assess your environment before doing this. If you have a child who runs around your house while doing house chores, then it might be best not to bypass your lid lock.
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