Proper Operation
Learn how your appliance is supposed to operate so you can determine if it is malfunctioning.


This page contains affiliate links. For more information visit our
FTC disclosure page.

  • Visit our sponsor for parts:
Repairclinic.com

Lid Switch

Procedures for Gathering Confirming Data

  1. Slowly lift the washer lid about an inch and let it down again.
  2. Did you hear the microswitch click when you raised the lid and click again when you lowered it? If so, the lid switch is OK, and you need to check the control magnet. If you didn't hear any clicks, proceed to the lid microswitch replacement procedure.

Tools Required

  • Strong putty knife
  • Phillips screwdriver

Parts Required

I rob the microswitch from a dryer doorswitch kit number 279347.

Replacement Procedure

  1. Unplug the washer.
  2. Pull the washer away from the wall.
  3. (Figure 1) Get a putty knife and slide it in between the top and the cabinet about 2.5" in from each corner to release the clips holding the top down. Push in and pull up on the knife to release the clips. Don't use a screwdriver for this step or you will damage the washer finish.
  4. (Figure 2) Lift the washer top up and slowly swing it back against the wall behind the washer.
  5. Locate the lid switch inside it's protective plastic cover (see Figure 3).
  6. Note the locations of the white plastic paddle and the black microswitch in the following picture.
  7. Remove the red and grey wires from the microswitch.
  8. Locate the two Philips screws on the topside of the washer holding the switch in place and remove them.
  9. Note how the old microswitch is held in the actuator assembly. Slide the old microswitch out and slide the new one in.
  10. Hold the actuator and the plastic cover up against the underside of the cabinet top and run the two screws in through thecover and into the actuator. Tighten the screws.
  11. Lower the lid to confirm that the lid switch is working properly. Do you hear a click when the lid is closed? If not,check to make sure the white button of the microswitch is under the actuator.
  12. Slide the red and grey wire terminals on to the microswitch and close the plastic cover. Lower the lid again to make sure the switch "clicks".
  13. Lower the cabinet top until the clips snap into place and check the washer for proper operation.

Figure 1 (Return)

Cab clips

Figure 2 (Return)

Lid Switch

Figure 3 (Return)

lid switch 2