Kenmore 80 Series Washer Lid Switch Repair - won't drain or spin

This captures the steps to repair a Kenmore 80 series washer with a bad lid switch. The broken switch keeps it from draining or spinning. The switch can be bypassed on the connector, which I am showing in the video but you are better of replacing it. I bought a new lid switch through e-bay, which cost me about $10 plus shipping. The repair takes only about 30 minutes and can save you a lot of money instead of calling in a repair man or buying a new washer. Overall this washer had been very reliable and I intend to keep it for another couple years.

[@robertkeaney7047]

9 years after this was posted and still helping us fix our own stuff. Well done.

[@williamperkins2160]

June 2024 and your video is still helping people 10 years later! I am one of the least “handy” guys around and my wife and I tackled this fairly easily. Part was $12 from Amazon. Took us less than 1 hour. And I only cut myself once (maybe a record for me!). Thank you sir!

[@tpak07]

Add one more to that list

[@blaisekeller157]

This trick took 10 minutes and peace has been re-established in my household once again. Clean socks! And the maintenance man, (i.e. father/husband) gets a stay of execution! Hooray! Thanks a million for this excellent video. Well done I Fix Things!

[@debbitrimberger9440]

😅🤣😂 hilarious comment! Awesome you were spared!!! @BlaiseKeller

[@shaymere]

You don't know how much this video means to me and my family! When I heard our washer draining I almost cried tears of joy. THANK YOU so much!!!!

[@susiesingzinca3899]

Thanks for this video. My Kenmore 80 series was overflowing and wouldn't recognize the water levels.....plus it was tripping my gcfi everytime I closed the lid. Soooooo, I changed out the lid switch and Voila!!!! Yay me!!! So nice being able to fix this machine myself over the past 23 years! Yes, these are built to last,.....just wear and tear sometimes and most fixes are pretty easy. Saved me tons of money with these videos. MUCH gratitude. Thanks again.

[@dsebringjd]

58 yrs old and single again. My stupid washer wouldn't drain, and this video made me feel strong. I did it myself!! Thank you so much!

[@tootssuite23]

Lifesaver Alert!!!!! Your straightforward, easy to follow instructions and camera positionings made all the difference, Purchased the switch part from Amazon for

[@UncleWermus]

Ancient fixit youtube videos... the gift that keeps on giving. Thanks man! Always better to clean/replace a switch than anything.

[@miamiflutist305]

Thank you for this video. When I opened the control panel I noticed that the clear tube was not connected and that's all it was. I fixed it thanks to you and your video.

[@seann8027]

You posted this in 2014, can't believe it saves me few hundred bucks 5 years later. Ome of the greatest dyi vid on the web. Big thanks.

[@maryannseiber721]

Oh my gosh you saved me over $300+ I'm so thankful for your video. It took me & my sister a while to disassemble everything but we hung in there. It cost us a $35 part & our time. Thank you for your helpful video! Bless you! 👍

[@debbitrimberger9440]

Way to go girls!!! Woo Hoo!!! I did mine too. 💪💪

[@debbitrimberger9440]

Thank you for helping this gal do my 4th repair to keep my Kenmore 80 I love alive for a while longer!!! Woo Hoo!!!🎉

[@23JDee]

Thank you so much for posting this video. I was considering getting rid of the washer because it was probably not worth a repair. With your help, I replaced the switch with a brand new one for less than $10, and the washing machine is back in business. The video was comprehensive and easy to follow. Masterful job!

[@shapattack9411]

Thank you so much for this, same issue here, the plastic switch had separated and the lid pin wasn't able to push it all the way down. I used two zip ties to clamp it back together and it worked like a charm while I wait for the new lid switch I ordered to arrive.

[@MissdeCanci]

Thanks so much! To future switch replacers...watch it again before you start. It took 2 days for the switch to get here and I thought I remembered how to do it. NOPE...had to stop and come watch a couple of times and had removed the hinges on the back by mistake. Oops. A trip to Walmart to buy a nut driver for that dang ground and watch yet one more time for reinstalling the clips..and Voila...I'm finally finishing that load of wash from 3 days ago! THANKS AGAIN! Your detailed video was SO helpful. My 1998 Kenmore 90 is back in business.

[@rockafakie]

Why are there 16 dislikes on this video? It was very instructional and helpful. Thanks man!

[@CalibusRTW]

Probably appliance repairmen who are losing money because of the video. They wanna charge you $800 to fix this problem, they don’t want you to do it yourself

[@robthebumsmasher1]

I agree

[@patcote84]

Yeah man! Just the magic trick to disassembly without using a Pry Bar deserves 10 000 likes man! And all the money we won't spend! Thank You Sir!

[@aliciamilam5636]

Idk people odd it wat fixed mines..n i got the old 1985 one

[@debbitrimberger9440]

​@@aliciamilam5636 me too!!!!

[@claresanders4014]

I just wanted to say THANK YOU for this amazing video! I managed to repair my washer for only $9 thanks to your video, it was so helpful. Thank you so so much!

[@kendo7704]

Just changed my switch out after a couple of years, the actual switch was working properly, however, both of the plastic housings where you screw it in were stripped out and cracked off completely. Thank you for the fine instructions!

[@heatherphillips2368]

Thank you so much for posting! I had done a Google search to identify what might be wrong, and this ultimately led me to this video. Ordered the part, and did it myself! Problem Solved! I am a 48 year old single woman... who just impressed the heck out of my friends with my "fixit" skills... Saved me from doing what most people would do... buying a new washer! Mine is 12 years old, and now will probably go for many more years:)

[@debbitrimberger9440]

I love hearing other females getting empowered like I was too! My washer is well over 30 years!!!! And still going strong.

[@alexxkidd560]

Great tutorial. This plus a $9 switch saved me a lot of money and grief from the wife!! 👍🏼

[@cruikshank]

Thank you for this video. Saved me a service call, plus I’m a fixer from birth. DIY! The plastic flap that is pushed down, came out of the switch when the front piece of the 2 piece switch body split open. My washer is built in a small laundry room. I would have had to move a dryer, then a washer. I was able to lift the front panel off enough to get to the switch. I put it back together and saw it worked. So I cleaned it up, used some crazy glue and a very tight zip tie to hold it together. Worst case it buys me some time. I did take a picture of the P/N of the switch & Washer. Thank you for great instructions. Here’s a tip for anyone else who tries this: Don’t confuse the screws for the switch with the screws for the top panel. I did, luckily I didn’t strip out the switch. The switch screws are finer with a flat head.

[@cruikshank]

Tip#2: if you “fix it” and after the Spin cycle it just sits and Buzzes You & I forgot to turn the water back on! Really had me bummed, Defeat stolen from the Jaws of Victory. But so far All is Well. Now on to the Microwave Repair!

[@Dogman1736]

Thank you, you saved me a lot of money. It was absolutely the lid switch. I used a screw driver to gently press the switch when I first started checking and I heard it break off. It basically disintegrated. I have a 70 and its identical to the 80

[@karengaul9818]

Thank you! I fixed my machine myself for $23! I agree with others, getting the frame lined back up again was a little sketchy. So thankful!!

[@susiesingzinca3899]

The HARDEST part of the repair!!!!!

[@davidballard5788]

A big thank you for producing a spot-on step-by-step video for fixing the switch problem as the plastic housing unit had split in half. It took me 30 minutes from start to finish and saved me $100+ for repair/replacement. I had to order the switch which took over a week to get here so I just taped the unit up into place for temporary use. Thanks again!

[@somebody6048]

My switch stop working so I by pass it like you did and finished 2 loads of laundry. But I did not know how to remove the top to get to the switch. But after watching you removing the clip to remove the top, I will replace the switch instead of leaving it in by pass mode permanently. Thank you so much.

[@jackiegreene1222]

Worked great! The video was excellent and the repair worked perfectly. After watching the video, the repair took about 30 minutes.

[@blfitzgerald8584]

I have a 70 series but your instructions worked and made this fix sooooo easy - Thank You!!!

[@mitchseal7709]

Thank you for this video! In case anyone is trying to jump their wires to finish a cycle (do at your own risk), jump the far left and far right wire on the the clear plastic connector he unplugged in the first bit of video

[@vaibhavshere6476]

This is really helpful..you not only saved me $100 but also helped me domestically

[@maconcc]

Hi there, THANK YOU so much for sharing this video! I had exactly the same problem with my Kenmore 80 series washing machine. After we watched your video, my 9 years old son and I tried to replace the bad Lid switch together, and it WORK!!! Now I am not only a Happy Mom, but also feel like I have a "new" washing machine. *^_^* THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! You are my life saver! The new lid switch cost me about $6.50. I sure have save a lot of money by fixing it myself.

[@newrafah]

MANY THANKS! I bought the lid switch for $33.92 from Sears and fixed it myself. The hardest part for me was to align the front-end back to washer. You did it brilliantly at 6:43 in your video. Keep up the good work and thanks again. Cheers!

[@ryderpongracic6454]

It worked!. The starter was not snug together. I saw a lady used glue, I used electrical tape to hold it together and it worked. I am now doing a load of laundry instead of calling a repairman. This video was perfect. Thank you.

[@josephandaya9963]

thanks. Being a usually impatient person, all the dis-assembly started looking daunting, but I took a look at the video time and it was only 9mins. So I took the time to watch it. Easy as pie. My switch housing was loose, but still working, so I took advice from another video and used a zip-tie to tighten the housing together and the clicking mechanism was working.

[@richcas3491]

One thing this guy left out was that you need a 5/16 nut driver to undo the hex bolt for the green ground wire. He just does it quickly here and I had to look that up. A very good video. I was able to install a new lid switch.

[@de_russo5605]

thank you, my lid switch came apart, but was not broken. Your video helped me take my Kenmore 80 series apart, fix the switch and put the washing machine back together again and finally, I was able to finish the tub of wet laundry. thank you, thank you.

[@allisonmanxr2002]

Thank you for your video. I looked at others but yours was the best. I especially appreciated the close up of how to run the temp jumper bypass. This allowed me to use washer until replacement switch arrived and not completely disassemble until then! Thanks again. A+

[@CyberFleamarket]

Thanx. That's exactly what it was. I did the workaround to keep using the machine. I ordered a replacement from Amazon. I was quoted $200 to replace a clutch, $180 to replace the switch...after I told him it was a bad switch. I thanked him for my free estimate, ordered my part from amazon. I can replaced e it at my leisure and feel great knowing I wasn't duped and this repair was so easy. Your guidance was flawless. Thanks again.

[@williammchugh9573]

Very detailed, thorough, and direct to the point. You saved me hundreds of dollars! Dude, you are AWESOME. Subscribed and liked!

[@DialloKreed]

Ok so I must sing the praises of this video as well! I am the least handiest man I know, and I was able to follow this step by step (with a couple exceptions). The hardest part of this whole thing was finding the right part #. I paid $20 at our local Sears Repair store (Manufacturer Part, not aftermarket). It took me 45 mins because I'm so overly careful about things. Thank you again Sir!

[@oPAULo711]

Thank you! Our washer quit. Pulled out my phone right there. Got 2 minutes into your video and grabbed a phillips head and a jumper wire. 2 minutes later and it's running again. PERFECT! Now to order a new switch.

[@stagehandlocal38]

Once again, you helped someone save money on costly service calls! Thanks a million!

[@Larry_M6790]

After 26 years, my lid switch needed to be replaced. I was hesitant about working on my washer, but you made it easy. Only took me about 30 minutes total to replace and it works good again. Thank you.

[@Lex-pw9yx]

Bought our 80 series washer and dryer cheap/used 13 years ago . They have been a treasure. Reliable, built to last plain and simple they get the job done. Had to replace one of the switches only once, a $50 fix I did myself. My good friend bought an expensive washer and dryer and already had problems.

[@longvermontroads]

Thank you!! Fixed my washer lid switch in 20 min (used a tie-wrap to hold the broken lid switch assembly together, instead of buying a new one.) The clear walk-through for the disassembly was very useful.

[@davidballard5788]

Great idea! I taped mine up for temporary fix but your idea would’ve been better. Replacing the switch took me under 30 minutes, if you ever have to do it. Have a great day!

[@stevecollins306]

Very good video. Thanks. I found another video showing how the switch usually can be fixed with a zip tie and that saved me from buying a new switch. I just glued the switch together where it usually separates and stops working (didn't need the zip tie). Internet is great for sharing information. Saving money.

[@decheeparker4954]

THANK YOU! The repairman was determined to charge me $300 for this repair, I did it myself in under 30 minutes after ordering a replacement lid switch that only cost me $4.50. Looking forward to a few more years of good use with this machine!

[@abbeyfischer8084]

Exactly what I needed when my washer wasn't draining and explained in an easy to understand manner.

[@HankTammyJR]

THANK YOU! Planning to replace the switch, but meanwhile using your bypass trick until I can get the part. (The washer was full of clothes and bleachy, soapy water and would not go on to the rinse cycle.) I bypassed the switch and, viola! Thanks a ton for taking the time to make and post this video.

[@leighbaker3868]

Oh hell yeah! I followed your instructions step by step and just fixed my washing machine - thank you!!

[@elilanczos2598]

This video is perfect! I'm not even remotely Mr. fix-it, but I followed every step in order and my washer is fixed! Thank you so much.

[@gayleanadschaak3926]

ABSOLUTELY GREAT video... replaced the lid switch per your instructions, and VOILA, I now have a washer that drains AND spins! Thank you - you saved us some big bucks!

[@gmrocco]

Great video. Saved me th cost of a repairman. Very easy to do. Had a little bit of difficulty putting the main housing back on because I didn't realize initially that the front has to hook under the main floor frame before sliding the housing back into place. Otherwise, easy and fast. Switch cost approx. $35.

[@bgpautomotive]

Thank you for this video. I followed the first half of it and just figured out the rest on my own once I disconnected the plug for the lid switch. If I had to do it over again, I would have attempted the repair without removing the front/top/side facade of the machine. If you can locate, remove, and reinstall the bolt holding the grounding wire in place, you have done the hardest part.

[@ducbox572]

Awesome video. It helped me diagnose and fix mine. Nothing like an appliance breaking at 7:00pm on a Friday night.

[@juliespencer6563]

Thank you! I used a cable tie to hold the sagging switch in place. You saved me from paying to have this fixed or buying a new washer!

[@UncleWermus]

same here, casing came apart, ready for another 1k miles

[@barbarawilliams7232]

Didn't work for me.

[@texcurtis77006]

Thank you so much for posting this. I fixed my washer this morning and did exactly as your video. Washer working well now. Appreciate the help!

[@tear4623]

$35 for lid switch at Sears. Replacing the part was very easy. Putting the cabinet back on took a little effort. Thank you for the great video.

[@gmea1234]

Thank you for this video, i have the same model and the workaround saved us lots of cost and inconvenience. Well done!

[@nancyfritz4360]

Thank you! With your guidance it only took about 20 minute to replace the switch and now it is working perfectly.

[@lonniebest4697]

Many thanks for this video. My switches' housing had came apart. I crazy-glued it back together and now my washer is working again. Thank you so much.

[@miamia7633]

I have had this washer and dryer for almost 17 years. Today I’m receiving my new washer and dryer. It was well worth it and I got all my money out of it.

[@Genesis1802]

THANK YOU for making this video!!! I'm not mechanically inclined at all...I just knew that my 70 series washer was not draining or spinning, so I typed my problem in google and your video came up. From your video, i was able to identify that my issue was with my lid switch. I went to a sears parts & repaired store and purchased the part for $35 and followed ur video on my phone step by step and it worked!! You saved me lots of $$...(Now my wife will be having me fix other things)..Thanks again...

[@nels-bloodycool33]

Also helpful, you can use the bypass of the switch to verify that it is the switch that is the problem (and finish the current load). 5 minutes and one copper wire later my washer is working again. This video gets a big thumbs up! This is one of the best uses for youtube.

[@rabs5940]

Video may be four years old but it still just saved me a lot of headache and money. Thank you

[@eclipsehome]

Thanks for this awesome how to video! Saved me a few $$! If you are unsure if the switch is the problem just make a thicker gauge u shaped cooper wire between the white and grey wire on the switch plug. This bypasses the switch on the door and the machine will run in wash and spin cycle. If you pause at 1:55 in the video you will see this up side down u shaped wire between the two wires.

[@CmdrMic]

Wow. Thanks so much - you just saved my butt, as I have an appointment to get to soon, and ALL my clothes are sitting in the wet full loaded washer. Love the jumper wire quick fix. Brilliant. Also REALLY APPRECIATE the good instructions on how to disassemble. YOU RULE!

[@gerardodivino1457]

Thank and thank you for this step by step video. We saved sooooo much money by watching this and were able to fix our washer! Thanks again!

[@Gohan639]

Im a 25 year old girl and got this done in 20 minutes! Thank you so much for your videos! You saved me hundreds of dollars!

[@gregorykress1641]

You just saved my ASS!! I am leaving for the airport in 8 hours for a 2-week trip. At 11:00PM my wife informed me that washing machine stopped with a FULL load of laundry. I haven't been able to replace the door switch, the piece of wire in the plug has the machine working!! Job well done!!

[@lanemcook1]

Thanks for the help, especially the workaround. My switch fell apart so I pulled out the contacts and taped them together until the new switch I ordered came in.

[@AndrewSkalkin]

Thank you! This video saved me a lot of time and money, I didn't even have to replace the switch - the existing one was easily fixable once I got to it.

[@davidrobbs]

Thank-you for the great "how-to" video! $7 switch from Amazon & I'll be back in business in no time.

[@MissRubberDuckyz]

Awesome video. I managed to fix my machine by myself by watching this and saved myself a lot of money. Thanks!

[@BigJon1949]

Thanks for such a clear and precise video. So many of the others are out of focus and otherwise badly shot with poor descriptions. This was excellent in all respects. P.S. I did not have a suitable piece of copper wire for a temporary fix to complete the cycle and drain the machine - but it is amazing what a metal coat hanger can do in a push!

[@timnokken4284]

The fix really is as easy as it appears in the video! This is not my strong suit, but completed the task easily with a 10 dollar part from Amazon. Figured if I can make minor repairs like this to my 20 year old washer, I'll keep doing so as long as possible. Really helpful resource!

[@hamptonfan99]

Very easy fix, purchased part for $5.50 on Ebay. Thanks for your help, no issues at all.

[@Flyhighutah]

Thanks so very much. I fixed the washer with help of your video for $5, saved at least $60. Thanks again!

[@galemckaig5371]

Thank you, I was able to repair my washer following your instructions. Sears did not have the correct instructions for this model. Following the Sears instructions led to an immediate dead end. Thanks again!

[@ronsparks1001]

I know this video came out 7 years ago, but a $10 part just saved my 23 year old washer ;)

[@eliminshrintar]

August of '18 and this video is STILL helping people. Thanks. This was exactly my problem.

[@tonyman1969]

Great video and I loved the hack switch bypass trick. Kept my wife happy while I ordered a new lid switch

[@SomeDivia]

This video just saved me $600! THANK YOU!

[@aubreylachance2284]

Thanks for the video - your quick fix worked for me until I was able to get a new washer (it was time). Great job, really appreciate the time you took to post.

[@hemiforever]

Thank you so much for this video. I had no idea it was so easy to open the machine up to do the repair, well within my range of ability and patience.

[@triciapugliese932]

Thank you for taking the time to do this in a clear and detailed manner. It saved us some money and time.

[@carriebrickman3698]

Just fixed my washer thanks to you!!!! Thanks so much for posting😃

[@davepursh6953]

Thank you so much for the video. I ordered the part and changed it out in 15 minutes.

[@anonymousnoix6709]

Well since my dad dod not know how to do it thats why I am here. Very great advice and clear to what u r saying. Nice work.

[@scottparkin1504]

Great instructional video. I was successful with my switch replacement! Putting the washer base back on was a bit of a struggle but patience prevailed. THANK YOU!

[@archibaldcunningham2569]

I can not get the washer base (the whole outer shell) back correctly. Did you need 2 people to do it?

[@steven23lexny]

Watched the video a few times then played it while I did the repair which it made it so easy to following along step by step. A successful repair, real savings, and clear direction which me the confidence to do it. Thanks so much!

[@kellyou9340]

Thank you very much for your posting. Exactly what was wrong with my washer recently. I am so glad I found your posting and I am able to fix the problem by myself.

[@zachb3728]

Super helpful video! Watched the first few minutes to figure out the disassembly then finished it myself. Original switch had come apart, used superglue on it and a zip tie to secure it and the washer is fixed for free.

[@aarondarner1766]

Thank you!!!! Awesome video saved my washer. Guy at the local part store says these older Kenmore 80 series was here’s are built way bette Ethan the new stuff. Switch cost me $34.95. Totally worth repairing. Great instructions!

[@thechaz9904]

this was awesome!! was able to follow and make the repair. got my part for under $10 dollars. Thanks for taking the time to make this video!!!

[@mrstephandowning]

From where?!

[@kathleenbrashear6036]

My mom wanted to buy a new washing machine! Thanks for your great video (and getting my mom off my back)!😃

[@BobSmith-de7ep]

Dear friend, thank you. You did a great job providing a very detailed process for replacing the switch. Very well done! My washer is fixed and was easier than me ripping apart things that did not need to be removed. Knowledge is power when shared with others. Blessings....

[@jenniferfaulkenbury]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! You are awesome! I'm a single mom of 3 and couldn't afford to pay someone to fix this. Now I can do 2 weeks of laundry! 😄😄

[@dwinst1956]

You are my most excellent hero. Long weekend so no parts so i hot wired it. Super step by step. I am an aircraft mechanic. I followed you exactly. What a kind man you are. Thanks

[@bookish1]

Wonderful, clear and no-nonsense. You probably saved me from buying a new washer. Thanks!

[@brianpennock9173]

Thank you very much! I bypassed the switch today and will replace it as soon as the new part comes in. :)