Washer Not Spinning? Replace Washer Lid Switch

This video provides step-by-step repair instructions for replacing the lid switch assembly on a Whirlpool/Kenmore top-loading washing machine. The most common reasons for replacing the lid switch are when the washer stops mid-cycle, is not spinning, draining or agitating.
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Switch part testing video:
• Washer Won’t Spin/Drai...
Additional washing machine repair, troubleshooting tips, help with finding your model number and part replacement videos can be found on our website:
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All of the information for this lid switch replacement video is applicable to the following brands:
Whirlpool, Kenmore, Sears, Roper, KitchenAid, Estate, Maytag, Inglis
Tools needed: flathead screwdriver, Phillips head screwdriver, hex socket, pliers, putty knife
RepairClinic has millions of replacement parts for appliances, lawn equipment, power tools, and heating & cooling equipment including washers, dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators, lawn mowers, snowblowers, furnaces, and air conditioners. Our customer care team is available to help by phone or live chat, seven days a week: 1-800-269-2609. We guarantee the fastest shipping possible-all in-stock parts ship the same business day. Return any part for any reason with our generous 365-day return policy.
In addition to providing replacement parts, RepairClinic.com offers free online troubleshooting information and DIY repair videos. Use our website to choose from a series of problems to discover the likely causes and the correct replacement part(s) for your particular model. Once you’ve determined the solution, our expertly-produced video tutorials will guide you through every step of the repair.
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[@KimmieBeth]

After narrowing down my issue, this video made a daunting task so manageable. It took about 40 minutes, only because we cleaned out all the dust and rust from the inside of our 26 year old washer as we were doing it, but cost under $11 for the part instead of $150 for the service call. I'm a huge fan. Thank you!!!

[@BoonesFrry]

With the help of your video I was able to replace the switch and saved a hundred bucks...which on a low income is HUGE. Grandma can now do her laundry and afford to buy soap. lol. Thank you. I'm so very grateful.

[@repairclinic]

BoonesFrry We're very happy to help. Congrats on the repair.

[@repairclinic]

BoonesFrry Could we get your first name so we could share this comment with our community?

[@BethSkinner]

This was freaking awesome. $6 part, this great video (which I watched about 35x first), and my washer, which is approximately 1000 years old, is now up and running again like a boss. I had zero clue what a "lid switch" was before this. And I had no idea that one could just pull off the entire front of the washing machine that easily. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[@repairclinic]

Good work Beth!

[@kwsdigitalpictures]

Just finished installing the washer lid switch. This video was the best! Just pause video after each step, and you can do it! Thank you!

[@BenFolsom]

As if Repair Clinic did not already have my parts business, now I find the You Tube channel, this video plus the giant catalog of parts saved me from buying a new washer. Total expenditure on this project: $20 plus 30 min, RC rocks!

[@Nenda2]

Thank you and Amazon so very much for your wonderful video and access to an affordable part. Spent $5.99 vs $50 and spent a little over 30 min to install. My hubby and I were able to work together and not kill one another to get it done! Thanks again!

[@vdugger60]

I am a 50+ woman. I followed these easy to follow instructions and was finished in about an hour. Had to find a screw driver head to fit the ground screw. Thanks.

[@watson5847]

Just wanted to give a big shout out to everyone at RepairClinic! This is the third time your wonderful videos have saved me a bundle on an appliance repair. You guys rock!

[@repairclinic]

watson5847 Thanks.

[@themenefee]

Thanks for saving my wife and I a nice bundle of cash RC!. This video along with my $10.00 replacement switch, had my washer fixed in 15 minutes this evening. KZbin is something else. Keep up the great work!

[@AdvocatePower]

This step by step video really made a difference in my life...!! - spent 15 minutes taking apart the washer and fixed the switch with rubber band until I get the part. Saved money and time !! Thank YOUUUUU

[@dana6257]

Amazing! Thanks so much! Very well made video! Perfect pacing, verbal explanations and camera shots! Now I can fix my dryer.

[@TAM0823]

This is a great video! I did not think that I could do this repair myself but after watching this video and the step by step instructions, I was emboldened to try. It took me longer than the suggested time but it was a success and I am basking in the glow of accomplishment! Thank you so much!

[@lucidquark]

Thank you so much for this video. I was shopping for a new machine and decided to check youtube first. Didn't expect to find anything. Because of your clear instructions I was able to get a replacement part for $15 and repaired it myself.

[@vic2ory1]

Thanks a bunch! I fixed my washer. It would only fill the tub with water but would not spin or operate any of the other selections. I came across this tutorial while I was looking up my washer info to compare it before buying a new one. I've had my washer for 15 plus years now. This is so awesome! I purchased the part through Amazon for under $5 and installed it without any difficulty. You all saved me from spending $600 to $1000. Thank the Lord! Whew!

[@repairclinic]

We're happy we could help!

[@ormand3000]

Once again, your videos have spared me from having to purchase a new washing machine! :-) (repaired a broken agitator gear and now this). I probably didn't need this video for repair since it's simple enough and I have had previous experience removing the cabinet but its definently useful to others. A great example of why I love KZbin! Thanks again! :-)

[@cammieminer4007]

YEAAAAHHHHH!!!! Thank you Repair Clinic!! Saved me over $100 to do this myself instead of having the repair guy show up. Would have been more if I would have had the part shipped. I'm so thrilled to have done this I may have to watch other videos just for fun. Who knows what I could fix.

[@repairclinic]

$weet good work thanks!

[@massbud1]

You guys are the best. I have fixed my washer and have saved money and time from waiting for a repair person and paying the ridiculous prices I was quoted. I can afford my Kayak now. Keep up the good work. You are appreciated.

[@31merrill]

This video was excellent! You have no idea how excited I am! None of the men in my life had a clue...and I did it all by myself!

[@lookn4somthin]

The wife and I just did the repair on our washer and it took about 5 minutes. The longest part was cleaning the floor and the washer cabinet to make it look all nice again. It works perfect once again. GREAT video and thank you for making something that looks so hard to be so easy.

[@MrTracy17]

I was able to fix my Mother-in-laws washing machine like a pro with the help of this video. Thank you very much! Very helpful and very easy to follow.

[@thymaster009]

Thank you sir! From panicing about not having work clothes tomorrow to fixed in 25ish minutes.

[@actanner2]

Another one for the good guys. Saved $80. Paid $40 for the part and labor was compliments of me!!!

[@kerrykelly1523]

This was an awesome video! I fixed mine in 15 minutes! I'm a single 36-year old woman....and I was nervous that I wouldn't be able to do it, but I did thanks to this video! Saved me a few hundred dollars, thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@musicismyanodyne]

Gotta love KZbin and Repair Clinic....just repaired my washing machine and it was sweet and easy!

[@aquicksilver266]

Thank you for posting this video! I replaced the lid switch in less then 20 minutes and the washer works like a charm once again! My 79 year old Mom is happy too. Thanks again!

[@FreyjaJ]

Many thanks to Repair Clinic for sharing this video - replacing/installing the part myself following your tips saved me so much time, money, and stress. Never thought I'd say this, but I'm so pleased to be able to do laundry again!

[@repairclinic]

J. M. Lambert We're happy to help! Enjoy the laundry!

[@shnn16]

Thank you for your brilliant tutorial. The lid switch went out on my machine and your video was precisely what I needed step by step to take it apart and put it back together. Machine is working perfectly again thanks to you!!

[@repairclinic]

Malorie Shannon Glad to help.

[@DaniHaviland]

The repair worked!! Even a 66 year old woman was able to do it with a hammer, a Leatherman, and a lot of words she wouldn't want her granddaughters to hear. The hardest part was getting the screws to seat in the new switch (where the bad words were said). The hammer was for knocking the old plug out. I couldn't squeeze it together so I mutilated it and shoved it through the washer cabinet with the hammer. Still, I saved over $150 housecall.

[@gator8373]

the little clip thing right at about 1:40 in the video. thanks again for helping. i usually pay people to do things for me. i felt so proud and had the biggest smile on my face all day!

[@carolynsmith2542]

I love RepairClinic.com. Just replaced a lid switch on my washing machine by watching this video and ordering the part from their site. Cost me under $30 for the part and 20 minutes to install it. I would have paid $85 for a service call and probably double for the part if I had called for service! I replaced a Drive Motor Coupler the same way about 5 years ago ordering the part from their site and watching the video on how to repair. Way to go RepairClinic.com!!! I recommend you to all of my friends and family!

[@repairclinic]

Carolyn Smith Thanks for the great comment, we really appreciate it! Congrats on the repair!

[@vermelhotorre2719]

I was about to buy a new washer. You saved me about $600.00. Thank you.

[@tarakprice]

So thankful for this video! I saved over $100 by doing this repair video. I would recommend doing this with a buddy or at least someone who can start and stop the video. If you need to get the water out of the tub, I suggest siphoning it by priming a hose, never sucking on the hose to start a siphon. There are plenty of videos for that out there.

[@myerjunk]

Thanks so much for sharing the video. Washer stopped at the drain/spin cycle this morning, stared at it for 10 minutes before finding this instructive video. It was a bad lid switch, not broken, just loose. 20 minutes later, and some duct tape wrapped tightly around the switch housing, and I'm carrying on with my day. Much appreciated!

[@MrHolyToad]

Thank you!!!! Just followed the instructions, made one modification though. I cut off the lid switch and and connected the wires together to bypass the lidswicth all together. No money spent only labor! Machine works great now! Saved me the repair cost! YAY! Again thank you!

[@victorybase5847]

Thank you! I had to take the washer apart because the lid switch had broken off where the screws attach it to the machine. I followed the steps in the video & removed the cabinet, then the lid switch, super glued it and put it all back together! This video made it very easy, thank you very much for posting!

[@byronrempel]

I followed the instructions and it worked like a treat! 28 bucks for the part only .. thanks so much!

[@petepaz]

Simply EXCELLENT instructions! THANK YOU for taking the time to make this video.

[@repairclinic]

You're welcome! We are always happy to help. If you would like to give us a review on Google, we would much appreciate it: g.page/r/CcVUrahZNozMEBM/review We hope that you have a great day!

[@YouDummy]

This is TWO repairs on the same washer I have done thanks to RepairClinic. You guys are champs!

[@PDemi]

Quick thank you....I just repaired my first washer machine and the wife loves me even more haha! This was very helpful

[@zsenyak]

Super clear, easy to follow, no hassle. Had to work in a tight space and needless to say neither my tools nor washing machine was a spanking clean as these...but it all came together fast and easy. Many thanks you saved me a hundred bucks at least!

[@trishamcafee9941]

Saved me $150! My husband duck taped the broken washer lid and we didn't even have to buy a new part! Thanks for the help.

[@teresajill]

Thanks for empowering us! We ended up fixing the switch with some superglue and a plastic tie, but wouldn't have felt up to the task without your video showing how to take the washer apart.

[@azbx135]

Without this video I would not have attempted this. It turned out to be almost as easy as the video. (The plastic pieces around the control panel put up a fight). The lid switch was $41 and the job took less than 1/2 hour. Thanks!

[@krispynsassy]

Thanks so much for this information! I am a full time student and can't afford repair bills. I was dreading having to go to the tweaker laundo-land. You are a saint!

[@CelesteCastroPR]

Sometimes we take for granted our things and sometimes we underestimate what we are capable of. My washing machine fails to spin. I went to the net looking for help and found that 89% is a broken lid switch. I found an original brand new part for $7 (sears $38) and this tutorial video. The replacement part arrived and I fixed my washing machine by myself. Now I don't throw the lid any more, I "place" it and I found also that I'm capable to fix an appliance :-) remember to trust yourself and try!

[@krbrealty]

Wow! Thanks for the step-by-step information You saved me about $100 and hours of frustration Ken

[@jamesjohnson-nk7fo]

Excellent, step-by-step video. This was my problem. The metal flange on the lid switch had detached and the machine wouldn't go beyond agitating (no spinning or draining). Ordered the part and it took less than 25 minutes to remove the old switch and install the new one. Working like a gem now. Had washed clothes in my neighbor's machine while down, including earlier today. May now wash some CLEAN clothes. Saved me a lot of $$ fixing it myself.

[@repairclinic]

Great job!

[@sweetmdmel]

For the past three years, I have been banging on the top of my washing machine in order to start the cycle. I knew it was a faulty lid switch and even had the part. Finally, I replaced it today and it works! Word to the wise - for me, the hardest part was getting the cabinet aligned. This required two people. Thank you!

[@repairclinic]

Melanie Sweet Awesome. Thanks for sharing about your repair!

[@beteljooz]

Fantastic video! Easy to follow instructions. Had it on my smartphone so that made it even handier to follow along. Was done in less than an hour. It only cost me the drive to the Sears parts store, the cost of the part, and a little bit of my time. Thank you!

[@tampabay8831]

This video just saved me time and money. Paid only $10 for a new switch and the repair took about 15 minutes. Thanks for the help Repairclinic!

[@chifella6887]

Thank you very much..I just installed the switch per this video.. The local techs wanted $60.00 for the part and $60.00 labor..Found the Genuine Kenmore part for $29.00..I'm back in business, thanks again..Peace!

[@repairclinic]

Good work!

[@johnperry20009]

Thanks, I just fixed my 11 year old Whirlpool by following these instructions. Total repair bill was $12!

[@phatbacside]

Thank you so much for this video! I was able to fix my washing machine today all by myself. The repair man told it would cost $125 to fix plus the $50 just to come look at it! Now I'm going to watch the other videos to see what else I can fix!

[@adamklein613]

Did the job! Thank you so much for your video. The part cost us $8 from Amazon, which came in one day, and my husband and I fixed it in 30 minutes (we worked slowly and we had to trim the length of the plastic cover over the wires). Thank you!!

[@michelekane4797]

This video was spot on! I have a 13+ year old washing machine and the directions were exactly what I need. The hardest part was putting the casing back on the machine. Everything else was easy! For $15 and about 30 minutes (beginner speed), my washing machine part was replaced by ME!

[@JFGainesville]

The video is a great help. I found the replacement part at an independent appliance shop. The switch and wiring were not too hard to replace, but re-seating the washer itself was a main. Pay attention to starting with the front panel first before lowering the sides. It's also difficult being squeezed between a wall and the dryer. The video did save me a service call, though. I just hope the machine is intact and balanced OK.

[@gouldn007]

Thanks! We were getting tired of having to place increasingly heavy books (up to dictionary sized) on the lid to get to spin cycle. The repair took me more more than 20 minutes because our laundry alcove is very tight and removal/reinstall of the housing was difficult and cramped. If I had a nice open area like a garage, it would have been super easy! Anyway the instructions were spot-on and the washer works fine now without any books on the lid!!

[@deraldamy]

Neither my husband nor I had EVER attempted working on a washing machine, and thought we'd have to buy a new one. But because of this video I found, we(mostly he) did it all ourselves. A BIG "thank you"!!

[@JoeOchwat]

From the 80s? My machine is from 2003, and this video was extremely helpful.

[@vickiecrisenberry2717]

Thank You so much for this video. The switch was $25 and took just a few minutes for us to have it all back together and it is working. Not bad for someone who had never seen the control panel from the inside. Saved about $100 IF we could have gotten on the list for Service call, whitch is not easy being 25 miles from town. Video is very detailed and easy to follow

[@repairclinic]

Good work Vickie!

[@mrslewis3683]

OMG!!! This video was soooo helpful! My son and I did exactly as the video instructed....oredered the part (for $2.97 on ebay) replaced it and just like that my washser is back to normal! I can't even imagine what a repairman would have charged me for the part and labor! It's Xmas time and I really didnt want to have to buy a new washer!...Thanks again!

[@marystone3246]

Thank you so very much. I was trouble-shooting by elimination process, and got the problem figured out, then ordered the part, and the girl told me about your site. I am so thankful, as I am a widow, on fixed income, and usually a FIY person. But without your help, I would have been lost on this project. The hardest part for me the, was the space where the washer sits.....whew !! Thank you very much and GOD bless you all.

[@repairclinic]

Mary Stone Thank you. We are happy to help.

[@vr360homes-floridavacation5]

Great video, saved me $900 buying a new washer, thanks again. Ordered the part online which cost $26 including shipping and took me about 15 minutes to fit.

[@michellemiller9394]

Thank you so much!! Thanks to you, I fixed our washing machine for less than $10. But, the best part was that I surprised and impressed my husband!!!!! Thanks!!

[@repairclinic]

+Michelle Miller Glad we could help. Thank you.

[@EvoBastard]

A big thank you for the easy-to-follow video. It saved me $55.

[@theredful]

This was very helpful to me. I fixed the lid switch and that was the problem. My girlfriend and I were able to get everything back together and the washer is working fine. Thanks for putting things like this out for people like me who are not handy at all. You saved me a lot of money.

[@clhinton]

I am so thankful for this video. I was really intimidated by the thought of trying to fix an appliance by myself, but I have no money right now. This video was clear, broken into manageable steps, and has left me with the confidence to try small home repairs myself without always assuming I have to call for help. Amazing!

[@repairclinic]

Awesome thanks!

[@craigrichey4623]

This video was right on the money. Just finished replacing switch (40 minutes start to finish) Made my job VERY easy. Thanks much!

[@repairclinic]

Awesome! Congrats!

[@krazykre23]

Thank you! It actually worked! And it only cost $13. I'm so proud of myself, even though I couldn't have done it without this video. I'm subscribing and telling everyone about Repair Clinic! Now I can't wait to see what else I can learn how to fix :D

[@U2BROTHR]

Ordered new switch and put this in all by myself. Thanks so much for this. Easy peasy! Better than calling in someone to do it.

[@gella321]

Another lid switch replaced with the help of your video. Many thanks! BTW, I tested the lid switch using a bypass made from speaker wire. Once I confirmed the lid switch was bad, I found a replacement online for $7. Video was very helpful in replacing new switch.

[@williamstanley7520]

This video is well designed, providing just enough detail on the key steps with no wasted time. It covers variations in the way the control panels attach, and provides a few hints that assist reassembly . Nicely done.

[@repairclinic]

Thank you very much William.

[@gonesouthtn]

worked like a champ. $7 part and an hour, including time to wipe down all the yuk which accumulated in lord knows how many cycles over the years. Thank you and well done. PS My failure was the mounting screw receptacles themselves so I spot tied the switch closed (accomplished with no disassembly) while I waited for the part to arrive in the post. Best price was worth the wait and the machine worked fine until I could replace the switch..

[@johnbakertunes]

Worked like a charm. The old switch had become separated; I fixed it with plastic epoxy and some wire. Free repair job!

[@matthayhurst8709]

Once again Repair Clinic has saved the day and saved me money. I seriously could not have done this without your help. Thank you so much!

[@repairclinic]

Thanks for the comment Matt Hayhurst We're happy we could help!

[@waynedavis8980]

Thanks for the lid switch video. Made the job a 15 minute fix after getting a new switch.

[@keyandrahodge3149]

Thank you so much for this video! By far the best lid switch replacement video! It's just my mom and I in the house and we were able to replace the lid switch with no problems.

[@nikkirevils9757]

A tech came out and was going to charge me 235 for parts and labor on this...I did this for 30 bucks and hour..THANK YOU for helping an economizing mom!!!

[@repairclinic]

AWESOME! Congrats! We're happy we could help.

[@craftyjenna]

AWESOME!!! My husband was the last to fix this problem and this time he was deployed so it was up to me. Thank you for being so thorough it was so much help!

[@repairclinic]

We're glad we could help!

[@rdvideoclips]

Excellent! It covers all the ways to fold back the control panel. Lid switches are different, but once you have the lid rotated it's a piece of cake. Very well done.

[@sammott7176]

Thanks for a great how-to video! I am an auto mechanic and I like to fix my own stuff when possible and practical. I diagnosed the lid switch without a problem. But didn't know the easiest way to access the connector to remove and replace it. With this video I was up and running in under 15 minutes and only 10 bucks cost! Far better than a new washer!

[@repairclinic]

Good work!

[@Jeepster121212]

great video...saved me $180.00. It took about 10 minutes to do the job and start washing clothes again. Thanks for your help

[@wordenm]

Professionally done video, thanks for the help! It was just what I needed. Been wanting to replace this part for months now, finally decided to look it up online, was quite pleased to see how easy it was going to be. The hardest part for me was getting the back end to line up properly when putting it back together.

[@repairclinic]

Mark Worden We're glad we could help! Congrats on the repair!

[@ediekindle4053]

Thank you so much for this! The video was very well done and easy to follow. Fifteen minutes after getting the part, I have a working washer. :D

[@sweetmike87]

You just saved me so much money! I just repaired my home unit using this video. Thanks!!!

[@dloew1975]

This was great! I replaced my lid switch in a total of 15 mins! I found the part on amazon for 7.50+about 7 bucks for shipping. Still, 14 bucks is WAY better than the 23-40 bucks I found elsewhere. Thanks!

[@Haus0623]

Thanks for saving me a lot of money, never thought a lid switch would be that easy to replace. I have worked on a few dryers but never washers, didn't realize how easy it was.

[@repairclinic]

We're happy we could help!

[@ryanvalaitis9909]

Appreciate the help and the tips. $10 in parts and fixed in 10 minutes. RepairClinic rocks!

[@Sophaks87]

God Bless you and your staff over there at "RepairClinic" You guys allowed me to really enjoy an ice cold one and made me feel like a real handyman! THANK YOU

[@numericalmethodsguy]

Thank you for the video. All steps were clear. My lid switch had broken and I got a replacement. The whole process took about 45 minutes. Time well spent!

[@paullavigne8166]

Awesome tutorial! Everything worked as described and took less than 15 minutes to complete. Thank you!

[@j_freed]

Great, clear video. Thanks! Had some difficulty putting the cabinet on its base - back tabs weren't lining up. Was trying it blind - then I found the trick is to look straight down inside the front of the cabinet as you are lining it up with the front of the base. You can then see exactly how the cabinet base will sit on its track, so that it does not sit high on the back tabs or bend them down from pressure. Had to.retrofit the switch to original power connector for my older Kenmore. No big.

[@repairclinic]

I'm glad it worked out for you! Thanks for the comment.

[@repairclinic]

No problem! We're happy we could help!

[@3davelee]

Gloriously accurate and easy -- besides working in the tiny hole where my washer is located. Thanks for your help!!

[@Cindy7777777]

I just replaced the lid switch and it was soooooooooo easy, thanks to Sears and this video!!! Thanks for a great job!!!!!

[@gator8373]

thank you so much for this video! a google search helped me diagnose the problem and this video showed me how to take care of it. everything was super clear. you saved me at least $150! i was quoted around $200 from 2 different companies. instead, i went out and bought the piece at the sears parts store (and a socket wrench to get the ground screw out) and had it fixed in no time!! thanks again!! actually, there is one thing i can't figure out...getting the small metal retainer back in.

[@tonybeninati]

Great instructional video! With the help of this video, I actually did a temporary fix on the existing switch until the $37 replacement arrives. The switch itself had begun to split apart, so the washer would not enter the rinse and spin cycles. So I followed the instructions for removal of the switch and carefully used some superglue to reattach the two separating pieces. It worked. At least we can do some wash until the part comes in.

[@bijandavari1661]

This video is clear, detailed, and comprehensive. Thank you for providing it to us. I was able to repair the lid switch in 1 hour. Fitting the sheet-metal base cover to the base was the only major challenge.

[@repairclinic]

Thank you!

[@iluvwhtchix]

This was amazingly simple. This literally nearly took the length of the video to fix!

[@repairclinic]

We're glad it was easy for you!

[@MaisysWorld]

Thank you so much for this video! I got the part and was able to replace it by myself. Sure beats forking out some dough for a repair man. It feels good to know that I can fix some stuff around the house too.