Washer Repair- Replacing the Lid Switch Assembly (Whirlpool Part# 3949247)

[@lillianbradley6964]

As a single woman I was ready to purchase a new washer. You saved me an easy grand. I am more grateful than I can express!!!

[@katnhat7695]

Me too!! $30 and 30 minutes later, the 27 y/o machine is running again. The hardest things were finding this video and putting the body back on the machine. :-) THANK YOU!!!

[@ambermatcha6853]

THANK YOU!!! I saved time, money, and a whole lot of headache!! This video has exactly what is needed to make this repair. The step by step instructions give a person enough confidence to tackle this task. Even though my screws didn't come out nearly as easily, and I'm still not sure i have the cabinet back on perfectly (after meeting my new cuss word quota I got it as best I could and called it good enough), my washer is back in action!!! For others trying to make this repair, disconnecting the hoses isn't necessary, but do still unplug the machine. Safety first!

[@tencia83]

I am with you on that one, my cabinet did Not go on perfect either...will have to work that! 😁

[@ambermatcha6853]

@@tencia83 Yeah, the cabinet is a pain!! It took me a lot to get it on good. I'm still not sure it's exactly right.

[@jeanieolahful]

Thank you so much! Another tutorial had said to work under the lid, removing the front made it so much easier! We never would have managed the ground wire nut! Washer is good as new!

[@lisaallan4640]

Gotta love KZbin! I have repaired my 1999 Whirlpool Ultimate Care II Heavy Duty washing machine myself over the last several years and she's still going strong!! Amazon for the parts and this video did the trick! I love telling my friends that I don't need to call the repair guy because I am that guy....I mean gal!! ;) Now back to doing the wash!!

[@kaycrites2402]

Thank you so much for such an informative video...!!!!I It was very easy to follow and for a 59 year old woman, I was pretty intimidated by it until I watched your video....now I'm up and running.....

[@jasonstiletto]

Repair was super easy. Getting the washer housing aligned again to put it back together was a bit too painful. Thanks cor the vid.

[@robertrivera873]

Just replaced my first lid switch assembly for my washer machine. I followed your step by step instructions and I had no issues. THANK YOU SIR!

[@rickmanley9650]

I watched this video after doing almost everything WRONG. Thank you so much for breaking this down in easy to follow steps and processes. Excellent video!!

[@BrandonBeans]

Lifesaving tutorial here! I had defeated the safety years ago, but now have two small children. My 18 month old is beginning to get into things so I ordered the switch but didn't know how to access the internals (I was planning on just butt splicing the switch back on the defeated wire harness). This is the proper way to replace. Thanks a bunch. Also, I didn't disconnect the water, only the power for safety. Thanks again!

[@jeanieolahful]

We also didn't disconnect the hoses, really no need since we had enough room. Some washers in a tighter space may require this.

[@aw8992]

This video saved me today! I got the part and couldn’t it figure out how to take the thing apart. Thank god I found this video and it was literally step by step so easy to follow. I’m not a handy person so after the video my washer works all for a 10 dollar part on Amazon. I’m so proud of myself and thankful for a video like this!

[@ourcynic]

Washer wouldn't drain/spin, so I hit it by the lid switch and it started. Next day, same thing, so I gave it a little tilt and it came on again. Next day...dead. Bought a new switch for $21, installed it myself with your help. The most helpful part of the video was getting the shroud off the machine. I couldn't figure out how to get those retaining clips off. Easy after you demonstrated. Washer back online. Thanks.

[@tb495]

It works ! Thank you for your excellent step by step and very detailed instructions. I am a single lady and it helps a lot with a budget to be able to fix my washing machine.

[@cristianrivera5213]

We have an "old" whirlpool washer like this and my door switch went faulty. This saved me a ton of time. Very easily explained and easy to follow along. Thank you.

[@andyb9378]

One more suggestion. When putting the console back in place, check to see if the hose attached to the water-level control has jostled loose. If it has, take a few seconds to put it on snugly. (I learned this by experience: if it has come loose, the washing machine will fill with water, and fill, and fill..., and keep filling).

[@wesleyloftis2772]

After scanning several videos and photographing up under the console, this video is the one that helped me remove said console. THANK GOODNESS the switch was in the back (activated by the hinge) and I had no need to remove anything else. This was as simple as it gets for me, and I am un-handy.

[@triciapease5712]

This video was perfect - I had zero confidence until I watched this, then I did the repair myself after trouble-shooting and ordering the part. It works perfectly - as if new. Thank you for a nicely done video and the confidence needed to do this!

[@samanthabutler8167]

Thank you SO much for taking the time to post this video. My Whirlpool Estate, manufactured in 2002, had mold in almost every area of it. Today (thanks to you!) I was able to take it apart, thoroughly clean it, and piece it back together. It looks brand new and is running well. You've saved me so much and not just financially. I can't thank you enough!!!

[@jeanieolahful]

I took the opportunity to clean inside the lid myself! Nice bonus to the repair

[@partselect]

You're welcome and that's great you found the video helpful with your washer repair. You're now officially in the DIY club! Welcome!

[@fazilapandor3641]

My whirlpool machine was on and just stop working yesterday what can I do

[@vljenewein]

Thank you so much. The screws had broken out of the lid switch and I had no idea on how to get at the inside. There were others, similar, but this was perfect for the Roper by Whirlpool washer we have. We had a load of clothe in there full of water, so removed the clothes, and put in a pump I use to pump out water under our house's crawlspace and when near the bottom just turned of the pump and took the hose off and used the hose to siphon the rest of the water out Once I got the switch out I used J-B Weld (not quick) to put the 2 halves back on where the screws go into. A little extra J-B Weld on the sides for reinforcement. Checked with Ohm meter before doing all that to make sure that the circuit closed as it does. Now just waiting for the weld to set overnight to set up very well. Tip: Try the screws B4 you insert switch back into washer frame. No sense in putting it all together and find out the "weld" repair did not hold. - Vern

[@williamblair7613]

Thank You Steve!!...You saved me a lot of money on a service call. Did it myself in 20 minutes.

[@partselect]

Glad to hear that, William! Thanks for watching!

[@makeupprincess208]

This is great. I went and bought the part ($70) and with absolutely no experience with this sort of thing, just by watching this video, I was able to fix it! The only negative I have about this video is that you don't really show us how to put the cabinet back on properly. I had a hard time until I found another video that told and showed me that the front of the cabinet has to slip underneath the front rail and the sides on top of the rail. But all in all, awesome informative video! Thank you!

[@andyb9378]

I bought a generic lid switch for $12 and it works just as well as the $70. Maybe it'll only last 15 years instead of 30, but that's OK.

[@russt4716]

Thanks so much for your video! I thought my dryer was fried when I couldn't get it to come on. It was a 16 old unit, so I figured by the time I had someone come out and diagnose it, it would cost me more than the dryer was worth. I had already posted it on FB Market for free to save the $25 haul-away fee when they brought out a new dryer. But watching your video, I was able to do my own self-diagnosis and ordered the part online. WOW! You saved me $700. Much appreciated!!! : )

[@markabranovich4333]

Thank you me and my hubby just repaired our 8 year old whirlpool washing machine with a simple door switch which cost 52.00 at my local parts store I would of just went out and bought a new washer for 500 so I saved 450.00 lets see how it works thank you so much. Make sure you keep all your screws together and take pictures of things before unscrewing them it helps

[@DMZScoutDog]

Steve, excellent video... got a new lid switch for $6.00 including postage off e-bay. Followed your example and when I turned the machine on... the damn thing worked! As to Victory Fire's comment above, I had the same bottom frame problem they did until I listened to the video again and heard you say "the cabinet must go UNDER the front bottom lip of the base." While the viewer can't see you doing that in the video it's an important thing to remember when putting your machine back together. THX

[@jessepetty8636]

Thanks, perfect walkthru. Also made me realize how nasty the top water level was in the tub. Took this opportunity to clean out 7 years of grime.

[@mutatedgenome]

I just finished my second door switch replacement. Could not have don it without the help of this instructional video. Thank you for making it.

[@johnkirkpatrick9692]

Seriously-this is amazing. I too have little experience and it was easy. The past was $36 and it took very little time. Your video was easy to follow and there were no suprises. I too had difficulty putting the cabinet back on and watched another video to clarify it. All in all-wonderful. A time and money saver...Thanks!!

[@joannasarrett9807]

This is by far the best how-to video for replacing a lid switch.. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and know-how with everyone and giving us the ability to fix this problem ourselves.

[@tom2point0]

This was a great video sir however just ONE thing I wish you had addressed. HOW to get the cabinet BACK ON. It’s not just a simple slide back in place thing at all. I was cursing up a storm for an hour trying to get it back on and secure and I just couldn’t do it. I didn’t realize that the sides had to sit on top of the rails while the front side had to sit UNDER the front rail. I had to seek out another video that explained that and within two minutes of watching that videos I got the cabinet back on perfectly. Everything else you showed was perfect and helped me out tremendously but that last step is missing and it would have been extremely helpful.

[@bstanford]

I'm going to suggest (which the creator can't), but if you've gone this far, you can go ahead and just snip off the plug for the switch and hard-wire it together and work with a disabled lid-switch. It saves $4 on a generic part and up to $40 for some of the older genuine factory parts, plus it saves a load of time.

[@AJKline]

38 dollar piece and a little bonding time with dad. Thanks for the video! Helped out a lot!!

[@MrTaym33]

Great video, saved me a ton of time troubleshooting and trying to figure out how to disassemble my machine. Ended up being a very easy repair thanks to you guys,,,you rock!!

[@gogary8028]

This video works for Kirkland Signature by Whirlpool model SAWS800MQ0. The only addition on this model. There are two plastic straps to unscrew on top back side of washer. Great Video

[@shamilgretzky123]

Thanks for the Video, I have almost the same exact washer by whirlpool, the switch part number was the same, all I did was glue the switch back together and put two zip ties around it. It is working perfectly now! The hardest part is putting the cabinet back on but all it takes is some time and patience :)

[@SnoopyJoe]

THANK YOU SO MUCH, I Really Appreciate Your Step By Step Instruction, I Had Very Small Slight Difference screws on top/front, but still two screws and everything removed perfectly, just waiting on my lid switch i ordered for $7 bucks,,,,, you saved me a service call,,,,,You are appreciated,,,thanks again...Me and the lady did it together....

[@VinceCraine]

Thank you so much, this video saved me a ton of guessing, Lid switch cost me $50 but the difference was waiting and listening to an unhappy wife for days. Now it is fixed and running like new. Parts select, you should leave you pay pal for donations because having a tech guy come to your house and fixed this would easly cost the consumer $100 - you would make out well w/ donations. Me for one. Thanks again - Vince

[@K162KingPin]

Thx a ton you saved me probably having to buy a new washing machine. I didn't have another switch on hand so I just cut the wires past the harness before the switch and tied them together. "hotwired" it. I'm sure some will cry safety hazard but as it turns out if the lid is up it pushes in the selection button on the rear face of the washer anyway. So the lid switch could only matter if you somehow got the lid stuck between completely up and down. I don't see that happening unless someone has children trying to do laundry and they decide to leave some pants hanging 1/2 out of the washer when they turn it on.

[@partselect]

K162KingPin What model number do you have?

[@solanogu]

Great! did it in a couple of minutes. This machines are perfectly designed for easy repairs. Hardest part was aligning the cabinet back again considering it is an old machine and there is some corrosion and dirt from years of use, quick cleaning and back to work. Thanks.

[@catchersqueak]

I had trouble aligning the cabinet back again, too. Quite a bit of trouble, actually. I've got to believe that the camera man filming this video took a time-out and helped Steve re-align the cabinet. What we saw was not the real deal when Steve was trying to do it by himself. It CAN be done without help, but not as quick as the video showed. The video was great, though. My washer is running again. And, this sure beat calling for a repairman or buying a new washer. Thanks, Steve!

[@erikajohnson5403]

Thank you Mr. Whirlpool man! I fixed my washer! YAY!

[@bigmackmasterman]

Thank you so much part select. Because of you guys I fixed by myself my washing machine. Keep up the good work.

[@veronicaambriz5559]

Thank you for the step-by-step instructions. You saved me a lot of money!

[@partselect]

Thanks Veronica! Glad we could help you save money by replacing the part yourself!

[@Kobula69]

Thank you so much for having these videos on your website! I was able to fix my washing machine, made it so easy! Front assembly was a bit of grrrrrr getting back together needed a second person to help me get that back together, it was so floppy. Anyways love your website PartsSelect' how it gives % options of what the problem could be and what parts will fix, what problems......will have to look at repairing the push start on my dishwasher next. Thanks Again, Laura

[@inquisitvem6723]

how much did you save?

[@oneliph]

Thank you so much. The power of the internet. You just saved me a service call.

[@mkhan53]

Thank you, this is exactly what i need to do to fix my machine. Very nice video and thank you for your help.

[@kisskeen]

I want to let you know I used your video and well dang it the darn thing is fixed. WOOT! :D I really appreciate your detailed instructions. I had it almost all fixed before my husband came home. Needed a little help on a stuck screw but a different screw driver fixed that. Thank you so much!

[@russelljones365]

The screws in mine were actually in the front. Had to remove the little side things to get access to them.

[@kay8bee505]

This was an easy repair, although it took me 4 hours. My washer and dryer are in a laundry room that is very small. Not much room to maneuver. The hardest part was putting the cabinet back on--not as easy as it seems. Search for the video about replacing a washing machine cabinet if you need help. Oh, and another thing: check all the hoses and drains afterward. All that tugging pulled my drain hose out of the pipe. Fortunately I caught it before too much water escaped! But I did save a lot of money!

[@revwayne6168]

Thank you! This video saved us a $200+ service call!!

[@zhipingliu]

This video turned me into an expert. Thank you!

[@trashpandatee]

Great video! MY washer lid has been on the fritz, i was having to put a sand bag on the lid to have enough weight on the switch, now the switch is broken (wont stay secured under the lid) but the switch still works fine if i pull it out and trigger it with my hand. I thought I needed a whole new switch but this video shows that apparently i can just take the cabinet off and tape or glue the switch into place where it needs to be! (The only part of my switch that broke was the place where the screws go in.)

[@partselect]

You will likely find that a temporary fix for attaching the switch will only be a temporary solution to the problem. We suggest that you replace the switch assembly.

[@sharonriley200]

Would be worth noting that when reinstalling the cabinet on the frame. Be sure to slide the front UNDER the frame and set the sides ON TOP of the tract tabs. Would have saved me a lot of aggravation.

[@aw8992]

He did mention tucking it under but I got so excited I put it back together and realized it wasn’t in the tabs. I too had to redo it but all in all so glad my washer is fixed and this video made it happen cuz if no video I would have destroyed it and bought another washer by the end!

[@albarrowman3739]

Thank you I fixed it. What is the small hose on the switch on the door for?

[@ppchris]

Thank you Sir...great narrative and video.....i am not handy but I was able to do this myself successfully...the frustrating part was to wait for the part for 5 days...all worth it...:-)

[@glennlockwood7608]

Suggested replacement part is for a dryer. I don't see how it can fit

[@tieyotubes]

I had trouble figuring out if the cabinet slides on top or below the frame

[@IpanemaShirley77]

Is it really necessary to disconnect the water hoses? I don’t want them to leak afterwards! They’re fine now!

[@sssidotcom]

Great vid! Got it done right without wrecking something! Up and running. Thanks so much! :)

[@JosephWaterman]

I have the same exact washer. I just bypassed the switch by cutting the wires and shorting them together.

[@Abrolaful]

thats a great method if youre in a pinch. I wouldnt recommend it as a long term solution. Quite dangerous.

[@johnplaid648]

When I attempted to R&R mine the coupling was melted and fused together.

[@maketaco6683]

how does the switch work? My WTW5300SQO (old machine lol) doesn't have an activator pin anywhere, so does the switch sense pressure or weight or something else?

[@kotn87]

Thank you for such a great instructional video!

[@anythinggoesjoe]

my washer is not draining today , not sure whats wrong

[@rooty5473]

OMG this is so informative and easy to do. Thank You

[@terrylindsey2247]

hello steve .just wondering did you have your belt buckle made or did you buy it ?

[@TommyBoy3D]

Worked like a charm. Go see the vid on how to fix the broken switch so you dont have to buy a new one. That vid and this one fixed it for FREE! Thanks!!

[@partselect]

You're welcome for the help!

[@dahlgren75]

Tommy Boy Please show me where i can view this video on fixing broken switch

[@TommyBoy3D]

wow that was a long time ago. And the fix is still working. I'll try to find it for you. The fix is nothing more than a zip tie holding the broken switch together.

[@dofoshomusic]

what do you recommend to do with the water that's inside? my switch went out mid cycle and I can't drain the water....thanks

[@jeanieolahful]

If it's in the basement and it's near a floor drain you can just lay the hose on the floor and it will gravity drain. I just let it in the water till I made the repair, then drained it by using the dial and re-washing the load

[@mckadri1]

Hi, My washing machine is washing good, but the moment it is supposed to rinse, nothing happens and this jus started happening, clothes and soapy water still in the machine it won't drain. pls help

[@shellshelle8528]

your wife is a lucky woman that she has you who can do and know about this stuff

[@charlesault6541]

excellent video with easy to follow instructions. Very helpful! Thank you

[@RShaun]

Thanks. I got it done thanks to you!

[@lpres5419]

Much obliged for this video, Sir!

[@leraheitzman8030]

Thank you! I was able to do this myself

[@chriskepple7295]

Can I remove the body of the washer if it’s filled with water?

[@partselect]

Yes you can if your washer is the same model as in our video. Carefull when removing the cabinet you do not catch the water pressure hose going to the airdome. If it pops off your gonna get some wet feet.

[@jakerowe9881]

Very helpful, saved me a lot of time and money lol thank you

[@partselect]

Great job on the repair. :) Thanks for the feedback!

[@Becej1993]

Thank you very much . Had a same problem and fixed following this video

[@JessicaGemmablog]

Is it absolutely necessary to disconnect the hoses?

[@partselect]

+Jessica Gemma No, it is not necessary unless you have to pull the washer forward enough to do the repair.

[@JessicaGemmablog]

+PartSelect Thank you! Your video worked out perfectly and was a lifesaver!!

[@philipgrubel3802]

Y didn't U say that in UR video?

[@adamlatuns3234]

Thank you, your video really helped me.

[@LuckyLioness369]

Great video! Thank you!

[@AgentOffice]

My switch has a shield for some reason

[@dannyjanota8975]

Great Video... easy to understand and follow! Female doing for 1st time. :)

[@triciapease5712]

Yes - same here!

[@paulwich5265]

This is great, but how did jjehova1 get the part for $7?

[@Regiaduenaz]

Great video!!! Really this video has help me a lot. It help me save money.

[@VictoryFire88]

This guy didn't show the bottom of the frame when he put it back on. I don't think he put it on right. Cause my father and I are trying the same way he did and it's not working. Fail.

[@synthfreek]

There was no need to disconnect the hoses.

[@partselect]

Thanks for the tip!

[@klklf]

Thank you!

[@cardendumas9927]

Be careful edges are sharp!!!

[@Kabal458]

fantastic video - thank you so much!

[@kevins3804]

Man, wish I could just replace the switch mechanism

[@amandagarcia1508]

Excellent video thanks Steve for the clear instructions it is greatly appreciated! I was able to successfully replace the lid switch after my washer would not drain/spin. I bought the part in ebay $13.99 (+8.14) for shipping to Canada. I didn't have to be the nagging wife I fixed it myself :D

[@josiahopi6385]

Great video

[@partselect]

Thanks!

[@2012x2009]

thank you so much i ordered it excited to fix it :)

[@jeffscomp]

Thanks 🙂

[@wmpopper]

Excellent..,.

[@partselect]

Glad you enjoyed the video, WIlliam!

[@partselect]

Haha, well thank you! I'll pass this comment on. ;)

[@pwee507]

Mastercraft baby

[@clydehrichards]

bingo

[@dominiquen1326]

Thank you for this video

[@glennpaulmusic]

In a world of useless content. Thank you for your service. 🫡🫡

[@glennpaulmusic]

This saved me a new washer, and I previously would have said I’m not a handy person!

[@J3r3m1aH88]

Thank you, sir.