Washer Repair- Replacing the Washer Lid Switch Assembly (Whirlpool Part# 3949238)

www.partselect.com/PS350431-Wh... Click here for more information on this part, installation instructions and more.
This particular Washer Lid Switch Assembly is specific to Whirlpool manufactured brands including Admiral, Estate, Inglis, Kenmore, KitchenAid, Roper, Maytag, Crosley, Jenn-Air, Hardwick, Magic Chef, Amana, Glenwood, and Caloric. To find a Washer Lid Switch Assembly specific to your model, visit www.PartSelect.com
If your washer is having any of these symptoms, then replacing the Washer Lid Switch Assembly could solve your appliance problem.
1) Washer will not spin or drain
2) Washer will not run
3) Lid switch broke away from top
PartSelect Part Number: PS350431
Whirlpool OEM Part Number: 3949238
Tools used for this repair/replacement:
1) 5/16" Nut Driver
2) Phillips Screw Driver
3) Flat Blade Screw Driver
Get model-specific repair help from PartSelect.com. Learn how to troubleshoot, diagnose and repair your appliance with user-generated installation instructions, hundreds of step-by-step repair videos, and our Instant Repairman. If you've got an appliance problem, we can help www.partselect.com/Instant-Rep...

[@mpmajer]

I am a idiot when it comes to fixing anything. Your video turned things around for me. Thank you! My applince parts store in my town did charge fifty dollars with tax for the lid switch. Still cheaper than a service call and I am up and running and very happy.

[@JuggyFWB]

Me and my fiance are inexperienced homeowners, and you saved our butts! When the washing machine stopped working we didn't know what to do, and being disabled and on a fixed income we couldn't afford to replace it. With some kind advice from the man at a local store and your instructional video, we were able to repair it ourselves--we have a functioning washer again and can still afford to pay our bills! Thank you so much!

[@partselect]

JuggyFWB Thank you for the great feedback! Always happy to help people save money!

[@susantrice5804]

Part Select I just finished installing my new lid switch because of your video. I had a little trouble replacing the cabinet because on of the projections was bent over. Wow am I impressed. Not too bad for a senior citizen and female. Could not have done it without your video. And yes it is easier when you have so much access to the cabinet. But thanks again!

[@jennir48184]

I am so happy I found this video!!! Literally step by step directions. Thank you from this single woman with limited resources!!! Ladies....great video!!!

[@frankabest]

Thanks to this I was able to remove the cabinet, repair the lid switch (i.e. tie the upper and lower parts together - as seen on another equally helpful video), and replace the cabinet. The washing machine is now working properly again; and I'm no longer in the doghouse.

[@teresarials8250]

THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! so much I fixed it my self!!!!! 43yr old woman

[@partselect]

+Teresa Rials you go girl!

[@Anthonykingsford]

I watched this video trying to figure out how to secure the washing machine during reassembly. I watched tons of videos and this was the only one that actually talks you through how to put the machine back together. This saved me from water puddles on the floor again. Thank you!

[@andyphillips6330]

Steve is the man. Thanks so much brother! Washing machine broke the day after I fixed the dryer. Steve helped me through both of them.

[@partselect]

Hi Andy. Thanks for the high praise! Glad to have helped you out!

[@maryfenimore72]

Fantastic! I'm a single mom of 3 children and hiring the repair guy, just wasn't in the cards and the new machines seem to be not nearly as good as the one I have. So... with your help, I was able to change the lid switch out and I now hear the joyous sound of the washing machine off in the distance! The only tough part was putting the metal brackets back in place to attach the control panel, but I did it. I also didn't bother to undo the water connections. No need since I didn't have to move the machine very far to do the work. Thank you so much! Your videos have helped me twice now. Bravo!

[@richisamindset01]

Got an 1989 set. Here in 2021 marks it's 1st repair! Only took me 2 hours to complete lol. A few differences from this model shown but it's working like a dream again 😎

[@thehaze4041]

thanks Steve. I am a 30 yr old man, that is extremely non-mechanical(I can't fix anything). Now I can say, "I just fixed my 'broken' washer machine!"... Unbelievably easy, thanks again!

[@brucemalinski64]

Great video! Clear and concise… couldn’t have done it without you!

[@DavidAbbott-NTM]

I found my washer lid switch on amazon.com for $9.70. The video was very easy to follow and took all the frustration of trying to locate the screws and clips out of the job.

[@wbhdev]

7 years later and I just watched this video and did the job exactly as demonstrated. Thanks!

[@paulbryant9106]

This video was truly AWESOME! I actually repaired my washing machine and saved hundreds of dollars. Thank you so much!

[@partselect]

Thanks Paul, glad you liked!

[@redcloud4538]

Thank you for this video, replaced the lid switch in my Whirlpool washer and it was easy thanks to you!

[@alayneheishman5883]

Thank you !!!! 2 women watched the video, ordered right part for $ 25 vs Sears $45 for the same part and fixed it ourselves. We saved $ 70 for handyman to put part that we paid for on. Total savings of $ 90. Went to Outback and spent $ 42 on celebration dinner.

[@arturoleon4060]

Great video! Thanks for posting. Was able to fix the washer and save a TON of money.

[@kjd4859]

So easy, even a 52 year old woman can do it! Thanks!

[@stevelammert2161]

Excellent video I followed your instructions to the letter and even stopped frame a couple of times plugged the washer in and it took off.

[@geetee12345]

couldnthave been easier cost 么40 dollars and your video made it soeasy even a an amateurlike me it no problem thx again

[@Slaythatrunway]

Thank you so much for providing an incredibly helpful beginning to end solution. This really saved me massive amounts of money!

[@stevevonderahe6172]

Great Video. Wish I would have looked at this before i started. I thought i had to take the back panel off. What a mess, it flops around and the sides slip off. When i saw the video I couldn't believe how easy it was. Start at the top , no need to take any of the back panel off. Took me longer than the video but felt good about it. Thanks

[@ruialves6520]

Thanks for your video and posting it on the internet. That was the problem I had with my washer. Saved the day.

[@timhanrahan9461]

Nice job, clear and concise. Took me 20 minutes to do the job, thank you very much.

[@cottontooth]

Your video helped me fix my washer, thank you.

[@diy8654]

Thank you so much, this made the switch change very much easier, understandable and simple. Wish the last repair person had not messed with loosening the lid front mounts.

[@Kittencat519]

Your Website and videos are amazing!!! I ordered my part (Which arrived in under 1/2 a day) fixed my Washing machine in about an hour!!! I am so grateful! Thank you so much!!!!

[@ceciliaherren5343]

Thank you so much for your great video. We were able to replace the lid switch without incident by following your excellent instruction.

[@NYNick49]

Great info, especially on reassembly, which is not as easy as I first thought. Thanks!

[@natedawg2269]

This saved me hours of frustration and likely a good bit of $$$ as well, thank you so much for posting videos like this that are so easy to follow, a putz like me can even do it. You were a God-send on a frustrating Sunday evening :)

[@partselect]

Great to hear you managed to save yourself some cash; congrats on your foray into the wonderful world of DIY repair, and thanks for the kind words.

[@dannyjanota8975]

Great video! All went very easy! Female & my first time! I had done in less than 30minutes! :) Thanks for going slow, watching & explaining each step! Deb Janota, Houston, Tx

[@oregonmel79]

Thank you so much, you just saved me a ton of money.

[@geesharp6637]

Thanks for the video. Made repairing the switch easy and fast.

[@braindrained99]

Great video, I especially like how the video was attached to the part in the shopping cart.

[@jamesbarringer451]

This video just helped me replace my lid switch. Thanks!

[@josephebanks]

Great advice, cause we were thinking of getting a new washer after the switch broke and my DIY way of keeping the switch in the on position eventually failed. It's not a hard repair at all, though it was somewhat of a challenge because our washer & dryer our in a closet. But it worked. Thanks.

[@chloe98036]

Thanks very much for a money-saving and easy to understand instruction. It's a little more challenging to work in a smaller space, but this was very clear and helpful.

[@shaynehawn28]

Great video. My washer is the same model as in the video. Foxed my washer for 40 bucks and a half hour of time.

[@johnduffy6546]

You are a great teacher. thank you for sharing your expertise

[@lisadixon5915]

Fabulous video! I love how calm and easy you make it look :)

[@susantrice5804]

Thanks for the great video. I actually think I can do this. You showed every step very completely.

[@garrypurcell1814]

Great video, Steve! Relaxed, competent and informative. Your work saved me work. And money! Thanks.

[@hstempest]

Great video and super helpful! Thanks!

[@dethspink]

This is perfect, exactly what I needed! Thanks!

[@marscorning3981]

Great video. However, I guess my washer is a "deluxe" Kenmore version with automatic fabric softener dispensers and whatever. The cabinet did not come off quite as easy as the video. Once the control panel is flipped up, there was a plastic "hatch" under it on the left (when looking at it from the front) which rotated to reveal three rubber hoses which needed disconnecting before the cabinet would come off. Took me a few minutes of tugging on it to figure this out. Other than that, the video was spot on (other than my washer had 15 years of detergent, dust, and dirt which needed cleaning before reassembly...lol).

[@partselect]

Mars Corning Thanks for the input!

[@jeanbornstein7968]

Thanks! Your video really helped so much!

[@scottlarson9272]

Brilliant Steve, thanks so much!

[@bigbluecar]

Thank you for the knowledge

[@roo4193]

Steve awesome video thanks

[@oscarteran3642]

Very helpfull. Replaced part myself. Thanks.

[@tipawhee]

@partselect No, it's on the back panel of the washing machine. There are two of them, one on each side.

[@M3owMix610]

good job with this video, thank you so much

[@Dathan]

Isn't it nice having that 10' x 10' clutter free room to work on the washer? Thanks for the heads up!

[@brygault]

If only everyone's washer was conveniently in the middle of the room

[@sandyscherer4401]

Thanks for the video, it helped me get it done. But it sure wasn't easy! It would have helped if the washer wasn't full of water, the laundry room small, and the parts old and rusted. The hardest part was getting the cover back on! Whew!

[@DannyOncina]

You should have manually drained the washer first.

[@sandyscherer4401]

I did.

[@jamescraig9915]

Thank you so much sir.

[@DizInsight]

Thank you for taking a painful repair bill and turning it into a simple task. Your video was very helpful and it was easy to follow everything to a T. Only one thing though, I have no idea where that screw was on the back side that you mentioned in two places (the last mention was at 10:26). All I saw back there was a 5/16 hex, but I was able to do the repair without touching it, so I'm just curious what I risked damaging by bypassing that step. So far, everything seems to be working great!

[@peterbeeley7209]

Perfect..Thanx !

[@fucheduck]

this is basically the same for all models and makes, mine is a whirlpool and is probably 20 years old(got it at a garage sale) the disassemblage here is basically the same with a few differences you pull off the control panel then the gold clips and Philips screw in the lower back/right and look for the switch repairing it is another matter.

[@partselect]

Thanks for the comment!

[@erbj1122]

Great video...you were awesome with how you explained this d.i.y...Well done...I think you should earn some type of compensation.If I could I would personally tip you myself...keep up the good work

[@partselect]

Hi Eddie. Thanks a lot for the kind words; and the offer of a tip! I'm just glad I could help save YOU some cash! Good work on getting the home DIY repair done!

[@shellshelle8528]

must be nice to have all that space to work in. I wil try to do that but my lid switch looks different

[@tipawhee]

Your video guide was wonderful! Thank you so much! We were able to find the part on amazon for $5.75 and $4.99 shipping so for around $11 we were able to repair it in less than 45 minutes. I'm wondering though, is the clear strips on the back panel suppose to go on the inside or outside of cabinet?

[@cattard11]

Thanks for the help. My switch was just separated at the housing so I used duct tape to tighten it together. One thing is that I could not get the sides of the exterior to line up with the rear panel...everything was tight...got really frustrating...any problem with it not lining up on the rear?

[@4stripguy]

Hello - I have a kemore washer 80 series. My washing machine fills but that's it. I changed the lid switch because that was the most likely cause - then I even the bought and changed the motor. Still does nothing except fill. Please advise me on what other parts can be the cause.

[@Bobbywilson1963]

The foundation of my imperial series washer motor is missing vital fastenings, where its spinning out of control...resulting in shut down.

[@partselect]

Bobby Wilson What is the model number on your washer?

[@charleen2074]

I replaced the lid switch on my Kenmore 80 series and it didn't fix the problem of not draining or spinning. Please help!

[@kurt-4593]

Mine wouldn't work by just squeezing it back together. In fiddling with the contacts, I jumped it inside the switch, removed the paddle altogether, taped it back together and put it back in place. So the machine runs when the lid is open. Big whoop. Is this a fire hazard until I get the new part? That relay isn't getting any current unless the dial is in the right position, right? Nothing's happening when the machine is off, right? Thanks for the link to the part!

[@partselect]

The danger lies in the machine being able to spin with the lid open, which is a hazard to anyone that operates or is near the washer when it is running. You should unplug the washer when not in use until the new part is installed.

[@Torrello13]

What is more likely the problem? A broken kid switch or worn out cover tab which contacts the switch?

[@partselect]

Normally it is the lid switch contacts that fail, but we have seen worn actuator tabs as well.

[@michaeldiaz6224]

Not related to this video but I'll try anyway...Anyone here knows how to open a Kenmore Series 100 HE (110.2022*410) in order to replace a two-prong (non-polarized) power cord? The part # is W10132081A but I can't find it. Only on eBay but it's used and I need a brand new one. Seems like these washers are exported to Canada and also Puerto Rico (my place). Any help/hint will be appreciated...

[@jeaniebalding3624]

could u tell me about how long it should take to do this?

[@partselect]

Most of our DIY customers are reporting an average of 30 minutes.

[@keithwilson6060]

Okay, I can't even get the first step done (other than unplugging the machine.). HOW do I remove the end caps? They won't budge and I don't want to shatter them with force.

[@partselect]

Make sure that your model does not have a screw securing the console at the back or the front. What is your model number?

[@91stormvet]

Screws in the Back. Got Me Also.

[@tiffanyduty8595]

my washer is spinning and knocking

[@KimBurklandWard]

Installed the part then machine overflowed. What went wrong?!

[@jamesbanks3765]

+Kim Congratulations, you made it start running. I hope the flood was not too bad. Next check the water level sensor. That may also need to be serviced, have soap scum cleaned out of it, it may have a corroded or broken wire or connection plug or socket leading to it, or it may even need to be replaced. Don't assume that just because you fixed the immediate problem that everything is now perfect. Test run the washer and watch it go through a complete cycle. You can stop it if it overflows, before you have a major mess. This is like a good mechanic taking a car for a test drive after performing a repair. Sometimes any machine has more than just one problem. How bad was the flood? Is your washing machine in a basement laundry room near a floor drain? You may possibly get good use from a washing machine overflow pan with a drain hose permanently attached. I think some videos themed "Fix This Old Junk" might be helpful to every "Do It Yourself"-er , including me. I don't mean to be discouraging but "Forewarned is Forearmed" . When you see the pitfalls, you can avoid them. I usually find that this is the difference between a successful repair and a miserable, bloody-fingered failure.

[@KimBurklandWard]

Hello James, Thank you for the tips! The laundry is located on a second floor with no overflow pan! So it was not that bad, but water did stain the ceiling in the basement. I will get an overflow pan. The machine is actually running good. Your video saved me having to purchase a new machine and also saved the earth from more junk/waste for now!

[@rolandedrummer9723]

Not as difficult as it looks. You just need more room to work than some laundry rooms offer.