How To Fix Whirlpool Washer Lid Lock Clicking?

Lid locking is a beneficial feature of the Whirlpool washing machine to keep the door shut during the washing cycle. If your washing machine is posing the issue of lid lock clicking, you are at the right place.

If your Whirlpool washer lid lock is clicking, there may be issues with the door latch. In such a case, replace the door latch or inspect the switch assembly and replace it with the new one. A faulty door strike can also cause a clicking sound. Replace the door strike to fix the issue.

In this article, I will help you understand 4 common ways to fix the issues. So, keep reading.

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4 ways to fix the whirlpool washer lid lock clicking

If your Whirlpool washer’s lid lock is clicking and unable to start, it would be due to the faults in the door.

Here are 4 common faults and steps to fix the issue in your whirlpool washer. 

1. Faulty door switch assembly

The door lock and the switch assembly keep the door shut during the washing cycle.

Unless the door is not latched with the washer, it won’t begin the washing cycle. 

As the washer’s door is opened and closed frequently, it will wear out or get damaged in the long run. 

You must check the switch assembly if your Whirlpool washing machine’s lid lock is clicking.

You can use a multimeter to check the continuity of the switch assembly.

If it doesn’t show continuity, you must replace the switch assembly. 

Follow the steps below to replace the switch assembly in your washing machine:

  • Unplug your washing machine from the power supply to prevent electrical hazards.
  • Disconnect both hot and cold water inlet from the washing machine. 
  • Move the washer forward from its original position to access its back side.
  • Open the whirlpool top-loading washing machine’s door.
  • You will find two screws on the left side of the washer securing the switch assembly.
  • You can see a lid switch assembly hanging after removing two screws. Close the washer’s door and detach the top panel to replace the lid switch assembly.
  • Using a putty knife, raise the top panel of the washing machine and lean it against the wall by securing it with the clips.
  • Now, locate the switch assembly and disconnect the wire harness.
  • Discard the faulty switch assembly.
  • Purchase the new switch assembly based on the model of your whirlpool washing machine.
  • Replace the new switch assembly by connecting the new wire harness.
  • After replacing the switch assembly, position it at the top panel.
  • Lower the top panel and reinstall the two screws you removed initially.
  • Now, secure the top panel with its retaining clips.
  • Close the washer’s door and run the test washing cycle to check if the issue is solved. 

2. Door latch assembly

The door latch assembly in the washing machine helps to lock the door during washing or the spin cycle.

If your Whirlpool washing machine’s lid lock is clicking, it may be caused by the door lock assembly issues. 

In such a case, you must replace the door lock assembly on your Whirlpool washing machine. 

Follow the steps below to replace the door lock assembly from your Whirlpool washing machine:

  • Unplug the washer from the electric outlet to prevent any electrical hazards.
  • Disconnect the drainage and water inlet hose from the washer and move them forward to work comfortably.
  • Open the washer’s door to detach the door seal retainer. You can remove the door seal retainer from the door using a plier.
  • Move the door seal to the other side of the front panel.
  • At the right side of the washer’s door, you can find mounting screws securing the door latch assembly.
  • Unthread the screws securing the door latch assembly.
  • Detach the door latch assembly after disconnecting the wire connectors from it.
  • Purchase the new door latch assembly based on the model of your Whirlpool washing machine.
  • Reposition the new door latch assembly and reattach all the wire connectors with the assembly.
  • Secure it with the mounting screws after repositioning it to the slots.
  • Realign the door seal to the front panel.
  • Reattach the door seal retainer to secure the door seal in place.
  • Close the washer’s door and plug it into the electric outlet.
  • Reconnect the drainage and water inlet hoses to the weather and move the washer back to its original position.
  • Switch on the washing machine and check if the issue is solved. 

3. Faulty door strike

The door strikes are fixed in the washer’s door to activate the door switch when it is closed during the washing and spinning cycle. 

If the door strike is faulty, it will cause issues in the washing machine. 

In such a case, you must replace the door strikes. 

Follow the steps below to replace the door strikes in your washing machine: (applicable for front-loading whirlpool washing machine)

  • Unplug the washing machine from the electric outlet to prevent electrical hazards.
  • Disconnect the drain hose and the water inlet hose from your washing machine.
  • You can find the door strikes at the back side of the door. Open the washer’s door to access the door strikes.
  • Using a screwdriver, remove the screws securing the old door strikes in place.
  • After removing the screws, pull the do strikes out from the door and discard them.
  • Purchase the new door strikes based on the model of your whirlpool washing machine.
  • Replace the old strikes with the new door strike and thread the screws tight to secure them with the door.
  • After replacing the door strike, close the washer’s door.
  • Reconnect the drain hose and the water inlet valve to facilitate the smooth flow of water.
  • Plug the washer and check if the issue is solved. 

You must check the main control board to see if your Whirlpool washing machine is still lid-locking. 

4. Issues in the main control board

Even after trying all the above fixes, if your washing machine still has lid lock clicking issues, there may be issues with the main control board.

Even though control board issues are rare, you must check the working condition of the main control board if all the above fixes don’t solve the issues in your Whirlpool washing machine. 

The main control board performs important functions like regulating the water temperatures, monitoring the washing, and spinning cycle speed. 

It also controls the sensors in the door to monitor if the door is latched well to the washer. 

Apart from these, it also performs several functions, like regulating the filling and draining of water from the washing machine. 

If the main control board is faulty, several functionalities of the washing machine will be disturbed.

In such a case, you must replace the main control board from your washing machine. 

However, replacing the main control panel is not easy; you must do it only when you have experience working with heavy-duty electric appliances. 

Follow the steps below to replace the main control board: (applicable for top-loading whirlpool washing machine)

  • Unplug the washer from the electric outlet or turn off the circuit breaker if your washing machine is hard-wired.
  • Disconnect the drain hoses and water inlet hoses from your washing machine. 
  • Move your washing machine from its original position to work comfortably.
  • Using the putty knife, unlock the tabs securing the control panel to the top panel of the washing machine.
  • Raise the putty knife to release the locking tabs from the control panel.
  • Tilt the control panel to access the internal part of the washing machine.
  • After tilting the control panel, you can see the control board connected with various wires.
  • Take a digital photo of the wire connections for future reference.
  • Disconnect the power wire connection from the control board, and also, using a flathead screwdriver, disconnect the wire harness from the main control board.
  • Disconnect the air pressure tube from the main control board and secure it.
  • Using a nut driver, unthread two screws securing the main control board.
  • Flip the control panel and detach the main control selector knob to remove the main control board assembly.
  • Detach the main control board assembly from the control panel.
  • Now, prepare the new control board assembly for the replacement by transferring the wire retaining bracket from the faulty main control board to the new one.
  • Position the new main control panel to the slots and secure it with screws.
  • Reattach the main selector knob to the control panel.
  • Reconnect all the wires by referring to the digital photo you took.
  • Reattach the water pressure tube and power wire to the main control boards.
  • Reposition the control panel and secure it with the top panel by locking it with the tabs.
  • Reconnect the drain hose and water inlet hoses.
  • Plug in your washing machine and check if the issue is solved. 

How to remove the lid lock on the whirlpool washer? 

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Whirlpool washers come with lid-locking technology to avoid accidental opening of the washer’s door during the spin and washing cycle. 

It is the most useful feature for an efficient yet safe laundry experience.

But sometimes, if your Whirlpool washing machine is stuck closed with the lid locking, it is a serious issue that would lead to clothes stacking. 

Follow the steps below to remove the lid lock on the Whirlpool washer:

  • Unplug your whirlpool washing machine from the electric outlet to avoid electrical hazards. After unplugging your washing machine, secure the power cord of your washing machine to its side by wrapping tape around it to prevent it from getting damaged or wet during the repair.
  • As a next step, turn off both hot and cold water inlet valves by turning them in an anticlockwise direction. To do so, move your washing machine forward.
  • Lift the top panel of the washing machine by using a putty knife. Release the tab securing the top panel and tilt it upwards. Depending on the model of your washer, you would need to unthread the screws at the rear side of the panel.
  • To remove the lid lock from the washer, access the lid lock switch under the washer’s top panel.
  • Unthread the screws securing the lid switch and let it hang freely.
  • Remove the cover of the lid switch assembly to access the wires inside the lid switch box.
  • Consider referring to the tech sheet to know which wires are responsible for the lid-locking function.
  • Strip the insulation of two wires together to unlock the lid locking and connect the end of the wires with the wire connector.
  • Secure the new wire connections in the slot and reattach the cover. Secure the cover with screws.
  • Reattach the top panel and secure it with the locking tab.
  • Turn on the hot and cold water inlet valves in a clockwise direction.
  • Plug in the washing machine and check if the issue is solved. 

Final thoughts

If your Whirlpool washing machine is posing an issue of lid lock clicking, it will be due to the issues in the door.

If the door switch assembly is damaged, it will cause issues with the lid lock clicking. The door switch assembly sends the signal to the control panel when the door is locked. If the switch assembly is faulty, you must replace it.

The door latch is the lock assembly to keep the door shut during the washing and spinning cycle. If the door latch is worn-out, it may pose the issue of lid locking. 

In such a case, replace it with the new latch assembly. Follow the steps mentioned in the article to fix the lid lock-clicking issues in your whirlpool washing machine.

Related articles:

Why does my washing machine keep clicking and won’t start? 

If your washing machine keeps clicking without starting, it may be due to dirt and debris accumulation in the drain area. Unclog the washer’s drain with vinegar and baking soda or ready-made cleaning solutions.

How do you get a washing machine out of lock mode?

If your washing machine is stuck in lock mode, it may be due to the child lock feature being switched on. Turn off the child lock by pressing the child lock button for 3 seconds.

Why is my Whirlpool washer door lock flashing?

If your washer door lock is flashing, the lid lock is not closed properly. Consider checking the lid and closing it right.


Reference: Whirlpool Official user manualWhirlpool Frontload manual.

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Jeniffer Smith

Hi, I am Jeniffer Smith, a housemaker and blogger, and I grew up in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. I have been researching and fixing appliances and other things around the home and kitchen from a young age to help my single mother. Every time something went wrong, I couldn't rest until I fixed it. And ever since, I have enjoyed fixing things around my home, and I am always ready to help my friends and family with advice and hands-on help. Since we were always looking for affordable ways of fixing things, we rarely hired experts and tried to fix most things ourselves. That interest brought me to write for this blog, as I realized my knowledge could help many people trying to fix things around their homes on their own without spending hundreds of dollars.

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