How To Fix Maytag Washer Lid Lock Clicking?

While washers make doing laundry easy, they also cause certain faults. Lid lock clicking issues are one of the faults that occur commonly. If you face the same issue with your Maytag washer, let’s find an effective fix.

Faults in the lid lock assembly, lid switch, lid lock wiring, door strikes, and the control board cause the lid lock clicking issue. If you hear a clicking sound and can’t start the washer, you can inspect all these parts for faults. To fix the issue, replace the faulty parts.

In this article, you will understand the common causes of lid-locking issues and the steps to fix the issue. So, keep reading.

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Table of Contents

6 easy steps to fix the Maytag washer lid lock clicking issue

Maytag is known for producing long-lasting washing machines at affordable rates.

They come with advanced features to provide greater convenience.

One such advanced feature is a lid lock.

It prevents the washing machine from opening during the washing cycle.

The lid lock is a beneficial feature, but people who use the Maytag washer experience issues with it at some point while using it regularly.

Not being able to open the washer’s door when you want to get done with your laundry can be an irritating thing to ruin your peace.

But you don’t want to get frustrated because it can be easily fixed with guidance and a basic understanding of a washer’s function.

You are ahead of many people as you searched for the fix and landed in this article.

You are just six easy steps away from fixing your Maytag washer’s lid lock clicking issue.

Here are the 6 steps you can consider to fix the lid-locking issues in your Maytag washer.

Before getting into the steps, you want to diagnose the problem in your washer.

If you figure out the cause, you can fix the issue easily by saving time and effort.

You can run a diagnostic mode on your washer to find out what went wrong.

It will help to point out the cause of the lid lock clicking issue in your washer.

1. Check the lid lock assembly

The lid lock assembly in the washing machine keeps the door shut during the washing and spinning cycle.

If the door is left open, a washing machine with a lid lock feature won’t start, and it will prevent the washing machine and the users from being injured.

When the washing cycle is initiated, a lid lock assembly will let the door lock align with the lid, and a lid lock switch will be engaged to send the signal to the control board.

If any parts of the lid lock assembly are faulty, you must replace the lid lock assembly.

Follow the steps below to replace the lid lock assembly:

Unplug the washer from the electric outlet to avoid electrical hazards. Wear hand gloves to protect your hands from sharp objects.

Turn off both cold and hot supply valves.
Secure the lid with tape to prevent it from opening while working on a fix.
Move the washer away from the wall to access the back panel.

Remove two screws securing the back panel and unlock the holding brackets.
Using a putty knife, lift the top panel. You need to remove the top panel to access the lid lock assembly.
Secure the top panel and ensure it will not fall back when you are working on replacing a lid lock assembly.

Use a screwdriver to remove 2 screws securing the lid lock assembly with the top panel of your Maytag washer.
Let the lid lock assembly hang with the wire harness. As the other side of the wire harness is connected to the control board, you need to access the control panel to disconnect the wire harness.
After disconnecting the wire harness from the control panel, pull it through the hole to disconnect the wire harness from your washing machine.

Replace the new lid lock assembly and secure it with screws.
Attach the other end of the wire harness to the control board.
Secure the top panel with the locking clips.

Reattach the back cover of the washer and secure it with screws.
Unlock the lid by removing the tape you put on it.
Move the washer to its original position.

Turn on both the hot and cold water supply.
Plug in the washer and run the test washing cycle.

Check if the issue is solved, or try the other fixes.

2. Check the lid lock switch

The main role of the lid lock switch is to prevent the washer from getting started if the lid is open.

The electromagnetic lid switch will signal the control board to begin the washing cycle when the door is closed.

If you are facing lid lock clicking issues in the washer, you must check the lid lock switch.

If the lid switch is faulty, you must replace it.

Follow the steps below to replace the lid lock switch:

Disconnect the power supply to the washer by turning off the circuit breaker to avoid electrical hazards.

Turn off both the hot and cold valves of the washer.
Move the washer forward or turn it around to access the back panel.
Remove all three screws securing the back panel to the washer using a screwdriver.

After you remove the screws, you can flip the control panel.
Access the control panel and locate the lid switch wire harness attached to it.
Disconnect the wire harness from the control panel.

You can see a lid switch attached at the base of the control panel.
Remove the lid switch with a flathead screwdriver and inspect it for visible damage.
Replace it with the new lid switch and reconnect the wire harness with the control panel.

Reattach the screws to the back panel and secure the control panel to its base.
Move the washer to the original position.
Turn on the hot and cold water supply.

Switch on the washer and check if the issue is solved, or try the other fixes.

3. Check the lid lock wiring

As we discussed earlier, lid lock assembly helps to keep the door shut during the washing and spinning cycle.

There are many wires attached to the lid lock assembly.

If there are damages in the wire or loosened connections in the wires, lid locking issues may occur as they are the medium of communication between the control board and lid lock.

In such a case, you must replace the wires attached to the lid lock assembly.

Follow the steps below to check the lid lock wiring in the washing machine:

Unplug the washer from the electricity to avoid hazards.
Turn off both the hot and cold water supply.
Access the back panel by turning around the washer or moving it forward.

You can see a back cover secured with screws. Remove the screws using a screwdriver.
Using a putty knife, lift the top panel to access the internal parts of the washing machine.
Let the top panel lean against the wall, and it is good to secure the top panel from falling back into the washer while you are fixing the issue.

After removing the top panel, you can locate the lid lock assembly. The exact location changes based on the model of the washer.
After locating the lid lock assembly, inspect the attached wires.
If there are visible damages, you must replace them.

Check the terminals of the wires to see if there is a loose connection.
Using a multimeter, check the wires. If the multimeter shows no continuity, it indicates a problem with the wires.
Check if there is corrosion in the wires. If you find any, use a brush to remove the corroded particles.

Replace the faulty wires by removing them and reconnecting the new wires in their place. Sometimes, you will have to replace the entire lid lock assembly if you cannot replace the wires.
Once the fix is done, reattach the back panel, and secure it with the screws.
Reattach the top panel by securing it with the locking tabs.

Turn on the cold and hot water supply.
Plug in the washer and check if the issue is solved.

4. Clean the dirt and debris in the lid lock assembly

If dirt and debris accumulate in the lid lock assembly, either inside or outside, particles stuck in it won’t let the washer’s door lock.

What happens is that dirt and debris prevent the lock from getting latched properly, and the control panel detects it as the door is not locked.

Sometimes, when you close the lid, the lock will be stuck with dirt accumulation, and you cannot open the washer’s door, causing lid locking issues.

In such a case, you must clean the dirt and debris accumulation.

Follow the steps below to clean the lid lock assembly:

Unplug the washer from the electric outlet to prevent electric hazards.
Turn off the hot and cold water valves.

Using a screwdriver, remove the back panel and place it in a safe place.
Locate the top panel, and using a putty knife, lift the top panel by unlocking the locking tabs.
You can find the lid lock assembly on the right side. However, the location of the lid lock assembly will differ based on the specific model of the washer.

Remove the cover of the lid lock assembly by removing the screws securing it.
Use a cotton cloth to wipe out all the dirt and debris from the interior of the lid lock assembly. If there is stubborn dirt, you can also use a brush to remove them.
Dip the cotton cloth in the detergent to clean the outer side of the lid lock assembly.

Make sure you are not making the lid lock assembly wet.
After cleaning the lid lock assembly, let it dry for 30 minutes.
Reattach the lid lock assembly by attaching the screws.

Reattach the back panel and secure it with screws.
Reattach the top panel and secure it with the locking tabs.
Plug in the washer and check if the issue is solved.

5. Check the door strike

The door strike is an important part of the lid-locking connection between the door and the latching assembly.

It makes sure the washer’s lid is well sealed when the washing cycle is going on.

You can locate the door strike in the frame of your Maytag washer.

A lid lock clicking issue may occur if the door strike is faulty.

In such a case, replacing it is the best option.

Follow the steps below to replace the Maytag washer:

Unplug the washer from the electric outlet.
Open the washer’s door, and you can locate the door strike in the door’s frame.
Using a flathead screwdriver, remove the locking tab in the center.

Detach the door strike by removing the screws using a screwdriver.
Replace the new door strike and secure it with screws.
Plug in the washer and check if the issue is solved.

6. Check the Main control board

The Main control board monitors and controls several functions in the washing machine.

The lid lock assembly sends and receives the signal from the control board; if the control board is faulty lid locking issue may occur.

Faults in the control board are rare.

You must check all the above fixes before you check the issue in the control board.

If you find it faulty, you must replace it.

However, the replacement of the control board is expensive.

You can compare the price with buying a new washer.

If your washer is older than 10 years, it is recommended to replace the washer instead of replacing the control board.

Follow the below steps to replace the control board:

Unplug the washer from the electric outlet to prevent yourself from electrical hazards.
Turn off the hot and cold water supply valves.
Turn the washer around or move the washer away from the wall to access the back panel.

Remove two screws securing the back panel. Place the back panel in a safe place.
Using a putty knife, lift the base of the control panel.
Lift the control panel and let it be placed on the top panel.

You can see a main control board attached with many wires and wire harnesses.
Consider taking a digital photo of the wire connections for future reference.
Unthread four screws securing the main control board. Detach the main control board and discard it.

Purchase the new control board based on the model of the washer.
Replace the new control board and secure it with the screws.
Connect all the wire harnesses by referring to the digital photos you took.

Reattach the control panel by locking it with the clips.
Reattach the back panel and secure it with screws.
Move the washer to its original location.

Plug in the washer and check if the issue is solved.

How do I unlock the lid in the Maytag washer?

There are certain methods to unlock your washer’s lid manually.

One effective method is to access the lid lock assembly to unlock it manually.

To do so:

Unplug the washer from the electric outlet.
Remove the back panel by unthreading the screws.

Lift the top panel using a putty knife by removing the securing clips.
Access the lid lock assembly.
Pull it with your hands to unlock it.

You will hear a clicking sound which indicates that the washer’s door is unlocked.

Final thoughts

Lid locking and clicking in the Maytag washer are common issues, and you can easily fix the issue if you have read the article completely. The first step is to figure out the cause and take steps to fix the issue.

In the article, I have mentioned 6 common faults and fixes. It doesn’t necessarily mean all the parts would be faulty in your washer. Run your washer in diagnostic mode to figure out the cause. If you know the fault, you can jump on the fix directly. Or, you would have to check all the parts, ruining your time and effort.

The common causes of the lid locking issue are faults in the lid lock assembly, lid switch, lid lock wiring, door strike, and control panel. Once you have found the cause, you can follow the steps mentioned in the article to fix the issue.

Where is the lid sensor on the washing machine?

The lid sensor is located near the top panel of the washer. You can access it by opening the top panel using a putty knife.

Why is my washing machine making a tapping noise?

The tapping noise is mainly because of the coins or other solid particles caught on the drum. You must also check if the door seal is damaged. If yes, replace it.

Reference: Maytag Front Load Washing Machine Official Troubleshooting Guide, Maytag Top Load Washing Machine Official Troubleshooting Guide.