How To Fix A Blinking Lidlock On Maytag Washer?

Maytag has been one of the most trustworthy washers for a while. Mine has been through thousands of wash cycles, and I do not regret the purchase.

But, every once in a while, even a Maytag washer can have problems, such as the lid lock light blinking.

In this article, I will discuss how you can fix this issue and get your old Maytag washing machine up and running again.

Maytag Washer Won’t Stop Blinking

A Maytag washing machine’s lid lock light will start blinking and stay that way due to one or many interferences in the mechanism, which can be solved by clearing or replacing the unit.

1. Unplug the washer 

Even before cleaning, ensure the washer has been turned off and unplugged from the wall. Electrical appliances must never be repaired if they are turned on.

Firstly, turn your Maytag washer off with the ‘Off’ button on the upper console. Then you can find the plug connected to the wall and take it off.

It’s best to do this before beginning to work on the washer, as it minimizes the risk of shocks that could be caused accidentally.

You must also make sure to use dry hands and wear gloves if possible, as having wet hands while dealing with electrical equipment will only worsen matters.

2. Remove the upper console

Now you can remove the topmost part of the washing machine, the upper console. This is where the lid lock lies, and here is where we can fix it.

You will have to use a screwdriver to undo two screws at the back of the washer carefully and keep them safe as you will need them again. You can use a flashlight if needed.

With the screws undone, use a paint scraper to carefully lift the upper console off the washing machine and set it aside.

You must ensure that there is no damage to the console during this procedure, and since we are dealing with sharp tools, you might want to use gloves for protection.

3. Pull the lid lock connection completely

To access the lid lock unit, use your hands and undo the clips on either side to remove the remaining half of the upper console.

This is done so that it is possible to get in and work on the connection of the lid switch to the central processing unit or the brain of the washer that lives under the console.

You will find many cables and electrical units when removing the console altogether. But we are looking for a black thread made of a flex tube.

This piece is where the wires for the lid lock run through the frame of the washer over to the central controller.

Carefully unplug the modular connection for the lid lock, ensuring it does not break anything along the way, and feed it through the fame and outside.

4. Replace the lid lock and secure it

The lid lock unit can come through a hole outside the frame, held in by two screws.

Use your handy screwdriver to undo the screws, each a quarter-inch in size. And keep them safe to be plugged back in.

After this, you will notice a cutout frame with a replaceable bezel. Push out the old bezel with your hands and push in the replacement bezel.

The replacement lid lock can now be plugged into the bezel by putting the screws back in. Make sure to tighten the lid lock in its place if you do not want further problems.

5. Seal the upper console back 

Once the lid lock has been replaced, you can follow the same steps to put the upper console back in place and secure it tightly.

Start by putting those clips that you unclamped back over the wire casing to hold them in position.

You can now run the black flex tube cable back into its hole in the frame, and once it is all the way in, you can secure it using the clamp.

Carefully plug the removed modular connection into the controller and push the wire support back in to seal the upper console shut again.

If done correctly, your lid lock light should go from blinking to static on or off state, and you can now proceed with carrying out your laundry as usual.

What Does A Blinking Lid Lock Mean On A Maytag Washer?

Other than a faulty or broken lid lock, a blinking lid lock light on a Maytag washer could tell several other things that might require your attention:

1. The lock striker might not be aligned.
2. The control board is faulty.
3. The actuator motor is faulty or has loose wiring.
4. Other issues were detected in the washer.

Here’s how you can fix these issues, in order:

1. Clean lid lock striker is clean and aligned correctly to make contact with the lock.
2. Check for loose or damaged wires from the lid switch to the central controller.
3. Look for detergent or lint buildup in various parts of the washer.
4. Inspect the actuator motor and its surroundings for faults and replace them accordingly.

How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Maytag Lid Lock?

Suppose the lid lock assembly in your Maytag washing machine is too dirty, broken, or not repairable. In that case, you will need to buy another one to get your washer working again.

Most new lid locks for washers run cheap, ranging from $25 to $40, and are compatible with many machines.

Lid locks are a commonly replaced instrument in washing machines, and washers from different brands might use the exact lid locking mechanism.

Buying a brand-new lid lock mechanism for your Maytag washer is as simple as searching for it online. Your search will be easier if you find the model and serial number.

Final Remarks

A blinking lid lock can be incredibly frustrating, especially if you’re in a hurry to clean your clothes. Luckily, you can replace it yourself by following these steps:

1. Unplug the washer
2. Remove the upper console
3. Pull the lid lock connection completely
4. Replace the lid lock and secure it
5. Seal the upper console back