Whirlpool Washer Lid Lock Bypass (3 Wire)

The purpose of the lid lock switch on Whirlpool washers is to ensure that the door doesn’t open between the wash cycle. That can cause damage to the machine in the long run. 

Sometimes, the lid lock may malfunction and cause the wash cycle to stop working, even if everything is fine. This calls for a replacement for the component. 

In the meantime, however, you can temporarily bypass the lid lock and use your Whirlpool washing machine without it. Here are the tools that you will need.

1. Flathead screwdriver
2. Regular screwdriver
3. Magnet
4. Spare wires
5. Wire cutter

How To Bypass a Whirlpool Washer Lid Lock 3-Wire? 

One can bypass a whirlpool washer lid lock (three wires) by jamming a piece of wire or magnet between the solenoid and the lock switch.

To bypass the lid lock, one needs to interrupt the current flowing into the lid lock switch. The key is to jam either a wire or a magnet between the solenoid and lock switch to bypass the lid lock. 

Some of these locks are heat operated and can be bypassed by simply turning off the machine. If that doesn’t work, follow these steps to bypass it manually.

1. Cutting Off The Electricity And Water Supply

Firstly, you need to unplug the Whirlpool machine from the power supply. Keep the cable away from being in contact with water. 

Next, both water supplies need to be turned off. Rotate the supply valves counterclockwise to cut off the water. 

This ensures no water enters the machine while you’re working on the lid lock. 

2. Locating The Lid Lock Switch

Before working on the lid lock, the top panel needs to be removed. You can find screws that hold the power board in place. 

These screws are on the back for some models, while others have them on the front. Undo them using a screwdriver. 

Then, use a flat-head screwdriver to pry open the washer panel and gently lift it. Make sure you don’t disconnect the wires. 

Now, finally, you can get around to locating the lid switch. It is generally a small plastic box on the back of the washer. 

3. Bypassing The Lid Lock Using A Magnet

Grab the magnet and carefully jam it between the lid lock switch and the washing machine. Doing this creates a magnetic connection between the solenoid and the lock. 

Secure the magnet using tape to ensure it doesn’t come off when the machine is operating. 

The solenoid itself is a magnet. Introducing an external magnet in the assembly tricks the machine. 

It makes it so that the machine thinks the door is locked when in reality, it isn’t. This trickery lets you run the washer even with the door open. 

4. Alternate Method To Bypass The Lid Lock

The lid lock switch can be bypassed by simply cutting off its wires. You can find the wiring layout in your model’s user manual. 

The key is to remove the connection between the lid and the lock. Remove the insulation for about an inch off the wires. 

Then twist them and secure them together with electric tape. Now put back the top panel and run the machine. 

If either of these methods has worked successfully, you will be able to operate your Whirlpool washing machine with the door open. 

Why Is It Necessary To Bypass A Whirlpool Washer Lid Lock? 

Bypassing the lid lock can become necessary if the lock switch starts malfunctioning on a Whirlpool washer. This can affect the everyday workings of the washer and might even reduce the shelf life of your device.

The lid lock assembly is a safety measure put in by Whirlpool to stop the machine from running with an open washer door. Doing so can cause damage to the machine in the long run. 

However, the lid lock can sometimes become faulty and start malfunctioning. This can happen in the middle of the wash cycle, as well. 

As a result, the machine may stop its wash cycles prematurely or erratically. The ideal solution is to replace the lid lock switch then. 

However, until this replacement is complete, the lid lock can be bypassed as a temporary solution. This means you can use the machine even with the lid lock disengaged. 

NOTE – This is only a temporary solution and can cause long-term issues in the machine if applied repeatedly.

Why Is The Lid Lock Flashing On The Whirlpool Washer? 

The lid look on a Whirlpool washing machine can flash as an indicator when the lock cannot engage properly. It is to tell the user that something is preventing the locking mechanism from working the way it’s supposed to. 

These are some of the reasons why the lid lock can flash.

1. It can flash if the machine cannot power on the lock motor. 
2. The lid lock has not moved into the locking position, thus triggering the flashing. 
3. It can also flash if something blocks the lid from closing properly. 
4. The lid lock switch cannot move, i.e., it has become faulty. 
5. The locking mechanism has gone out of alignment. 

How To Test A Lid Switch In Whirlpool Washer? 

Here are the steps to test a lid switch in your Whirlpool washer. 

1. Turn off the washer and unplug it. 
2. Pry open the upper lip of the washer using a knife, releasing the clip springs. 
3. Lift the washer top to expose the lid switch. 
4. Undo the two-wire harness connected to the switch. 
5. Test the lid switch resistance using a multimeter. 
6. A properly working lid switch will read continuity. 

If this isn’t the case, the switch is compromised and needs replacement. 

Final Remarks

Here are the steps to bypass the Whirlpool washer lid lock. 

1. Cut off the electricity and water supply. 
2. Jam a magnet between the lock assembly and the solenoid. 
3. An alternative method is to cut the wires of the lid lock, twisting them around and covering them with some electric tape. 
4. Run a wash cycle to see if the bypassing has worked.