As an Amazon affiliate, we earn a commision from qualifying purchases.
Maytag Bravos xl washer lid lock problems and recommended fixes
If you are having problems with your Maytag Bravos XL washer’s lid lock, read this to the end…we recommend practical solutions (depending on the exact issue) that could help you finally resolve a range of Maytag Bravos xl washer lid lock problems..
Maytag bravos xl washer lid lock problems and suggested fixes
This is important: When the door lock starts to act up, first try to reset the washer….resetting the washer tend to fixes the most basic lid lock issues when it comes to the Maytag Bravos xl washer model.
To do so, disconnect the washer from the power outlet and let it sit for about five minutes before you reconnect it.
Try that and see how it goes…
Maytag bravos xl lid lock clicking
For the most part, the lid lock clicking means the lid lock is out of position.
Recommended fix:
Try to slightly jiggle the lid and the latch to click them into place.
Now, if the clicking persists, hold down the lid till you hear the second click before releasing it.
Here’s why this could work: The washer locks, unlocks, and locks the lid before starting a cycle as a way of testing the locking mechanism.
So it could be your washer is going out of position before the second locking.
Finally, it could be that the lid lock assembly is faulty.
But before crucifying it, perform a resistance test on the lid lock switch.
For instructions on how to test it, see the section “testing the lid lock assembly” toward the end of this post.
Note that if the assembly is faulty (from your test), you will have to replace it.
Maytag bravos xl washer lid lock flashing
You might observe that the flashing is accompanied by an error code- this makes pinpointing the root of the problem much easier because each error code points to a specific problem (and has a unique repair).
So below we look at the commonplace error codes that point to lid lock problems in your Maytag bravos washer and how you should troubleshoot each..
F5E1 – lid switch fault
You will get this error if the lid is locked but the switch is open.
In other words, the control board does not sense the switch as closed.
Recommended fix:
To fix this error, open up the washer and confirm that the lid switch wire harness is properly inserted in place.
F5E2 – lid lock fault
This code typically means that the lid has not moved into the locked position.
Recommended fix:
So confirm that there is no obstruction preventing the lock striker from locking.
Also, use a moist cloth to clean the area around the lock striker as there could be lint or detergent buildup preventing the lock mechanism from sliding into place.
F5E3 – lid unlock fault
This code usually signals that the lock has not moved into the unlocked position.
Recommended fix:
Therefore confirm that there is no interference with the lock striker.
Also, confirm that there is no weight directly above the lock striker such as a heavy laundry bucket.
F5E4 – lid not opened between cycles
Usually, this code is displayed if you press the start button for several consecutive wash cycles without opening the lid.
Recommended fix:
To fix the error, open the lid and take out the washed clothes.
Now, if any of the errors persist even after trying the solutions above, see the section testing the lid lock assembly – the entire lid lock assembly may be the culprit and it makes sense to test it.
Maytag bravos xl washer lid lock stuck
These washers have a safety mechanism that prevents them from being opened during a wash cycle.
So if you are trying to open the washer mid-cycle, first press the pause button and give the washer a few minutes for it to drain.
You can then proceed to opening the lid.
If this does not work, resetting the washer should be the next step- simply disconnect it from the power outlet and let it sit for five minutes.
Once you reconnect the washer, you can now open the lid.
Testing the lid lock assembly
Also, it could be that the lid lock assembly has gone bad.
But before we crucify it, first open up the washer to access the lid lock switch.
You want to confirm that the lid lock’s wire harness is properly connected in place because it is oftentimes the issue- If it isn’t, be sure to remove it and connect it properly.
If the wire harness is well connected yet the lid lock is still stuck, testing the switch will help you verify if the assembly is indeed bad.
Here is how to do that:
Using an ohmmeter/multimeter, verify that the lid lock resistance across the connector pinouts is as follows…
Component | Contacts measured | Resistance |
Lock switch solenoid | J15-1 and J15-3 | 85 to 155 ohms |
Lock switch | J15-3 and J15-4 | Locked = 0 ohms
Unlocked = open circuit |
Lid switch | J15-3 and J15-2 | Lid closed = 0 ohms
Lid open = open circuit |
If the switch fails any of these tests, it is in all likelihood faulty and needs to be replaced.
Speaking of which, we recommend the Upgraded Maytag Bravos lid lock replacement part (Buy on Amazon).
Consider swapping out the control board
If the lid lock wire harness has passed the test above, then the cause of the lid lock fault might actually be a bad control board..
So you may have to swap out the board- it is not a cheap repair so be sure to try out everything else before going down that route
Maytag bravos xl washer lid lock bypass
A temporary repair worth trying is bypassing the lid lock on your Maytag bravos xl washer
Here’s how you can do that:
Method 1: Using a Lego and a magnet
Insert a Lego into the lid lock slot.
Next, place the magnet on top of the Lego.
And you are done!
Method 2: Using jumper wire
First disconnect your washer from the power outlet and open it up to access the lid lock wire harness.
Insert the jumper wire into the blue (lid switch) and red (lock switch) wire slots of the harness.
Now, wrap the jumper wire using the electrical tape – this holds it in place.
Reconnect your washer to the power outlet and turn it on to see if it runs.
If the lid lock assembly was faulty, your washer should now be running.
Maytag bravos xl washer lid lock replacement
We have just seen how you can bypass the lid lock assembly.
However, this is only for testing purposes when trying to pinpoint the root cause of your washer acting up.
Remember that washers have a safety mechanism that turns off when the lid is open –to prevent accidents and possible flooding.
That being so, it is not recommended to run the washer with a bypassed lid lock assembly as it deactivates the washer’s safety mechanism.
So if the bypass confirms that the lid lock assembly is behind your washer lid lock problems, you should get a replacement lid lock assembly.
Maytag bravos xl washer lid lock problems – frequently asked questions (FAQs)
How do you reset the lid lock on a Maytag washer?
The simplest step is to power cycle the washer.
To do this, disconnect the washer from the power outlet.
Let the washer sit for five minutes before reconnecting and powering it on.
Alternatively, you can turn off the circuit breaker to the washer line and let it sit for five minutes before resetting it.
How do you bypass the lid lock on a Maytag Bravos XL washer?
The quickest way is to use a Lego and a magnet.
Slip the Lego into the lid lock position and place the magnet right on top of the Lego.
Voila! You’ve just bypassed the lid lock mechanism and your washer will detect the lid as closed.
Alternatively, you can bypass the lid lock by bypassing the lid switch as we have done above.
Maytag bravos xl washer lid lock problems – final words
If a reset does not fix your machine, it is almost certain that your Maytag washer lid lock problem needs further troubleshooting.
You now know what to try based on how your washer is behaving.
Good luck!
ALSO READ
Maytag Bravos washer stuck on sensing [fixed]
Maytag bravos XL washer problems and fixes
How to test Maytag bravos washer motor
Maytag bravos washer drain-pump test
My Maytag Bravos is the worst washing machine I’ve ever had. It can’t balance tye la
oad and dances allover the laundry 9/10 times! Do the people that design or mandate/regulate them ever actually use them?