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Now, in this article, we will be taking you through how you can fix a Whirlpool washer lid that is stuck- but we shall first look at how to reset the lid lock on your Whirlpool washer.
Of course, the lid on your Whirlpool washer can, on occasion, get stuck (and we shall see why) making it nearly impossible to open it.
Whirlpool washer lid lock reset procedure
The best way to reset your washer when it is stuck on lid lock is by resetting the whole machine (many modern-day washers do not have a reset button).
And the best part is that resetting a washing machine is pretty easy- All you will need to do is power cycle it.
In other words, to hard reset your washer, first unplug it for around 10 minutes then plug it back in.
For starters, this allows any residual electrical charges in the machine’s system to be cleared, which in turn clears any glitch(es) that might be making your machine act up.
Test if the door can now open after the 10 minutes have lapsed.
If it is still stuck, read on for additional diagnostics and what to try, depending on what is causing the problem…
Is CONTROL LOCK/CHILD LOCK turned on? Check
Check whether you have the CONTROL LOCK turned on because it could be making the lid stay locked – you’ll see an illuminated and locked padlock icon on the control panel/touch center.
I should add that in some models, you’ll simply notice an LED indicator – mostly red – that continuously glows while other models display LOC or LC to indicate that the control lock is turned on.
Now, if the CONTROL LOCK is indeed on, turn it off-simply locate the button that has either control lock or child lock inscribed below it then press and hold this button for about 3 seconds.
That typically disables the control lock features so your washer door could now open.
Check if the washer has drained
Yes, you heard that right.
If the washer hasn’t drained, they tend to not unlock- it’s programmed to open only after it has drained completely.
So if it is stuck on the draining cycle, you have to manually drain it.
Now, the correct procedure for manually draining a washer varies from one Whirlpool washer model to the next so it is best you consult your owners manual for the right steps.
While at it, check for any clogs that might be clogging the drain pump.
My drain pump was not clogged. What next?
Well, if that is so, was the water overly sudsy?
If yes, it might mean that you put too much detergent or the wrong detergent –be sure to use the proper quantity of the recommended detergent.
Finally, if there are no detergent issues, there’s a possibility that your drain pump may be defective- and here your best bet is getting a replacement.
Check the actuator motor
A faulty actuator motor is yet another possible culprit when it comes to lid lock problems so it is important to check it for any malfunctions/damage.
Now, to inspect the actuator motor, first disconnect your washer.
Next, access the actuator motor (if unsure how to go about it, look for an instructional video on YouTube to point you in the right direction).
You want to look for any wire connections that might have worked themselves loose- be sure to tighten any you find.
Also gently wipe the actuator before you retest it.
Now, if there’s no change (and all the wires are now fine), test the actuator for continuity – it is the surest way to be sure if it’s bad.
If it lacks continuity, it is in all likelihood faulty so get a replacement.
Whirlpool washer lid rock reset – additional fixes to try
Check for issues with the lid latch/striker
For this fix, you will need to open up your washer.
The latch is responsible for ensuring that the washer’s lid is firmly held in place when locked and it could be jamming, causing the lid to fail to unlock.
And to know if it is in fact the latch/striker that is originating the problem, tug at the latch while inspecting it at the point where it is held by the door catch.
Now, if it gets released by the catch, then it may be the villain- the solution is to swap it out (we recommend this replacement part)
Check your control board
As a last resort, consider changing the control board.
Why?
Well, if this board gets damaged, these washer starts acting weird including the door not unlocking every now and then.
So visually inspect the board for any signs of burning or other wear and tear symptoms and replace it if you spot any signs of the control board being bad (Recommended replacement).
Whirlpool washer lid lock reset – frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Why is my washer stuck on lid lock?
As we have seen above, it could be due to any of the following causes:
- An electrical glitch.
- Using too much detergent.
- Using the wrong detergent type.
- Control lock/child lock is turned on.
- The washer can’t drain.
- Faulty door strike/latch
- Issues with the actuator motor.
Why is the lid lock light flashing on Whirlpool washer?
This is frequently an indication that something is wrong with your washer.
Read our article: Whirlpool washer door locked lights flashing [Fixed] for ideas on what you need to check.
Whirlpool washer lid lock reset – parting words
We hope that this article will help you unlock your Whirlpool washing machine.
One last thing: If you have installed a new part during the repair, do not forget to calibrate your washer – it helps the washer ‘integrate’ its system with the new part (and it can prevent a lot of issues).
Good luck!
Shop Whirlpool washer lid lock replacement
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