Whirlpool Washer Lid Lock Failure & Spinning Issues

Quick Answer

If your Whirlpool washer won't spin or the lid lock light is flashing, the most likely cause is a broken plastic lid strike or a failed lock solenoid. First, inspect the plastic hook on the underside of the lid to see if it is cracked or missing.

Most of the time when I show up for this one, it's a $12 plastic strike that snapped clean off. Twenty-minute fix. But if you ignore it, the board eventually locks you out completely and won't start at all, and you risk getting stuck mid-drain with a tub full of water. The lock's a safety circuit, so the machine won't let you skip it.

WhirlpoolWasherSeverity: highDifficulty: intermediate95% DIY Success

Time to Fix

20–45 min

Difficulty

intermediate

Parts Cost

$12 – $85

Tools Needed

Phillips #2 screwdriver, Flat-head putty knife (to pop the top panel clips)

What Does the LID-LOCK-FAILURE Code Mean?

Don't let a broken lid strike ruin your whole laundry day. Honestly, most Whirlpool lid lock problems come down to either a worn plastic hook or a fried solenoid coil, and you can usually figure out which one in about five minutes flat. Fixing it yourself runs $20 to $100 in parts, way cheaper than the $250-plus a tech will charge just to show up.

Most Likely Causes

Based on aggregated repair data, here is the probability breakdown for this error code:

Failed lid lock solenoid or motor40%

Cracked or broken plastic lid strike35%

Misaligned or bent lid hinges15%

Frayed wiring harness or control board fault10%

Symptoms You May Notice

The lid lock light flashes over and over instead of going solid, no matter how firmly you close the lid.
Machine fills with water, maybe even agitates a little, then just sits there and never moves into spin.
You can hear it clicking, three times in a row, pause, three more times, as the solenoid tries and fails to lock the lid repeatedly.
When you close the lid there's a small gap or it sits crooked, because a hinge bent or the lid frame got warped from impact.
It gets stuck mid-cycle with the lid locked shut and a drum full of soaking wet laundry you can't get to.

Can you reset a Whirlpool washer to clear the LID-LOCK-FAILURE code?

After your repair, unplug the washer for a full minute. Plug it back in, then open and close the lid three times within 12 seconds. This clears the 'Lid Open' fault from memory on most modern Whirlpool top-load models. If it doesn't clear on the first try, unplug for five minutes and try again.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

Phillips #2 screwdriverFlat-head putty knife (to pop the top panel clips)1/4-inch nut driverDigital multimeterFlashlight or headlampNeedle-nose pliersWire stripperHeat-shrink butt connectors

Service / Diagnostic Mode

Turn knob Left (1), Right (3), Left (1), Right (1) within 6 seconds.

Diagnostic Checklist

Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.

ComponentComponent Under Test

Expected Range40–150 ohms

ConditionIf Open (OL) or infinite, replace component.

Replacement Parts

If your diagnostic testing proves the component has failed, you will need a replacement. We recommend OEM parts over aftermarket for water-handling components.

Part Name	OEM Number	Estimated Price
Lid Lock AssemblyW10443037 · $45–$85	W10443037	$45 – $85
Lid StrikeW10240513 · $12–$25	W10240513	$12 – $25

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bypass the lid lock on my Whirlpool washer?

No, and I'd really push back on trying this one. Modern Whirlpool washers use a logic-based system that checks for specific resistance and timing from the lock circuit. If you try to jump the wires, the board detects the bypass and throws more error codes. More importantly, it's a genuine safety hazard because that drum spins at serious RPM and without the lock confirmed, there's nothing stopping the lid from flying open mid-spin. Just replace the $15 part.

Why does my lid lock click three times and then stop?

That's the machine trying to find the strike. Three attempts, then it gives up and throws the error light. It's usually a misaligned strike hitting the side of the lock hole, or debris inside the mechanism jamming the solenoid plunger. Clean out the lock hole with a damp cloth first, then check the strike alignment. If it's clean and aligned and still clicking three times, the solenoid plunger itself is probably sticking and the whole lock assembly needs replacing.

Do I need to replace the entire lid if the glass is broken?

Yeah, on most modern Whirlpool models the glass is factory-bonded to the lid frame and you can't replace just the glass. You need the whole lid assembly, which runs about $80 to $180 depending on your model. But here's the thing, if only the plastic strike is cracked or the lock itself failed, you don't need a new lid at all. Those parts replace individually. Save the whole-lid replacement for actual shattered glass or cracks in the frame itself.

How do I get my clothes out if the lid is stuck locked?

Unplug the washer first, then reach under the front of the top panel and feel around for a small plastic tab on the bottom of the lock assembly. Pulling that tab releases the lock bar manually. If you can't find it, just wait about ten minutes after unplugging. The solenoid cools down and the spring sometimes relaxes enough to let you open it. If neither works, pop the top panel with your putty knife, which takes about 30 seconds, and push the lock bar manually with a flat-head screwdriver.

What part number is the lid lock for my Whirlpool washer?

The most common replacement is WPW10404050 for the full lock assembly and W10238287 for just the lid strike. Most Whirlpool top-loaders from 2010 onward use the same WPW10404050 lock, so that's a good place to start. To be sure, grab your model number off the sticker inside the lid frame or on the back panel and search your exact model on any appliance parts site. Takes 30 seconds and saves you from ordering the wrong part.

Related Whirlpool Washer Error Codes

Code: F5 E1Whirlpool Washer F5 E1: Lid Lock Error Code: F5 E2Whirlpool Washer F5 E2: Lid Repair Guide

Same Fix on Other Brands

Maytag washerLID-LOCK: Maytag Washer Lid Lock Replacement

Same Fix Works on These Brands

Whirlpool shares the same hardware platform with these brands. The diagnosis and repair steps are identical.

Maytag washerAll Maytag Washer Error Codes: Complete Lookup Guide Maytag washerHow to Reset a Maytag Washer (3 Methods That Work)Maytag washerMaytag Washer Troubleshooting: Fix 12 Common Problems Maytag washerMaytag Washer F21: Drain Pump Clog or Failure Maytag washerMaytag F03 E01: Pressure Switch or Water Level Fault Maytag washerMaytag F0 E3 Error: Pressure Switch Malfunction

Models Known to Experience LID-LOCK-FAILURE Errors

This repair applies to most Whirlpool washers with this error code. Common model numbers include:

WTW4816FW2, WTW5000DW0, WTW7000DW0, WTW8500DC0, MVWB765FW0, WTW6120HC0, MVWC465HW0

Written by

Mike Sullivan

Lead Appliance Repair Technician · 20 years experience

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 17, 2026