If your washing machine isn't working the way that it should, there could be a number of things going on. One thing that can cause all sorts of trouble is the lid switch. Here, you'll learn what problems are caused when a lid switch goes bad and what you need to do to resolve the issue.
Problems Caused by a Failing Lid Switch
If you are experiencing any or a combination of these issues, the problem may be caused by a failing lid switch.
Test the Switch
Unplug the washing machine -- you don't want to be working on the machine while electricity is flowing through it. If you can't get to the plug easily, shut off the breaker powering the outlet.
The striker and switch mechanism tells the washing machine that the lid is securely closed. If the striker and switch get coated with laundry detergent, the contacts won't engage and the washing machine will think that the door is still open.
Soak a Q-tip in white vinegar to clean the striker and switch. If the parts are caked up pretty badly with detergent, soak a cotton ball with the vinegar, place it over the striker and switch and leave it to sit for a while. Clean the parts as well as you can.
As you're cleaning the parts, look for any signs of damage. The thin metal strip that contacts the striker plate can get bent out of shape, preventing the contact that it needs. To see if the contacts are meeting as they should, rub some chalk on the striker and close the lid. Open it up and see where it made contact with the plate. If the plate doesn't have the chalk on it, the two components aren't meeting and it may need to be bent back into position or replaced.
Use an electrical multimeter tool to test the switch to be sure that it is carrying the electrical current that it should be. Touch the striker with one probe and the plate with the other. If the reading shows infinity, the switch must be replaced.
Talk with your local washer repair technician for assistance getting your machine running again. He or she will diagnose the problem and get things washing again in no time.
Share29 May 2018
After I purchased my first home, I realized that there were a few issues with my kitchen appliances. It just seemed like nothing worked like it should, and it was really frustrating. To ward off problems in the future, I started looking around for an appliances repair services business that could help. I was able to find a great company that came out, evaluated our equipment, and made the necessary changes. This blog is all about the different things to look for if your appliances start to fail. You never know, you might be able to ward off some serious expenses in the future.