How to replace the lid switch assembly on a GE washing machine

Is your GE washer refusing to spin? The lid switch assembly might be the culprit behind this frustrating problem. Don’t worry though—replacing it is easier than you think, and we’ve got a step-by-step video guide right below to show you how!

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The lid switch assembly on a GE Washer is a safety device that detects whether the washer’s lid is open or closed. When the lid switch assembly malfunctions, it can prevent the washer from spinning. The good news is that replacing the lid switch assembly is a relatively simple repair that you can undertake on your own, saving you time and money. Let’s get started on replacing the lid switch assembly and get your washer back to in working condition!

Watch here: How To: GE Lid Switch Assembly WH12X10531

The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. We recommend consulting your manufacturer’s documentation or contact us with any questions.

What you’ll need

• Torx-20 screwdriver
• Putty knife
• 1/4” nut driver
• Pliers
• Phillips screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver 
• Towel

Safety precautions

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before attempting any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of injury from electric shock.
• Turn off the water supply at the outlet before beginning repairs to any appliance parts that hold water. Have towels ready for any residual water in the system when removing parts. 
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts, pinching hazards and debris.
• Don’t test wiring with a multimeter for live voltage if you’re unfamiliar with how to prevent short circuiting when testing. 
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
• Take your time and don’t rush while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access the interior parts.
• Clear your workspace of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with bare wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check your user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions for your part or appliance. 
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause injury.
• Wear safety glasses when working with chemicals, dust or cleaning large debris to prevent injury. 
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time for any heating parts to cool down before working on it. 

Replacement steps

Removal 

1. Use a Torx 20 driver to remove the four screws located at the back of the console that secure the console in place.
2. Once the screws are removed, lift the console out and disconnect it from the top and bottom. This will allow you to remove the front panel.
3. To remove the front panel, use a putty knife to release the two clips that hold it in place. Locate the clips, which are about four inches in from the corners and align with the lid seam. Insert the putty knife from the side, hit it to release the clip, then move over a bit, press it in, and release it. Repeat this process for the other clip. Once both clips are released, pull the panel out and set it aside.
4. Temove the two quarter-inch screws that hold the top of the washer to the cabinet.
5. Open up the console and disconnect the wire harness for the lid switch. Press on the connectors to release them and separate the two parts. Lay the console back in place.
6. Lift the top of the washer slightly forward to release it from the tabs, then lift it up and angle it out to remove it from the machine.
7. Place a towel on top of the washer to protect the surface. Set the top of the washer on the towel, allowing easy access to the lid switch.
8. Before removing the lid switch, disconnect the wire harness attached to it. Lift the top carefully, hold it up, and use a small pair of pliers to release the wire harness clip. Push the clip through the hole and pull it out from the backside. Once released, set the top back down.
9. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the screw holding the lid switch assembly in place. Then, use a flathead screwdriver to release the two clips on one end of the assembly, which are connected to the magnet underneath. Lift that side of the assembly slightly and pull it off the top of the washer.

Installation 

1. Align the new lid switch assembly with the screw opening and snap it into place. Secure it by using a Phillips screwdriver to put the screw back in.
2. Route the wire harness up and secure it in place with the provided clip. Lift the top, turn it over, and place it back on the washer. Make sure that the tabs on the top align with the corresponding openings on the washer’s body. Push the top back and lock it in place.
3. Reconnect the lid switch wire harness by aligning the two sides and plugging them together. 
4. Lower the console down, making sure the three tabs on the console go into the openings on the top of the washer.
5. Use a quarter-inch nut driver to insert screws into the console to secure the top to the cabinet.
6. Place the front panel back on by aligning the bottom onto the two support brackets. Lift it up and line up the four pins to snap the front panel into place.
7. Use a Torx 20 screwdriver to secure the screws into the console.
8. Plug the washer back in, turn the water back on, and test the washer to check for any problems.

Additional information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the lid switch assembly on your GE washer. 

If you still need some replacement parts, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. We offer over two million parts and most orders arrive in two business days. If you need some help with finding the right part or placing an order, you can contact our team at 1 (877) 477-7278.

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