How to replace Whirlpool washer lid latch assembly W10404050

Is your Whirlpool washing machine lid refusing to stay shut during cycles, causing unnecessary interruptions and safety concerns? Discover how a simple fix can restore your machine’s efficiency with our step-by-step guide to replacing the lid latch assembly. Plus, find a handy how-to video just below to walk you through every detail of the process!

The lid latch assembly is an important safety feature of your Whirlpool washing machine. Located inside the washer cabinet near the lid, the latch assembly locks the lid so it stays closed during active wash and spin cycles. A well-functioning latch assembly keeps the washer lid from unexpectedly opening while in use.

Over time, the moving parts inside the latch assembly can wear out and even break. A lid that no longer locks closed during washer cycles needs to be replaced. You may also need to replace it if the bent latch mechanism no longer lines up to fully engage the lid lock.

Replacing the lid latch assembly is a fairly straightforward process. Read on to learn how you can do it yourself.

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.

Watch here: How To: Whirlpool/KitchenAid/Maytag Lid Latch Assembly W10404050

What you need

• 1/4- inch nut driver
• Phillips head screwdriver – to remove the two mounting screws on the existing latch assembly
• Pliers (optional for removing old screws or parts)
• Work gloves (recommended)
• Lid latch assembly part W10404050 
• Rags or paper towels for cleanup

Safety precautions

• Turn off the circuit breaker to power down the washer before working on it to prevent electrical accidents.
• Unplug the washer power cord from the electrical outlet before opening any panels or covers.
• Turn off the water supply to the washer to prevent leaks or flooding. Use pliers to loosen and then unscrew the hot and cold water hoses. Pay attention to each hose so you can put it back in the correct inlet.
• Lay a towel on the floor to catch any water that might spill when disconnecting the hoses.
• Use caution when removing any screws that may be rusted in place to avoid parts slipping and causing injury.
• Wear gloves when handling sharp edges on the internal washer parts and handle all parts carefully.
• Check for any exposed or loose wires inside the washer cabinet before touching any internal parts. Don’t work on the washer if you find damaged wires.
• Keep children and pets away from the work area and open washer while repairs are underway.
• Replace all panels, covers and screws securely when the repair is complete to avoid future issues.

Read more: Washing Machine Won’t Start: Top 7 Problems and Fixes for Top-Loading and Side-Loading Washers

Installation process

1. Lay down towels in the work area.
2. Disconnect the hot and cold water hoses using pliers. Turn off both hot and cold water supplies as well.
3. Remove the back access panels using a 1/4-inch nut driver.
4. Find and detach the lid latch wire harness by pulling out the retainer, pressing the release tabs, and disconnecting the plugs.
5. Use tape to secure the washing machine lid so it doesn’t fall back when it’s opened.
6. Remove the hinge bracket screws with the nut driver.
7. Lift the lid slowly, being careful of the weight. Use a strap to support the lid against the machine or lean it back against the wall while working.
8. Thread the lid latch wire harness up through the hole in the washer tub.
9. Remove the two screws securing the lid latch assembly using the nut driver. Take out the old lid latch assembly.
10. Push the tabs on the bottom to detach the old bezel and replace it with the new one included with the replacement part. The top panel will need to be lowered and the lid will need to be lifted to replace the bezel.
11. Insert the new lid latch assembly by threading the wire harness along the side of the tub and reconnecting all the harness plugs and clips.
12. Carefully lower the washer lid back down and reinstall the hinge brackets and screws. Reconnect the lid switch wire harness.
13. Replace the back access panels and reconnect the water hoses.
14. Remove any securing tape from the lid.
15. Restore power and water supplies to the washer.
16. Test that the new lid latch assembly is working correctly before running a full cycle.

Read more: How to Deep Clean a Washing Machine

More information

Thanks for reading! We hope this article helped you replace the lid latch assembly in your Whirlpool 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.

While you’re waiting for your new part to arrive, you can explore our DIY blog and watch thousands of video tutorials on our YouTube channel.

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