Lid Won’t Lock on Your GE Top Load Washer? Try This Easy Fix

Is your GE top-load washer lid not locking, keeping your laundry on hold? The issue is likely a faulty lid lock, which stops the washer from running properly. Don’t worry, we’ll walk you through troubleshooting and replacing it so you can get back to washing without a service call!

If you need any replacement parts for your GE washer, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

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 need

• 1/4 inch nut driver
• Multimeter
• Narrow pin extensions

Safety tips

Your safety should always be the top priority when performing any appliance repair.

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before you attempt any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by eliminating any risk of electric shock. 
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it. 
• Take your time while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries. Rushing is the enemy of precision.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can see and access appliance parts.
• Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your appliance or replacement part. 
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause personal injury.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.
• 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.
• Always take photos or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting them to make reassembly easier.
• Don’t test live voltage with a multimeter if you’re unfamiliar with how to prevent short-circuiting.
• Consider wearing safety glasses and/or a dust mask when working with chemicals, dust or a large amount of debris to prevent irritation or injury.
• Turn off the water supply at the outlet before beginning repairs. Keep towels ready to catch any residual water in the system when removing parts.

How to fix a GE top-load washer lid that won’t lock

Follow these steps to troubleshoot and repair a GE top-load washer with a lid that won’t lock.

Step 1. Check the lid strike

1. Open the washer lid.
2. Locate the lid strike, which is mounted to the lid with screws.
3. Check that the lid strike is securely mounted.
4. Inspect the lid strike for cracks, wear, or any damage.
5. If the lid strike is damaged, replace it.
6. If the lid strike is in good condition, proceed to test the lid switch.

Step 2. Test the lid switch

1. Unplug the washer for safety.
2. Go to the back of the washer.
3. Use a 1/4-inch nut driver to remove the screws securing the access panel.
4. Slide the access panel to the right to release the tabs and remove it.
5. Pull back on the console and rotate it over to access the control board.
6. Locate the lid switch wiring harness and unplug it by pressing the locking tab.

Step 3. Test the lid switch for continuity

1. Set the multimeter to continuity mode.
2. Insert the test leads into the red and blue wires on the lid switch harness.
3. Check for continuity.
4. If continuity is present, the switch is functioning correctly.
5. If no continuity is detected, the lid switch is faulty and must be replaced.
6. Reconnect the lid switch wiring harness to the board.

Step 4. Test the lid switch lock solenoid for Ohms

NOTE: Generally, for every 1 degree in temperature difference, 2 Ohms could be added or subtracted. If the temperature in your home is cooler, resistance would be subtracted.

1. Set the multimeter to ohms (Ω) mode.
2. Insert the test leads into the white and blue wires on the lid switch harness.
3. Close the washer lid.
4. Check the reading on the multimeter.
5. The reading should be between 60-110 ohms.
6. If the reading is outside this range, the lid switch solenoid is faulty and must be replaced.
7. Reconnect the lid switch wiring harness.

Step 5. Test the main control board

LIVE VOLTAGE WARNING: For this test, the washer needs to be plugged in and powered on. Please be very careful to protect yourself from electric shock, which has the potential to cause serious injuries. Don’t ever test live voltage if you’re uncomfortable using a multimeter.

1. Plug the washer back in.
2. Press and hold the Start button while turning the main control knob 7 clicks in either direction.
3. Release the Start button.
4. Turn the knob clockwise until the lights on the display indicate Test 14.
5. Tilt the control panel forward to expose the control board.
6. Set the multimeter to volts AC (V~).
7. Insert the test leads into the red and blue wires of the lid switch wiring harness.
8. Press the Start button on the control panel to initiate the Spin Test.
9. Check for approximately 120V AC being sent to the lid switch lock.
10. If 120V is present, the control board is functioning correctly.
11. If no voltage is detected, the control board is faulty and must be replaced.

Step 6. Reassemble the washer

1. Unplug the washer.
2. Secure the console by aligning the tabs and pushing it forward to lock it in place.
3. Reinstall the access panel by sliding it left.
4. Use a 1/4-inch nut driver to reinstall the screws securing the access panel.
5. If the lid strike was damaged, replace it.
6. If the lid switch or solenoid failed continuity or ohms testing, replace the lid switch assembly.
7. If the control board is not sending power, replace the main control board.

You made it!

Thanks for sticking with us! We hope this guide got your GE washer back up and running. If you’ve got other appliance repairs on your list, take a look at our other guides and videos for some more help. When you’re ready to order new parts, just grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. You can chat with a pro, check out our DIY blog, view diagrams and more. Don’t forget to subscribe on YouTube and connect with us on Facebook, X and Instagram!