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Customer Questions and Answers for Washer Lid Switch by Whirlpool

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Manufacturer Part
4.89 (64)
By: Whirlpool
Part Number: OEM18038235
Manufacturer Part Number: WP8318084

Washer won't start, agitate, or spin? A faulty lid switch is the likely cause. This safety switch is easy to replace in under 5 minutes with basic tools.

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Questions & Answers

For Whirlpool Washer Lid Switch (Part Number: OEM18038235)

Greg for Model Number MVWC6ESWW1

Original lid switch #8318084 plastic clip broke and wouldn't stay in place snug enough, so I ordered a new switch. With new switch installed, washer failed to start or run. Put old switch back in but wedged it in so washer lid would click and make it run. During all this fussing, another sensor switch (water sensor) failed, part #W10248240. Replaced it and washer acted normal for several months. Now the wedged lid switch is not working and ordered a second switch and installed it, however, it still won't run. Washing machine will run with a jumper wire. What am I overlooking?

1 Answer

Greg, commonly the hinge that activates the lid switch gets slightly bent out of place or becomes loosened from screws backing out. This will cause it from being able to activate the lid switch properly. Inspecting the hinge screws to see if they have loosened would be recommended. Unfortunately, as the hinge WPW10225136 has been discontinued, if it has bent, it could be carefully bent back into place.

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1 Answer

Jhonny, based on the information provided, it sounds like the timer WP8577356 contacts are switching out early and causing the neutral in the transmission to switch over to the spin mode. The timer is supposed to run the motor while the transmission is in a neutral position for 2 minutes to allow the water to properly drain before pausing and going into spin. In regards to the water drain, the standpipe should be no more than 39" to 72" in height from the bottom of the washer. The impeller of the drain pump may not be working properly, but verifying the drain pathway would be the first step necessary.

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1 Answer

Leslie, You can run an insulated jumper between the two colored wires to bypass the lid switch. Remember the green is ground so it would be the two other wires. We do not recommend using the washer in this state, only to allow the unit to drain. A jumper could cause heat and damage components or worse.

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1 Answer

Jenny, the main wire harness [3958082] would be the part you would need to correct this issue.

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1 Answer

Steve, Check to make sure nothing is stuck in the molex of the wire harness. That is the correct part for the model you provided.

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1 Answer

Tom, you will certainly want to test the lid switch for continuity by removing the wires and testing from the gray wire connection of the switch to the white wire side of the switch. With the lid closed, it should have continuity, if not then it will need to be changed out WP8318084. If the lid switch tests good, then you will want to check the drain pump for any kind of blockage by removing it from the motor while leaving the tubing connected. Once removed from the motor, you should be able to turn the unit on in a spin mode and if it spins that will tell us that the drain pump is blocked up and would need to be replaced [WP3363394] as the motor for spinning runs the drain pump as well.

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1 Answer

Shaun, by leaving the lid switch unplugged, the unit will not agitate or spin. The purpose of the lid switch is to act as a safety device so that when the washer is in use, if the lid is opened it stops the agitation and spin to prevent injury to the user. To correct the wire terminal, you would want to change out the wiring 3957494 so that the unit can operate as intended.

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1 Answer

Hello Danielle, If the cold water is turned on and water pressure is being supplied to the unit and no screens are stopped up, the water valve WP3979346 will be the issue.

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1 Answer

Jeff, If you use a putty knife at the front corner of the control panel on either side you will push under the panel and push a spring clip and lift up on the control. Do this on both sides and the control panel will roll up so you can gain access to the lid switch.

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