Kenmore Washing Machine: lid open during wash cycle

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

If your Kenmore washing machine lid opens during the wash cycle, it may stop mid-cycle or show error codes. This problem can stem from a faulty lid switch, a misaligned latch, or debris affecting the lock mechanism. Identifying the cause is essential to ensure your washer functions properly.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Kenmore Models

  • Kenmore washers use a lid lock safety mechanism that can fail or accumulate debris; alignment of lid striker is a known repair point
  • Some community guides discuss manual override/bypass methods but these compromise safety and should be temporary

Possible Causes

Faulty lid switch / lid lock assembly

How to Identify: Washer stops mid‑cycle or won’t start, lid opens during agitation/spin, error lights on control panel related to lid lock; test continuity with multimeter

Part: Lid switch / lid lock

Misaligned or damaged lid latch/strike

How to Identify: Visual inspection shows lid strike not aligning with latch properly; lid doesn’t seat flush when lowered

Part: Lid latch or strike

Debris or buildup interfering with lock mechanism

How to Identify: Debris visible around lock/latch area; cleaning restores normal operation

Part: Lid lock mechanism

Control board or wiring fault affecting lock control

How to Identify: Other electrical symptoms present (erratic behavior, multiple unrelated errors, continuity tests on wiring show faults

Part: Control board / wiring harness

DIY Solutions

Clean and inspect lid lock area

Easy 10-20 minutes
Tools Needed: soft brush, cloth
  1. Unplug washer
  2. Inspect lid lock and latch area for debris
  3. Use brush/cloth to clean lint/dirt from mechanism
  4. Close lid and test operation
⚠️ Safety First: Always unplug before working on electrical appliances

Check and realign lid latch/strike

Moderate 15-30 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver
  1. Unplug washer
  2. Open lid and inspect latch/strike alignment
  3. Loosen screws slightly, reposition latch for proper alignment
  4. Tighten screws and test lid engagement
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure lid closes securely without forcing

Test lid switch for continuity

Moderate 20-40 minutes
Tools Needed: multimeter, screwdriver
  1. Unplug washer
  2. Access lid switch per model manual
  3. Use multimeter to test continuity when lid closed
  4. Replace switch if no continuity
⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power before testing

Professional Repairs

Replace lid lock / lid switch assembly

Estimated Cost: $40 - $120 for parts

Repair wiring or control board

Estimated Cost: $150 - $350

When to Call a Professional

Lid open error persists after cleaning, alignment, and switch replacement
Visible damage to lock mechanism or wiring harness
Error codes indicating control board failure or repeated electrical faults

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean lid lock area regularly: Debris buildup that can interfere with lid lock engagement
    Frequency: Monthly
  • Inspect latch alignment: Misalignment causing improper lid engagement
    Frequency: Annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Kenmore Washing Machine lid open during wash cycle?
Common causes include a faulty lid switch, misaligned latch, or debris blocking the lock mechanism.
How do I fix Kenmore Washing Machine lid open during wash cycle myself?
You can clean the lock area, realign the latch, or test the lid switch for continuity.
How much does it cost to fix lid open during wash cycle?
Professional repairs for the lid lock or control board typically range from $40 to $350.
When should I call a technician for lid open during wash cycle?
If DIY solutions don't resolve the issue or if you suspect a wiring or control board problem.

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

75%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Lid switch malfunction preventing the machine from detecting the lid status
  • Faulty lid hinge causing the lid to not close properly
  • User error - starting the cycle with the lid open

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Inspect and test the lid switch for continuity. If faulty, replace the lid switch. Steps: 1. Unplug the washer. 2. Remove the control panel. 3. Locate the lid switch and test with a multimeter. 4. Replace if necessary. 5. Reassemble and test the machine.

  2. Check the lid hinge for damage or misalignment. Adjust or replace if needed. Steps: 1. Unplug the washer. 2. Inspect the hinges for wear. 3. Tighten screws or replace hinges if necessary. 4. Test the lid closure.

  3. Ensure the lid is fully closed before starting the wash cycle. If the issue persists, educate users on proper operation.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. Keep finding washing machine lid open, drum full of water.

Community Discussions

lid open, drum full of water

The issue was due to the washer being started with the lid open, causing the cycle to stop at spin.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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