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Dealing with a washing machine that won't stop filling with water can be a frustrating experience.
Amana Washer lid lock not working
Common reasons your Amana Washer lid lock not working
The most common reasons your Amana washer lid lock is not working are a broken lid lock, defective electronic control board or a damaged wire connector.
49% of the time it's the Lid Lock
19% of the time it's the Electronic Control Board
15% of the time it's the Wire Connector
17% of the time it's the Something else
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Most common repairs needed to fix a Amana washer
Lid Lock Replacement
When a washer lid lock is not working, check for debris inside the lid catch area that may be preventing the lid strike from pushing down fully into the catch. Unplug the washer and clean that area if you find anything jammed in the lid lock catch. If you find no problems there, then you’ll likely need to have a service technician check the lid lock and replace that component if it’s defective. It’s difficult for most homeowner’s to diagnose and repair an Amana lid lock assembly on their own. A technician will be able to safely test the lid lock and replace it if it’s bad. Our Sears Home Services technician will replace the lid lock with an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) replacement part when available or an Amana-authorized substitute part if necessary to fix the washer.
Electronic Control Board Replacement
The electronic control board sends electrical current to the lid lock to activate the latch and lock the lid shut at the start of the wash cycle in an Amana washer. If the relay for the lid lock on the electronic control board is bad, the control board won’t send the current to the lid lock to activate the latch. Corrupted internal logic in the control board can also prevent the board from sending current to the lid lock to lock the lid shut. A technician will need to test the electronic control board to see whether it is sending current to the lid lock to lock the lid shut at the start of the wash cycle. If the control board is defective, the technician will replace that part.
Wire Connector Replacement
A bad wiring connector in the lid lock circuit can prevent the lid lock from latching the lid shut when you start a wash cycle. The wiring harness in an Amana washing machine uses wiring connectors to attach wires to the electronic control board and the lid lock assembly. If a wiring connector is bad, electrical current won’t flow through the connector from the electronic control board to the lid lock assembly to activate the latch. Damage to a wiring connector isn’t always visible. A technician often needs to check the wiring connectors in the lid lock circuit using a multimeter. If the technician finds a bad wiring connector, it will need to be repaired or replaced.
How to fix a washer that won't lock?
When your Amana washer won’t lock, you’ll likely need to replace a defective lid or door lock assembly.
A failed electronic control board or other problems can also prevent the lid or door from locking.
How to replace the washer lid lock assembly
Follow the steps in this safe DIY video to replace the lid lock assembly in your top-load washer:
- Unplug the washer power cord from the wall outlet.
- Turn off the water supply valves for the washer.
- Wear work gloves to protect your hands.
- Have someone help you move the washer away from the wall.
- Lift the top panel: Tape the lid shut so it doesn’t flop open and damage the control console or hit your arms as you work. Remove the top screws on the 2 hinge brackets on the back of the washer. Remove the screw from the wire cover and pull it off of the washer. Slide the top panel forward about half an inch and then raise the front of the top panel up about a quarter of an inch. With the panel still raised slightly, push the panel back about a quarter of an inch to release it from the brackets. Lift the top panel and prop it against the wall behind the washer.
- Using a 1/4-inch nut driver, remove the 2 mounting screws that secure the lid switch/lock assembly to the top panel. Release the lid switch/lock assembly from the top panel. The lid switch/lock assembly is still attached to the wire harness. Let it hang from the wire harness for now. Use a slot screwdriver to release the wire harness from the clips on the side of the top panel. Pry out the white plastic wire harness clip at the back of the front panel. The wire harness is still connected to the electronic control board inside the console. Release the white plastic clip from the top panel—don't remove the white plastic clip or pull the wire harness out yet.
- Carefully lower the top panel and rest it on the top of the washer. Remove the 2 screws from the top of the back panel of the console. Push back on the control panel while sliding a putty knife under the right corner of the control panel to release the mounting clip. Repeat on the left side to release the console. Lay the console on the top of the washer.
- Locate the wire harness connection for the lid switch/lock assembly on the back of the control board (The lid switch/lock harness has yellow, blue, white and red wires on the washer used in this repair guide). Release the locking tab and pull the lid switch/lock assembly wire harness plug out of the receptacle on the electronic control board. Thread the lid switch/lock assembly wire harness through the hole in the back of the top panel where you released the white plastic clip. Release the tape on the lid and open the washer lid. Pull the lid switch/lock assembly out of the washer. Tape the lid shut again.
- Snap the console back into the mounting clips. Move the washer near the back wall. Lift the top panel and prop it securely against the back wall behind the washer. Push the end of the wire harness into the hole at the back of the top panel. Push the white plastic wire harness clip into the hole and snap it into place. Route the wire harness into the side of the top panel and secure the wire harness in the clips on the side of the top panel. Position the lid switch/lock assembly on the top panel and secure it with the mounting screws. Carefully lower the top panel. Engage the brackets by pulling the panel forward about a quarter of an inch until the panel drops and the brackets engage. Push the panel back about a quarter of an inch to lock it flush with the frame. Release the clips and open the console to access the electronic control board. Plug the wire harness into the correct connector on the electronic control board. Make sure that the locking tab snaps into place.
- Reassemble the washer. Restore electrical power and the water supply to the washer.
How to Replace the washer door lock assembly
Follow the steps shown in this safe DIY repair video to replace the washer door lock assembly:
If you’re not completely confident that you can replace the washer door lock or lid lock assembly in your washer, or you’re not sure whether that component is causing the locking failure, schedule washer repair service to have a Sears Home Services technician visit your home and repair the washer.
What to expect when you experience an Amana washer lid lock not working
Fixing an Amana washer lid lock that is not working
Repairing most problems with an Amana washer lid lock that is not working involves replacing a bad lid lock assembly, installing a new electronic control board or finding and fixing or replacing a bad wiring connector. Broken wiring in the circuit can also prevent the lid lock from working. Figuring out what’s wrong when the lid lock isn’t working your Amana washer typically requires testing the components and circuit using a multimeter. A technician will first examine the components and wiring in the lid lock circuit for any signs of visible damage and replace any parts that are physically damaged. Next, the tech will check for continuity through the circuit and test the control board to see if it’s sending current the lid lock assembly. Most of the time, only one defective part is causing the problem, but sometimes multiple parts will need to be replaced to fix a problem with the Amana washer lid lock not working.
What to do when your Amana washer lid lock is not working
Sometimes, resetting the electronic control board in your Amana washer will restore the proper operation of the circuit board and lid lock assembly. Follow these steps to reset the electronic control board in your Amana washer:
- Unplug the washer power cord to completely disconnect electrical power from the machine.
- Leave the power cord unplugged for 2 minutes.
- Plug the power cord back in to restore electrical power to the washer.
The control board will reboot and reset when you restore power. Start a wash cycle to test the washer and see if the lid lock works. If not, set up washer repair services and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to fix the problem.
What to expect when fixing an Amana washer lid lock that is not working
When a Sears Home Services technician visits your home to fix an Amana washer lid lock that is not working, the tech will first start a cycle and verify the failure. During that test, the tech may notice problems with the control board, circuit or lid lock assembly that point to the source of the problem. The technician will examine the components and test them using a multimeter and diagnostic tests. The technician will repair or replace the component or parts that is preventing the lid lock from working and test the proper operation of the washer.
If your Amana washer’s lid won’t lock, the machine may refuse to start or spin for safety reasons. A broken latch or control sensor typically triggers this failure. Rather than forcing the lid shut, schedule a washer fixer near me. Repairing the lock mechanism restores proper operation and a safe spin cycle.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why won’t my Amana washer’s lid lock engage?
A faulty lid lock assembly, broken lid switch, or wiring issues can prevent the lock from activating. Unplug the washer before troubleshooting electrical parts.
How do I replace a defective lid lock assembly?
Remove the top panel and disconnect the wiring harness from the lock. Install the new lock assembly, ensuring all connectors are secure.
Can a misaligned lid cause the lock to fail?
Yes. If the lid doesn’t align properly with the striker, the sensor may not detect a closed lid. Adjust or replace the striker if needed.
When do I need professional help for an Amana washer lid lock problem?
If replacing the lock assembly or adjusting alignment doesn’t fix it, the control board or wiring harness could be damaged. A technician can perform advanced diagnostics.
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