How To Bypass Maytag Washer Lid Lock

The lid lock is an important safety feature on a Maytag washer. When in high spin speeds, the washer runs at a very high rpm. Whenever the tub is spinning, the lid automatically locks for safety reasons. When this happens, the lid lock light will be lit. Canceling the cycle and turning off the washer doesn’t immediately stop the tub from spinning. The tub has to coast to a complete stop. While the tub is coasting down, the lid lock light will blink, indicating that the lid cannot be opened. Once the tub comes to a complete stop, the lid should unlock and the lid lock light should turn off. However, this doesn’t always happen. If the lock doesn’t open, you’ll have to bypass the lid lock.

To bypass the lid lock on a Maytag washer, reset the entire appliance. Turn the washer off and unplug it or turn off the circuit breaker > wait 1-2 minutes for residual electricity to drain from the appliance > restore power to the washer and turn it on. The washing machine should be reset and working normally.

A second way to bypass the lid lock is to press the “Cycle Signal” button on the washer’s control panel. This deactivates the machine’s lock controls. Then check if the lid lock light is turned off and try to open the lid.

There is also a physical method you can use to bypass the lid lock itself, which I’ll explain later in the article.

Never try to bypass your washer’s lid lock while the tub is spinning. If you get caught by the spinning tub it could cause an injury.

How To Bypass The Lid Lock On A Maytag Washer

The best way to bypass lid lock on a Maytag washer is to reset the machine. The lid lock automatically locks the lid when the washer tub is spinning to prevent accidents. This is a safety feature found in all modern Maytag washers. Normally, the lock will unlock once the tub stops spinning, however, sometimes it can get stuck.

When the lid lock gets stuck in the locked position, it’s usually a software issue, not a mechanical problem with the lock itself. For this reason, the best way to bypass lid lock is to reset the appliance.

To reset a Maytag washer and bypass the lid lock, do the following:

Turn the washing machine off.
Unplug the washer or turn off the circuit breaker.
Wait 1 to 2 minutes for residual electricity to drain out of the washer’s circuits.
Restore power to the machine.
Turn the washer back on, it should be reset and working normally.

If the lid lock being stuck in the locked position was caused by a software malfunction, a glitch or a bug, it should be fixed after the reset and the light should be off. However, if the lid still won’t open, the problem is with the lock itself.

How To Physically Bypass Lid Lock On A Maytag Washer?

Maytag washers are some of the best washing machines on the market. They come in a variety of models, some of which have a magnetic lid lock switch and some have a mechanical switch. Depending on which model you have, there are different methods for bypassing the lid switch.

Before attempting to bypass the lid switch, I recommend resetting the machine. If the lid lock is stuck in the locked position due to a software error, glitch, or bug, a reset will usually open it.

Resetting the washer reboots its software and clears short term memory and errors, which also resets the lid lock.

If you have one of the models that uses a magnetic switch on the latch, you can bypass it with your own magnet. To bypass the lid lock, hold your magnet next to the switch. The magnet will simulate the lid and trick the switch into opening.
If you have a Maytag Bravos washer with a mechanical switch that’s built into the lock latch, you’ll have to unscrew the latch from the lid. Once the lock is exposed it’s easy to open manually.

Never try to bypass the lid lock while the washer is spinning. The tub spins at a very fast rpm and can cause injury.

How To Disable Lid Lock Switch On Maytag Washer

The lid lock switch on a Maytag washer can be permanently bypassed by short circuiting the switch. If the switch is broken, this is a way to test the washer before a replacement part can be installed. However, I don’t recommend using the washer with a bypassed switch to do laundry. The lid lock is a safety feature that prevents someone from opening the lid when the washer tub is spinning.

In order to bypass a Maytag washer lid lock, do the following:

Unplug the washer from the power source or flip the circuit breaker.
Locate the lid lock switch assembly by unscrewing part of the top lid. The lid lock assembly is usually found on the underside of the lid or the top of the washer’s cabinet.
Once you’ve found the lid lock switch, disconnect all the wires connected to it. Usually the wires are red and blue or yellow and green. Use a multimeter to check to test continuity of the lock switch.
In order to bypass the lid lock, connect the two switch wires (usually red and blue or yellow and green) to create a short circuit. This makes the washing machine think the lid is locked even though it isn’t, which allows the washer to work with an open lid.
Wrap the the two wires in black electrical tape.
Put the assembly back together.

Restore power to the washer and test out the lid lock. The washer should work normally and allow you to open the lid now that the lock has been bypassed.

Be very careful if you use this method to bypass the lid lock. Operating a washer without a lid lock can be dangerous if you open the lid while the drum is spinning.

How To Disable Lid Lock On A Maytag Centennial Washer

The Centennial washer is another fantastic washing machine made by Maytag. It comes equipped with a lid lock switch which can be bypassed if it malfunctions.

Like all Maytag washers, the best way to bypass the lid lock is to reset the machine. If the lid lock becomes stuck in the locked position, reset the washer to reboot its software and unlock the switch.

To reset a Maytag Centennial washer, turn it off and unplug it or flip the breaker > wait 1-2 minutes > restore power to the machine > turn the washer on and try to open the lid. If the lid is locked due to a software problem, it should now be unlocked.

If the lid remains locked shut, try a manual bypass.

In order to bypass the lid lock, do the following.

Turn the washer off.
Unplug the washer or flip the breaker.
Locate the lid lock switch. Normally, it’s found on the underside of the lid near the front of the washing machine.
Take the lid lock apart and find the two wires, usually blue and red or yellow and green.
Connect the two wires together to short circuit the lid lock. This tricks the washer into thinking the lid lock is locked.
Tape the two wires together with black electrical tape.
Restore power to the washer and run a short test cycle.
The lid should open and close during the cycle.

Be very careful if you use this method to bypass the lid lock. I only recommend using it to test the machine as it operates, not to bypass the lid lock on a long term basis. Operating a washer without a lid lock can be dangerous if you open the lid while the drum is spinning.

Risks Of Disabling Maytag Washer Lid Lock

Bypassing the lid lock on your Maytag washer can be dangerous if you open the lid during a wash cycle. It can also cause damage to the machine and may void the warranty. I do not recommend physically bypassing the lid lock on your washer even though it’s possible to do so.

The best way to bypass a lid lock that’s stuck in the locked position is to reset the appliance. If a reset doesn’t work, you can physically bypass the lock to get the lid open and test the machine. But I wouldn’t bypass the lid lock on a long term basis to do laundry.

Safety Concerns: The lid lock protects you from the spinning agitator, which helps avoid injuries. Bypassing the lid lock allows the lid to open during a wash cycle, which can be dangerous. I do not recommend running a wash cycle if the lid lock is bypassed.
Voided Warranty: Tampering with your washer’s wiring could void the warranty.
Potential Appliance Damage: Non-professionals should not touch the washer’s wiring. If a wiring lid lock bypass is done incorrectly, you could damage the machine.

Remember, bypassing the lid lock by short circuiting its wiring can lead to injury, void the warranty, or damage the machine. If your lid lock is stuck in the locked position, reset the appliance to reboot the lid lock. If that doesn’t work, call a repair service for help.

Why Does My Maytag Washer Say Lid Locked?

A Maytag washer’s lid lock switch, locks the lid while the washer tub is spinning. This is a safety feature to prevent people from opening the lid while the agitator is spinning.

Normally, the lid lock engages and disengages automatically to lock and unlock the lid. However, the lock can malfunction and stay locked when it should be open, and the light can come on even when the lid is unlocked.

There are a few reasons why your Maytag washer says lid locked.

Lock Position Issue: If the Lid Lock hasn’t properly moved into the locked position, it triggers the Lid Lock Light to flash.
Lock Motor Power Problem: The light may also appear if the Lock Motor isn’t receiving power, preventing proper locking.
Incomplete Lid Closure: If the lid isn’t entirely closed due to any obstruction, the light can indicate this issue.
Malfunction: The lid lock light could be lit due to a software glitch, error, or bug.

Different models vary in how the lid lock operates:

Some models lock immediately upon starting.
Others wait until the wash cycle begins before locking.

The “lid locked” message alerts you to these potential problems with your washer’s lid and locking mechanism. Normally, the lid lock message simply means the lid is currently locked. However, it can mean other things, so it’s worth looking into if the light is lit or flashing when the lid is open.

Will Resetting Maytag Washer Unlock The Lid?

Yes, resetting your Maytag washer can unlock the lid. Newer machines often use an electrical lock to keep the door closed during cycles. This lock is powered by electricity. When you reset the washing machine, it drains residual power stored inside the washer. As a result, the lock should release, allowing you to open the door.

This can be helpful if you need to access the contents inside the washer while it’s not in operation. Just remember that safety is important, so be cautious when dealing with the electrical components of your appliance.

To reset the washer, turn it off and unplug it or flip the breaker > wait 1-2 minutes for residual electricity to drain out > restore power to the washer > turn it on and the lock should be released.