Step-by-step fix
Step 1: Confirm the lid strike is the problem
- Open the washer lid and find the lid strike on the lid edge where it meets the lid lock opening.
- Look for a cracked, bent, loose, or missing strike. Check whether it sits crooked or wiggles when you touch it.
- Close the lid slowly and watch whether the strike lines up cleanly with the lid lock opening.
- If the washer recently stopped starting, stopped after filling, or shows lid-lock trouble, a damaged strike is a common cause when the rest of the lid looks normal.
If it works: You found visible damage, looseness, or poor alignment at the lid strike.
If it doesn’t: If the strike looks solid and lines up normally, the problem may be the lid lock assembly, lid hinge, or control issue instead of the strike.
Stop if:- The lid itself is cracked around the mounting area and will not hold a new strike securely.
- The lid hinge is bent enough that the strike cannot line up with the lock opening.
- You see burned wiring, melted plastic, or signs of electrical damage near the lid lock area.
Step 2: Unplug the washer and get access to the strike
- Turn the washer off and unplug the power cord from the outlet.
- Open the lid fully so the strike is easy to reach and will not shift while you work.
- Set a small cup or tray nearby for screws so nothing falls into the washer or onto the floor.
- Put on gloves if the lid or top panel edges feel sharp.
If it works: The washer is unplugged and the lid strike is fully accessible.
If it doesn’t: If you cannot safely reach the strike with the lid open, reposition the washer slightly for better access before removing anything.
Stop if:- You cannot unplug the washer safely or the outlet area is wet.
- The lid feels unstable or is dropping unexpectedly instead of staying open normally.
Step 3: Remove the old washer lid strike
- Check how the strike is attached. Most are held by one or two screws, while some use locking tabs.
- Remove the mounting screw or screws with the correct screwdriver or nut driver.
- If the strike uses tabs, press the tab gently with a small flat screwdriver and slide or lift the strike out without forcing it.
- Keep the old part and screws together so you can compare them to the replacement.
If it works: The old lid strike is off the washer lid without damaging the mounting area.
If it doesn’t: If the strike will not come free, look again for a hidden second screw or a locking tab before applying more force.
Stop if:- The screw is seized and the mounting area starts cracking or twisting.
- The lid mounting holes are stripped, broken, or enlarged enough that the new strike will not fasten tightly.
Step 4: Match and install the new lid strike
- Compare the new strike to the old one. The shape, mounting points, and height should match.
- Set the new strike into the same position and orientation as the old part.
- Reinstall the original screws or the hardware supplied with the replacement, and tighten them snugly without overtightening.
- If the strike snaps into place, press it in evenly until the tabs fully seat.
- Wiggle the new strike lightly to make sure it sits firm and straight.
If it works: The new washer lid strike is mounted securely and lines up straight with the lid lock opening.
If it doesn’t: If the new part does not sit flush or the holes do not line up, recheck the part match before forcing the installation.
Stop if:- The replacement part is clearly the wrong shape or size for your washer.
- The lid surface is damaged enough that the new strike cannot be secured firmly.
Step 5: Check lid alignment and close the lid by hand
- With the washer still unplugged, close the lid slowly and watch the new strike enter the lid lock opening.
- Listen and feel for smooth entry without scraping, binding, or hitting the edge of the opening.
- Open and close the lid a few times to make sure the strike stays tight and follows the same path each time.
- If needed, snug the mounting screws again so the strike stays centered.
If it works: The strike enters the lock opening smoothly and the lid closes normally.
If it doesn’t: If the strike still misses the opening, inspect the lid hinge and lock area for bending or damage that a new strike will not correct.
Stop if:- The lid must be pushed sideways or forced down to make the strike enter the lock opening.
- The lock opening or surrounding top panel is cracked or shifted out of position.
Step 6: Restore power and verify the repair in real use
- Plug the washer back in.
- Close the lid and start a short wash or rinse cycle that normally requires the lid to be sensed or locked.
- Watch for normal startup behavior, including the washer recognizing the closed lid and moving into the cycle without lid-related errors.
- Let it run long enough to confirm it does not stop again because of a lid-sensing problem.
- Open the lid only when the machine allows it and confirm normal operation after the test.
If it works: The washer starts and continues the cycle normally, and the lid strike holds its position during use.
If it doesn’t: If the washer still will not sense or lock the lid, the next likely checks are the lid lock assembly, lid alignment, or wiring to the lock.
Stop if:- The washer trips a breaker, gives off a burning smell, or shows signs of electrical trouble during testing.
- The lid lock area makes harsh grinding or clicking noises that were not present before.
Replacement Parts
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FAQ
What does a washer lid strike do?
It is the part on the lid that lines up with the lid lock or lid switch area. When the lid closes, the strike helps the washer detect that the lid is shut and, on many models, allows the lid to lock.
How do I know if the lid strike is bad?
A bad lid strike is often cracked, loose, bent, or missing. You may also notice the washer will not start, stops after filling, or reports a lid-lock problem even though the lid is closed.
Can I use the washer with a broken lid strike?
Usually no. If the washer cannot sense or lock the lid correctly, it may not run at all or may stop mid-cycle. Replacing the strike is the safer fix.
Do I need to remove the whole washer top to replace the lid strike?
Usually not. On many washers, the lid strike is mounted directly to the lid and can be replaced from above with basic hand tools.
What if a new lid strike does not fix the problem?
If the new strike fits and lines up correctly but the washer still will not start or lock, the problem may be the lid lock assembly, lid hinge alignment, or wiring to the lock.