Whirlpool Lid Switch Bypass

[joefuss1984]

Hello All! I recently purchased a Whirlpool DD Washer, model # WTW5600VQ0. The machine was manufactured in July 2009 and is in impeccable shape. The lid switch is on the left side of the lid, mounted under the top rather than the right side that I am accustomed to seeing them on. I would like to bypass the switch, but I have never done this before. Does anyone have any insights/knowledge on how I do this? Thanks for the info!!

 

[yogitunes]

dont think I ever came across one of the left hand side....

but in any case...flip the control panel up, unplug the lid switch, and insert a jumper wire and some tape and go from there....

 

[joefuss1984]

wire gauge

Yea I was a little surprised that this one was on the left side as well. Does it matter what gauge wire I use?

 

[DADoES]

 
Heavy enough wire to handle the current draw of the motor.

That location is not unusual for DDs in the later years of production.  The switch is actuated by the lid hinge.  An alternative trick I've seen is remove the two hinge screws from the edge of the lid so the hinge can be detached from the lid and turned down as if the lid is closed.  The hinge may need to be taped down or weighted a bit to counter the force of the microswitch internal spring.

 

[combo52]

Bypassing a whirlpool lid switch

Use at least 18 gauge wire, you can also just cut the two wires near the switch and use a small wire nut and connect them together if you don’t want to unbypass it ever, sticking a jumper into the connection block is only a good temporary fix because you don’t get a good enough connection in many cases and if you run it that way it may eventually burn up the jumper and block.

You could also wire a toggle switch in and mount it through the back of the consul and then you could just flip a switch when you want to watch the washer if you want the lid switch to work other times.

 

[jben]

Add the toggle switch

"You could also wire a toggle switch in and mount it through the back of the consul and then you could just flip a switch when you want to watch the washer if you want the lid switch to work other times."

^ This is the way to do it and keep a clean and upgraded look.

 

[joefuss1984]

Any help on wiring that up properly? I can do basic electrical things I just need some directions or a diagram.

 

[yogitunes]

Joe...

visit Lowes, and pick up at toggle switch like this for around $6.00....

flip the top console back, unplug the lid switch temporarily, there are two wires, you dont have to cut them, but you will have to use something like an exacto knife to slice away about 1/2" of insulation off each one, and wrap/attach the two wires from the new switch to each one, and tape securely....

next your going to drill a hole of correct size into the rear of the console, and attach your switch through that opening and secure.....

now plug your lid switch back in and flip the console back over and secure....

in the "on" position, it will work with the lid open....in the "off" position the machine will only operate with the lid closed....

any problems, let us know.....

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Hillman-Single-Pole-Zinc-Compatible-with-LED-Toggle-Light-Switch/1000896670