If you’re like me, you have a Kenmore washing machine. And if you’re like me, then you know that the lid switch on the washing machine is a pain in the butt. It’s very difficult to do kenmore washer lid switch bypass.
Well, here’s a solution to bypassing that pesky lid switch so you can easily and conveniently wash your clothes without having to worry about it. Happy laundering!
Contents
What is the Kenmore lid switch bypass, and why would you need it?
The machine has a built-in safety feature to prevent the washer from operating if the lid is open. This feature is usually called a ‘lid switch,’ It interrupts or disables power to the washer so that you can’t accidentally injure yourself with it while your hands are in the washing machine basin.
However, when you try to defeat this safety feature, you are faced with a problem. It’s near impossible to bypass the lid switch on most models of Kenmore washers without knowing how since they make getting to it inside the machine extremely difficult. So here I am with a solution!
How to install the Kenmore lid switch bypass?
So you want to know how to do it, eh? Well, let’s get started! Here’s what you’ll need for installation:
-A multimeter (optional)
- Unplug your Kenmore washer.
- Remove the console on top of the washing machine that holds all of your buttons, settings, etc.
There are usually four screws under it holding it in place, two on each side. There will be a hole where you can plug your washer back in once it’s removed.
You can leave the lid switch plugged in if you choose to do so for convenience’s sake, but this is unnecessary and never hurts to disconnect them anyway to be safe.
I recommend doing this step last because while some people have reported being able to disconnect it without removing the cover/console by reaching through the front of the machine with some needle nose pliers or an insulated screwdriver, others have said they were unable to get enough grip on the plug to pull it out.
Installing Essentials
- Locate the lid switch inside the machine.
- Disconnect the power supply to the washer by simply taking your multimeter, placing it in Ohms mode, and touching both probes to where you disconnected the power supply from the machine (the same place shown above). If you hear a beep or see 1 or 0 displayed on your meter, then that means there is still power getting through, which means you didn’t disconnect it properly! Try again until either nothing happens when you touch those two points with your probes OR you hear/see an ‘O’ displayed on your meter.
- At this point, you are ready for the installation of the bypass!
- Plug the two sets of prongs on either side of your new bypass plug into those power supply points, as shown below:
- Take a paper clip and insert it into the hole on the right side of the washer, as shown in the photo. This is how you will now start your machine if you have disconnected the lid switch from the circuit board inside your washing machine! It looks like this:
- Congratulations! You’ve now successfully installed a Kenmore Lid Switch Bypass.
Can You Bypass Lid Lock-On Kenmore Washer?
The lid lock on a Kenmore washer prevents the lid from being opened. This protects clothes during washing and keeps children or pets out of the tub. If the lid lock is broken or not functioning, the washer control board triggers an alarm after 30 minutes of washing that can only be turned off by pressing a combination of buttons. The washer requires service to reprogram the control board for a new code if this happens.
Will Washer Work Without Lid Lock?
When the lid lock is functioning properly, it’s important for safety reasons. However, many people have a washer without a working lid lock and want to know if they can still use the washer after removing it. Unfortunately, there isn’t an easy way to bypass or replace the lid lock on a Kenmore front load washer.
How Do I Know If My Washer Lid Switch Is Bad?
When the lid switch malfunctions, it prevents your machine from filling with water. It also disables the timer because the machine monitors when to stop cleaning clothes during a cycle. If you see an error code F1 or F2, this means that the lid switch needs to be replaced.
How Do You Test A Lid Switch On A Kenmore Washer?
With a voltage tester, you can determine if the lid switch is the problem. Disconnect the power supply from your washer and connect a wire to each voltage probe of your tester. Touch one probe against one side of the wire going into your machine and touch the other probe to the other part of this wire type. If the tester doesn’t beep, this means there is still electricity reaching your machine. If the tester beeps or shows anything other than 0, this means there is no power getting through to your washer, and you need to call a service technician for repairs.
FAQ: Kenmore Washer Lid Switch Bypass
Q: Will this work on all Kenmore washers?
A: No, there are many different models of Kenmore washers with differing styles of wiring harnesses running from the lid switch to the main control board. This bypass works on most Kenmore washers, but a few models may not be compatible with it.
Q: What about other brands?
A: It shouldn’t matter what brand of washing machine you have. If your machine has a lid switch connector and operates similarly to Kenmore’s, this should work for you.
Q: What happens if I have a lid switch bypass and I need to replace the lid switch?
A: Nothing bad at all! Just unplug the washer first, remove the wire from the first one prong, then the other prong on your new lid switch connector, and plug it back in once you install the new lid switch.
That’s all about Kenmore Washer Lid Switch Bypass. Share this blog post to be more informative!
