How to Replace W11394572 Lid Lock Assembly on Whirlpool Top-Load Washer — Step-by-Step

Your Whirlpool washer fills with water, you hear the usual startup sounds, but the drum won't spin. The lid lock indicator flashes or stays dark, and you're stuck with a tub full of wet clothes. If your WTW5105HW2 or WTW6120HC1 won't start and the lid won't lock, you're likely dealing with a failed lid lock assembly — and replacing the W11394572 is more straightforward than hauling the machine to a repair shop.

What You Need Before Starting

This repair takes about 20-30 minutes with basic tools. You'll need:

• 1/4" nut driver or socket set
• Flathead screwdriver
• Towel (to catch residual water)
• Flashlight or work light

Difficulty: Easy — No disassembly of the cabinet required for most models.

Estimated Time: 20-30 minutes

Safety First

Unplug the washer completely before starting. Even though this is a low-voltage component, you'll be working near electrical connections and potentially sharp metal edges inside the lid assembly. If there's water in the tub, run a drain cycle or bail it out manually — you don't want water spilling when you tilt the lid back.

Step 1: Access the Lid Lock Mounting Area

Open the washer lid fully. You'll see the lid lock mechanism mounted on the underside of the top panel, usually near the center or slightly offset. On models like the WTW7120HC0 and WTW8120HW0, it's positioned about 4 inches back from the front edge. Look for a plastic housing with a wire harness connector attached.

Step 2: Disconnect the Wire Harness

Locate the wire connector plugged into the lid lock assembly. Press the release tab and pull straight out — don't yank on the wires themselves. If the connector is stuck from heat or detergent residue, gently wiggle it side to side while pulling. Set the harness aside where it won't fall into the tub.

Step 3: Remove the Old Lid Lock Assembly

The W11394572 is secured with two or three 1/4" screws. Use your nut driver to remove them, supporting the lock assembly with your other hand so it doesn't drop. Once the screws are out, the entire assembly lifts away. Check the mounting surface for cracks or warping — if the plastic is damaged, that's why your lock failed prematurely.

Step 4: Install the New W11394572 Lid Lock

Position the new lid lock assembly in the same orientation as the old one. The strike plate alignment is critical — if it's off by even a few millimeters, the lid won't latch properly. Line up the screw holes and hand-thread the screws first to ensure proper alignment. Then tighten them snugly, but don't overtorque — you're threading into plastic. Reconnect the wire harness until you hear a distinct click.

Step 5: Test the Lid Lock Function

Plug the washer back in and run a rinse-and-spin cycle without any clothes. Close the lid and listen for the lock mechanism to engage — you should hear a soft click within 3-5 seconds. The control panel should show that the lid is locked, and the drum should start spinning. If the lid lock light flashes or the cycle won't start, unplug the machine and recheck your wire connection. A loose connector is the most common cause of continued issues after installation.

Testing After Installation

Run a complete wash cycle to verify everything works correctly. The lid should lock at the start of the cycle and remain locked during high-speed spins. Try gently pulling up on the lid during operation — it should stay firmly locked. After the cycle ends, the lid should unlock automatically within 1-2 minutes. If you have a model like the WTW5100HC0 with a delayed unlock feature, you might need to wait up to 3 minutes post-cycle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this lid lock work on my Kenmore washer?

Yes, if your Kenmore is a rebadged Whirlpool model. The W11394572 replaces W11032875, W11543566, and AP6973174, and it's compatible with many Kenmore 110-series top-loaders made after 2018. Check your model number against the compatibility list or look at your existing lid lock for one of those replacement numbers.

Why does my washer say the lid is open when it's closed?

Either the lid lock assembly has failed (not engaging the strike properly) or the strike plate on the lid itself is misaligned or broken. After replacing the W11394572, if you still get "lid open" errors, inspect the strike plate — it's the small metal or plastic tab on the underside of the lid that the lock grabs onto.

Can I bypass the lid lock temporarily to finish my laundry?

No, and you shouldn't try. The lid lock is a safety feature that prevents the washer from spinning at high speeds with the lid open — which could cause serious injury. Modern Whirlpool control boards won't allow bypass. Replace the lock assembly properly; it only takes 20 minutes and prevents potential safety hazards.