Is the lid on your washer cracked, loose, or refusing to latch? Don’t worry. Swapping the whole lid assembly is a straightforward job you can finish in about fifteen minutes with one screwdriver.
The Whirlpool washer lid assembly (part W11101059) is the full lid and its hinges. When the lid breaks or the hinges wear out, the washer may not start, since the lid switch needs to close properly. The good news is that a new assembly bolts right on.
In this guide you’ll learn:
- What the lid assembly does and why it fails
- The tools you need first
- Simple safety steps
- How to remove the old lid and install the new one
What Is the Whirlpool Washer Lid Assembly?
The lid assembly is the top lid of your washer plus the hinges that hold it to the body. On many top-load models it also works with the lid switch, which tells the washer it is safe to spin.
Over time, hinges crack, the lid warps, or the latch stops lining up. A damaged lid can keep the washer from starting or let it rattle during the spin cycle. Once it is cracked or loose, replacing the whole assembly is the cleanest fix.
What You’ll Need
- A replacement lid assembly (part W11101059). Confirm it matches your model before you install it.
- A Torx T15 screwdriver
- A flathead screwdriver
Note: Tools can vary by model. Check your owner’s manual for the exact fasteners on your machine.
Safety First
- Unplug the washer from the wall outlet before you start.
- Turn off the water supply at the valves behind the washer.
- Keep the work area dry and clear.
How to Replace the Lid Assembly on Your Washer
Ready? Follow these steps in order.
- Unplug the washer and shut off the water supply.
- Open the lid so you can reach the hinge screws.
- Remove the four hinge screws with the Torx T15 screwdriver, two on each side of the lid. Use the flathead to help pull them free if needed.
- Lift the lid off the washer body and set the old assembly aside.
- Clean the hinge areas with a damp cloth to clear any dirt or debris.
- Align the new lid so its hinges line up with the hinge areas on the machine.
- Install the Torx T15 screws, two per side, and tighten them.
- Open and close the new lid a few times to confirm it moves freely and latches securely.
Pro Tip: If the lid will not latch after install, double-check that the hinges are seated evenly and the screws are snug. A lid that sits crooked will not trip the lid switch.
Also Read: Washer Lid Hinge WP8563965 Replacement Guide
When to Look a Little Deeper
If your washer still will not start or spin after a new lid, the trouble may be elsewhere. A worn belt is a common cause, and our guide on a worn washer drive belt walks you through it. If water levels act up, here is how to prevent your washing machine from overfilling.
While you are working on the top of the machine, it is a good time to address related wear. If the lid will not stay up on a top-load model, here is how to replace the lid hinge on a Whirlpool washer, and for a full swap you can follow these steps to install a new lid on a Whirlpool top-load washer.
Wrapping Up
A new lid assembly is a quick fix that gets your washer latching and running again. Here’s the short version:
- Unplug the washer and shut off the water.
- Remove the four Torx T15 hinge screws and lift off the old lid.
- Align the new lid and tighten the screws.
- Test the latch by opening and closing it.
That’s it. You handled this one yourself and saved a service call. Nice work.