How to Replace the Lid Lock on a Whirlpool WTW5057LW Washer — Step-by-Step Instructions
Step-by-step instructions for the Whirlpool WTW5057LW (top-load washer, 4.7 cu ft, deep water wash). Parts and access points can differ slightly by production year — the steps below cover the common layout for this platform, and the model notes flag its quirks.
Unplug the washer. Never bypass or jumper a lid lock permanently — it’s the interlock that keeps the drum from spinning with the lid open.
Tools
- Putty knife
- Screwdriver or socket set
- Phone camera
Parts
- Lid lock assembly for your model number
Step by step
-
1 Confirm the lock is actually the problem
Check the outlet and breaker first, and note the symptom: flashing lid-lock light with clicks is the classic failed-lock signature on most top-loaders.
-
2 Open the top panel
On most top-loaders the whole top hinges up: slide a putty knife under the front corners of the lid panel to release the spring clips, or remove the rear screws, then tilt the top back.
-
3 Unplug the old lock
The lock sits under the top panel at the lid opening’s front edge — one wiring plug and two or three screws.
-
4 Fit the new lock
Screw the new assembly into the same spot, connect the plug until it clicks, and route the harness exactly where the old one sat.
-
5 Reassemble and test
Snap the top down, plug in, and start a cycle: you should hear the lock engage and see the lid light go solid.
Whirlpool WTW5057LW notes & error codes
Deep water wash uses far more water than the standard cycle, which is exactly what some customers want. Complaints about clothes not getting clean often resolve by selecting it rather than by any repair.
| Code | What it means |
|---|---|
| F7 E1 | Basket speed sensor — usually the shift actuator |
| F5 E2 | Lid lock will not lock |
| F8 E1 | Long fill |
| F9 E1 | Long drain |
| LF | Long fill flag |
Full details for this machine — common problems, causes, and costs — are in the Whirlpool WTW5057LW repair guide. The general version of these instructions is here.
If a new lock still flashes errors, the control board or its harness is suspect — that diagnosis is faster (and cheaper) with a tech’s meter than with parts roulette. If you'd rather skip it entirely, find a washer repair pro near you →
What this repair costs professionally
Find a washer repair pro near you.
Browse verified independent appliance repair companies by city — ratings, hours, and phone numbers, no middleman.