Frigidaire FFTW4120SW (Top Load) – Lid switch failure Repair Guide

by

🔩 Lid switch failure Repair Guide for Frigidaire FFTW4120SW (Top Load)

💡 Don’t panic! Lid switch failure on your Frigidaire FFTW4120SW (Top Load) is a common issue that many DIY enthusiasts can fix themselves. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the repair process step by step.

📋 What You’ll Need

  • Lid switch
  • Switch bracket
  • Multimeter

    • ⚠️ Safety First

    Before you begin, always:

    • Unplug the washing machine from power
    • Turn off water supply valves
    • Allow the machine to cool down if it was recently running
    • Have a clean, well-lit workspace

      • 🔧 Step-by-Step Repair Instructions

      ⚡

      🔧 Step 1: Test continuity when lid closed

      1. Unplug the washing machine from the wall outlet and wait 30 seconds for any residual electrical charge to dissipate.
      2. Set your digital multimeter to the continuity or ohms (Ω) setting, typically indicated by a diode symbol or “200Ω” range.
      3. Open the washer lid fully and locate the lid switch assembly on the top right corner of the cabinet opening, approximately 2 inches from the right edge and 1 inch down from the top rim.
      4. Identify the lid switch—a white or gray plastic housing measuring roughly 2 inches long by 1 inch wide with a protruding actuator button that the lid presses down when closed.
      5. Trace the two wires (typically white and gray or white and black) leading from the lid switch down into the cabinet approximately 8 inches to a wire harness connector.
      6. Pull the connector apart by squeezing the locking tab and pulling both halves straight apart—you’ll feel it release with moderate hand pressure.
      7. Touch one multimeter probe to each of the two terminals on the lid switch side of the connector (not the harness side).
      8. With the lid open and the switch actuator button extended, the multimeter should read “OL” (open loop) or infinite resistance, indicating no continuity.
      9. Close the lid completely so it presses the actuator button fully down—you’ll hear a distinct click.
      10. Keep the multimeter probes on the same two terminals and observe the reading change to 0-2 ohms, indicating good continuity through the closed switch.
      11. Open the lid again and verify the reading returns to “OL” or infinite resistance.

      🛠️ Step 2: Check switch alignment

      1. Locate the lid switch assembly on the top rim of the washer tub, positioned at the front right corner approximately 3 inches from the right edge and 2 inches from the front edge.
      2. Open the washer lid fully (90 degrees) and examine the white plastic actuator tab on the underside of the lid, centered 4 inches from the front edge of the lid.
      3. Close the lid slowly while watching the actuator tab descend toward the lid switch button—a small white plunger approximately 0.5 inches in diameter protruding from the switch housing.
      4. Verify the actuator tab contacts the switch button directly in the center when the lid closes completely. You should hear a distinct click when the switch engages.
      5. Open the lid and press the switch button manually with your finger—it should depress approximately 0.25 inches with light resistance and spring back immediately when released.
      6. If the actuator tab misses the switch button or contacts off-center, measure the gap between the tab and button when the lid is fully open—this distance should be 1.5 to 2 inches.
      7. Check for a bent or cracked actuator tab by grasping it firmly and attempting to wiggle it side-to-side—there should be zero movement.
      8. Inspect the switch mounting bracket for looseness by gripping the switch housing and attempting to move it—it should be completely rigid with no play.
      9. Examine the switch button for damage—look for cracks, missing pieces, or a button that remains depressed and doesn’t spring back within 1 second of releasing pressure.
      10. Verify proper alignment by placing a straightedge or ruler vertically from the closed lid’s actuator tab down to the switch button—they should form a straight vertical line with zero offset to either side.

      ⚙️ Step 3: Bypass to test (not permanent)

      1. Locate the lid switch connector you disconnected in Step 2—it’s a white rectangular plastic connector approximately 1 inch wide with 3 wires (typically brown, white, and gray) attached to the female connector half.
      2. Hold the female connector half (the one with wire terminals visible inside the plastic housing) in your left hand with the wire entry point facing away from you.
      3. Identify the terminal positions: looking at the connector face, you’ll see 3 metal terminals arranged in a row—left, center, and right positions.
      4. Cut a 4-inch length of 14-gauge solid copper wire using wire strippers.
      5. Strip 1/4 inch of insulation from both ends of this wire using the wire strippers.
      6. Insert one stripped end of your jumper wire into the left terminal slot of the female connector (where the brown wire typically connects).
      7. Push the wire in until it contacts the metal terminal—approximately 1/4 inch deep—and you feel resistance.
      8. Insert the other stripped end into the right terminal slot (where the gray wire typically connects), pushing in 1/4 inch until it contacts the terminal.
      9. Leave the center terminal empty—do not connect anything to it.
      10. Plug the washer back into the wall outlet.
      11. Close the lid completely.
      12. Press the POWER button, select a NORMAL wash cycle, and press START.
      13. Observe whether the washer tub begins filling with water within 10 seconds—this confirms the lid switch was faulty.
      14. If the washer fills and operates normally with the bypass in place, the lid switch requires replacement (part number 131763202).
      15. Unplug the washer immediately after confirming operation—do not run a complete cycle with the bypass installed.

      🔩 Step 4: Replace switch if faulty

      1. Locate the faulty lid switch – it’s a small rectangular component (approximately 1 inch x 0.5 inch) mounted on the top inner rim of the washer cabinet, typically 3-4 inches from the right side near where the lid closes.
      2. Identify the wire harness connected to the switch – you’ll see a white plastic connector with 2 or 3 wires (usually white, black, and possibly orange) plugged into the switch terminals.
      3. Press the plastic tab on the side of the wire connector with your thumb while pulling the connector straight away from the switch terminals – you’ll feel it release with slight resistance.
      4. Remove the single mounting screw securing the switch to the cabinet using a 1/4-inch nut driver – turn counterclockwise 4-5 full rotations until the screw comes free.
      5. Pull the old switch straight up and out of its mounting bracket – it should lift away easily once the screw is removed.
      6. Position the new lid switch (Frigidaire part number 131763202 or compatible replacement) into the same mounting bracket with the wire terminals facing the front of the washer.
      7. Insert the mounting screw through the switch mounting hole and thread it into the cabinet bracket – hand-tighten initially.
      8. Tighten the mounting screw with the 1/4-inch nut driver, turning clockwise until snug – apply firm pressure but stop when you feel solid resistance (approximately 8-10 inch-pounds).
      9. Align the wire harness connector with the switch terminals, matching the connector shape to the terminal pins.
      10. Push the connector straight onto the switch terminals until you hear a distinct click – the connector should sit flush against the switch body with no gap visible between them.
      11. Test the switch by pressing the actuator button (the small protruding plunger) with your finger – it should depress 1/8 inch and spring back immediately when released.

      đź“‹ Step 5: Test lid lock operation

      1. Locate the lid lock assembly at the top center of the washer tub opening, directly beneath where the lid closes.
      2. Open the lid completely and identify the white or gray plastic lid lock striker tab mounted on the underside of the lid, positioned 2-3 inches from the front edge of the lid.
      3. Close the lid and listen for the audible click as the striker engages with the lock mechanism – this click should occur within 1-2 seconds of closing.
      4. Press the Start/Pause button on the control panel to initiate a wash cycle.
      5. Wait 5-10 seconds and observe the lid lock indicator light on the control panel – it should illuminate solid red or display a locked padlock symbol.
      6. Attempt to lift the lid while the lock indicator is lit – the lid should not open and should feel completely rigid with no movement.
      7. Press the Start/Pause button again to pause the cycle.
      8. Listen for a distinct click from the lid lock mechanism within 3-5 seconds – this indicates the lock has released.
      9. Lift the lid – it should open freely without resistance.
      10. While the lid is open, use a flashlight to inspect the lock striker on the lid for cracks, wear marks, or missing pieces of plastic.
      11. Examine the lock mechanism housing in the top of the washer opening for debris, detergent buildup, or visible damage to the metal locking pin.
      12. Close the lid and repeat the lock/unlock test two more times to verify consistent operation.
      13. If the lock fails to engage, produces grinding noises, or doesn’t release, proceed to Step 6 for lid lock replacement.
      14. If the lock operates correctly with audible clicks and holds the lid firmly closed, the lid lock assembly is functioning properly – move to Step 6 to continue diagnosis of other components.

      đź’ˇ Pro Tips

      Take photos as you disassemble components – they’ll be invaluable when putting everything back together. If you encounter resistance or something doesn’t seem right, stop and reassess rather than forcing it.

      As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

      đź›’ Recommended Products

      Here are the recommended products for this repair: