wrote:
My Whirlpool Atlantis top-loading washing machine has stopped working.

After researching a bit in the manual and on-line, it looks like it's a
problem w/ the lid switch, because it runs fine if I press in on the
little plastic spring-loaded "pin" inside the slot where the lid meets
the back of the top rim....but I have to keep pressure on the "pin".

*Photo of washer top with lid removed (see the hole near the bottom
center)
http://putfile.com/pic.php?pic=1/807381350.jpg&s=x11

*Photo close-up of the hole (inside is the plastic "pin")
http://putfile.com/pic.php?pic=1/807391272.jpg&s=x11

Apparently the back of the lid itself has a little plastic "nodule"
sticking out which is supposed to press the "pin" inwards whenever the
lid is closed.

*photo of the "nodule" as it protrudes from back of lid
http://putfile.com/pic.php?pic=1/807384092.jpg&s=x11

The "nodule" doesn't seem to be making sufficient contact/pressure on
the "pin". When I press the "pin" in with a stick, the machine starts
running. I don't see any rough edges on the "nodule", so it doesn't
LOOK like anything broke off. The "nodule" DOES seem a little loose.

*Photo from inside of lid showing how the "nodule" is connected to the
lid
http://putfile.com/pic.php?pic=1/807385775.jpg&s=x11

I havent worked on an appliance like this, but I can't afford to spend
a fortune on a repair person if it is a simple fix I could do myself.
Advice, anyone? (I don't get much response from alt.home.repair, so I
hope it's okay to post this here.)

Greg



Try www.repairclinic.com, they have a nifty part search engine so you
can find the parts in question and see what they're supposed to look
like. They have good prices on replacement parts too, I've never had a
problem with them.