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