Whirlpool Washer lid — What It Means & How to Fix It
Also shown as Lid on some models.
The word lid on a Whirlpool washer display means the lid was left open — close it to clear the message, and restart the cycle if the washer has already drained.
What this code means
Whirlpool says a lid display means the washer lid was left open, and closing it clears the display. If the lid stays open for more than 10 minutes the cycle resets and the water drains. In that case you start the cycle over without adding more detergent.
Shown on Whirlpool top-load washers with a text display.
Most likely causes
| Cause | How likely | DIY-fixable? |
|---|---|---|
| Lid left open after loading or adding an item | Very common | Yes — no tools |
| Lid not fully down because of an item under it | Common | Yes — no tools |
| Lid switch not sensing a closed lid | Less common | No — technician job |
What you can try yourself
- Close the lid fully.
- Check whether there is still water in the washer.
- If the water is still there, press Start to carry on.
- If the washer drained, start the cycle over — Whirlpool says not to add more detergent, since the clothes already hold water and detergent.
Seeing the symptom rather than the code? Washer won't drain: checks that apply across brands.
When to call a technician
- The display still says lid with the lid closed.
- The message returns partway through cycles.
- The lid no longer sits flat on the washer top.
Typical professional repair cost: Free. A lid switch or lock replacement, if the washer cannot sense a closed lid, costs roughly $120–$220.
Frequently asked questions
Why did my Whirlpool washer drain by itself?
If the lid is left open for more than 10 minutes, the cycle resets and the water in the washer drains.
Do I add detergent again after the washer reset?
No. Whirlpool says not to add more detergent because the clothing should already be penetrated with water and detergent.
How do I clear the lid message?
Close the lid. That clears the display.
Sources checked
Error meanings can vary by model. This guide was checked against the documentation above; use the manual for the model number on your own appliance when it differs.
Related Whirlpool codes
- Whirlpool Washer F9 E1 The washer took too long to drain — check the drain hose setup and the pump filter; the 'hose pushed too far down the standpipe' mistake causes a surprising share of these.
- Whirlpool Washer F5 E2 The washer tried to lock its door and couldn't — usually an obstruction or grime in the latch, sometimes a worn lock assembly that needs replacing.
- Whirlpool Washer SD Too much foam — the washer paused its cycle to break down excess suds, which almost always traces back to detergent amount or type rather than a fault.
- Whirlpool Washer F8 E1 Your Whirlpool washer isn't detecting water coming in — usually a supply problem (taps, hoses, screens) rather than anything wrong inside the machine.
More: all Whirlpool washer codes · all Whirlpool codes · search by symptom