How to Unlock a GE Washer Lid Without Power? (Procedure)

GE top load washer lid doesn’t unlock when there is a power outage. But you might need to open it to remove the clothes or due to some emergency requirements. In such cases, you will need to know how to unlock the GE washer lid when there is no power supply. Let us understand the procedure from this article.

How to Unlock a GE Washer Lid Without Power?

If you want to unlock your GE top load washer lid, then you have to remove the entire top frame from the washer. Here is a procedure on how to unlock the lid without power:

Procedure to Unlock GE Washer Lid Without Power

• First, you will need a nut driver. Using the nut driver, locate the nuts holding the back plate of the washer. You can find the nuts at the back.
• After removing the backplate, remove all the wires that are holding the top panel as well as the backplate. 
• Then remove the two screws holding the top frame of the washer. Once you remove it, you can slide back the top control panel and lift it. 
• After that, you have to remove the wires connected to the control panel and also remove the screws that are holding the top frame. 
• Now using a flathead screwdriver, pry the top frame from the front and you can now remove the entire top frame out of the washer. The lid lock switch will be connected and you have to unplug it.
• Now you will be able to access the washer tub and you can remove the clothes from the washer easily.

Sometimes, you will not be able to unlock the washer lid even when there is power. In such cases, you can simply try to reset the lid lock or bypass the lid switch to access the washer tub. Let us discuss both procedures.

How to Reset the GE Washer Lid Lock?

• To reset the GE washer lid lock, you have to reset the entire machine. For that, first, turn off the power supply to the washer.
• Then, unplug it and press the power button or start button for 30 seconds. This will drain the charges present in the washer. Then wait for another 30 seconds.
• Now, plug the power back in and turn it on. Your washer will have reset and the wash cycle will also be reset. You can now open the lid since the lock will be disengaged after the reset. 
• If this didn’t reset the washer, you have to follow the same procedure and after plugging the washer back in, you must lift and lower the top lid six times within 30 seconds to reset the motor.
• This will reset all the wash cycles and also the control lock of your washer. You can now open the lid and operate the washer once again.

If the reset didn’t work or the washer lid gets locked more frequently, then you can bypass the lid switch so that the lid doesn’t get locked at all. Use the following procedure to bypass the GE washer lid switch.

How to Bypass the GE Washer Lid Switch?

• You can bypass the lid switch by jumping the switch circuit using a piece of wire. 
• Before bypassing, you can remove the lid switch and lock from the washer.
• Then, you will have the wire plug of the switch in the place where you removed the old switch. 
• Take that wire and you can see three contacts in it. 
• Take a piece of wire and expose the two ends by shaving off the sleeve.
• Now, insert this wire piece into the first and last contact of the switch plug and you have now bypassed the lid switch.
• Although it is not advisable to bypass the lid switch for safety reasons, you can do it temporarily in instances where you wait for the replacement switch to arrive or to do some maintenance.

NOTE: Bypassing the lid switch will help you operate the washer with the lid open. Therefore, Do not let your children near the washer when you have bypassed the lid switch. The washer may run at high speeds and your lid will not be locked during a bypass. Therefore, replace the lid switch as soon as your replacement part comes in. Check out more safety precautions with your laundry room and washer.

Conclusion

Unlocking a GE top load washer lid without power helps you access the tub during an emergency. When there are long power outbreaks and you have your clothes stuck inside it, this procedure will help you out. Also, you can reset the lid lock or bypass the lid switch when necessary.