Whirlpool Washer Repair (Model WTW5520SQ0) – Paris, OH

A Whirlpool washer in Paris, OH was filling and agitating but refusing to drain or spin, leaving water sitting in the tub after each cycle. The culprit turned out to be a failed lid switch that had lost continuity, breaking the safety circuit that allows the washer to enter its drain and spin phases.

The Problem

The customer reported their WTW5520SQ0 would start a cycle normally — filling with water and agitating the clothes — but then stop completely when it should begin draining. Water remained in the tub, and the spin cycle never engaged. This left clothes soaking wet and created a breeding ground for mildew odors.

Diagnosis

Testing revealed the washer’s lid switch had failed in the open position, even with the lid properly closed. This safety component must show continuity to allow the drain pump and spin motor to operate. When we bypassed the switch temporarily, both the pump and motor ran perfectly. The switch itself showed no continuity across its terminals, confirming the diagnosis.

The Repair

• Parts replaced: WP8318084 — lid switch assembly
• Work performed: Removed old switch, installed new assembly, verified proper lid alignment
• Result: Washer now completes full cycles with proper drain and spin operation

Is It Worth Repairing?

The WTW5520SQ0 is a solid mid-tier Whirlpool model from their Cabrio series. This particular failure is common around the 8-10 year mark due to repeated lid cycling, but the repair restores full functionality. These washers typically run 15+ years with proper maintenance, making this repair worthwhile for most situations.

Maintenance Tips for Whirlpool Top-Load Washers

• Keep the lid strike area clean and avoid slamming the lid to extend switch life
• Run Whirlpool’s Affresh cleaning cycle monthly in Stark County’s hard water to prevent mineral buildup on sensors
• Check that the drain hose maintains proper standpipe height (30-96 inches) to prevent siphoning issues

Appliance Repair in Paris, OH

Paris is in Stark County — an area we cover regularly from our base in Louisville, OH. We also serve Alliance, Canton, and Hartville. Louisville Appliance Repair is owned and operated by Samuel Willhite, a master-certified technician with Bosch and Speed Queen factory authorizations. If your appliance needs service, schedule online or call (330) 693-9163. You can also find us on Google and read verified reviews from customers across Stark County and surrounding areas.