If a Frigidaire washer will not start because its door or lid is not registering as closed, the guide's answer is the same on both platforms: close the door or lid completely, since the washer will not operate with it open. On the FFFW5000 the display shows PAU as a reminder when the door is open, and on the FFTW4120 top-loader the lid-open error appears when the lid is not closed or the lid lock or control board has failed. A lid that stays open for more than 20 seconds with Control Lock on also raises a code: switch the unit off, deactivate the Control Lock and try again.
Differential
Likely causes of “Frigidaire FFFW5000 front-load washer will not start because the door or lid will not lock”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
The door or lid is not completely closed
What separates it PAU shows or the washer will not start because the door or lid is not completely closed
How to confirm Close it fully, until it latches, and press START
- 2
Something caught at the door seal or lid edge
What separates it The door will not latch because something is caught at the door seal or the lid edge
How to confirm Check the gasket area and the lid edge for a garment or debris
- 3
The Control Lock is on and the lid was open too long
What separates it A lid open error shows after more than twenty seconds because Control Lock is on and the lid was open too long
How to confirm Power off, deactivate the Control Lock and try again
- 4
A failed lid lock or control board
What separates it The error repeats with a closed lid because the lid lock or the control board has failed
How to confirm Call Frigidaire service; do not bypass the lock
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- What the display shows, for example PAU or a code
- Whether the door or lid closes flat with nothing caught
- Whether Control Lock is switched on
Try in this order
0 of 5 completedClose it completely
ReversiblePush the door or lid firmly shut. The washer will not operate with either open.
Clear the seal or rim
ReversibleDry around the door opening, flexible gasket and glass, and check nothing is caught in the fold.
Check Control Lock
ReversibleCheck Control Lock, and if LOC is showing, hold Options and Select together for ten seconds to unlock.
Restart
ReversiblePress START; on the FFFW5000 the door then locks automatically for the entire wash cycle.
Call service if it repeats
ReversibleCall service if it repeats, and give them the model, the serial number and the display message.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Gasket care and the door seal
- Frigidaire says to dry around the washer door opening, the flexible gasket and the door glass, because these areas must be clean to ensure a watertight seal. Periodically wipe the folds at the bottom of the flexible gasket to remove lint and other debris. A gasket with a garment or lint caught in it can stop the door closing fully.
- Parts for this problem on the FFFW5000 (RepairClinic, 2026-09-20)
- door lock & switch assembly, part number 131763256, at $106.94; dispenser drawer handle frame, part number 137314510, at $75.55; door gasket, part number 137566001, at $155.27.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit the FFTW4120 top-load washer, FLXE52 laundry-center washer.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If the error returns with a clean, closed door or lid, call Frigidaire service on 1-800-944-9044
- !If the door hinge or latch is damaged, stop using the washer
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
The published manual page that ties the FFTW4120SW top-loader to Frigidaire's use and care guide A07504301.
Frigidaire's own owner-support article titles for these three codes.
Parts and list prices as shown on RepairClinic's parts search for this model number on 2026-09-20.
Exact questions
Common questions
Why does my FFFW5000 show PAU?+
The door is open. Close it and press START.
What does the top-load lid-open error mean?+
The lid is open, or the lid lock or the control board has failed, according to Frigidaire's guide.
Will the washer run with the door open?+
No, the washer will not run with the door open, since it needs the door closed and locked.
What if Control Lock is on and the lid is open?+
After the lid has been open for more than 20 seconds with Control Lock activated, a code appears; power off and deactivate the lock.
How do I stop odors?+
Leave the door open between loads, remove wet clothes promptly, and run System Clean each month.
Where is the FFFW5000 model label?+
The model and serial number are on a label on the washer, and service will ask for both.