A GE GTW525 top-load washer that will not start because it says the lid is not locked or the lid will not lock is nearly always dealing with a lid switch or a lock that does not sense a closed lid, and a few checks tell you which. This is a four point two cubic foot top-loader with a stainless steel basket, and the lid has a lock and a switch that stop the tub spinning when the lid is open. Close the lid firmly, then listen for a click as the lock engages; the washer will not fill or spin without it.
The checks in more detail
If there is no click, check that nothing blocks the lid, such as a sock, a bottle of detergent or a bulky load riding above the rim, and that the lid sits flat. Press down at the front of the lid and see whether it starts. A bent lid or a lid that does not meet the lock point needs adjusting or replacing. Look at the lock and the switch: the lock assembly sits at the top edge of the cabinet, under the lid, where a small tab on the lid enters it.
Unplug the washer and look for broken plastic, a tab that is missing from the lid or a latch that has stuck with detergent residue. Wipe the area with a damp cloth. If the lid tab is intact and the lock looks clean, the switch may have failed, which is a common part and a modest repair on this machine; the part is a lid lock assembly that can be ordered by the model number. Sometimes the washer simply has a glitch. Unplug the washer for a minute, plug in again and close the lid firmly. A load that is too large, or an unbalanced one, can also make the lid pop up, so remove some items.
If the lid is locked and will not open after a cycle, wait a few minutes for the lock to release, since the lock stays on until the drum has stopped. If the display shows an error about the lid, look it up in the manual. This model has simple controls and no smart features, so there is no app to check. If the lock clicks but the washer still says the lid is open, the switch is the likely cause. Contact GE with the model and serial number if you cannot fix the problem, or order the lock assembly.
Differential
Likely causes of “GE GTW525 top-load washer will not start because the door or lid will not lock”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
Something blocking the lid
What separates it No click and the lid will not close fully
How to confirm Remove the blockage and close the lid flat
- 2
Residue or a stuck latch
What separates it The lock does not engage
How to confirm Clean the lock area with a damp cloth
- 3
A broken lid tab
What separates it The lid cannot trigger the lock
How to confirm Replace the lid or the tab
- 4
A failed lid switch or lock
What separates it A click but the washer says the lid is open
How to confirm Replace the lid lock assembly
- 5
A glitch
What separates it The washer will not start
How to confirm Unplug for a minute and retry
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Whether the lock clicks
- Whether the tab is intact
- Any error on the display
- Whether the load rides above the rim
Try in this order
0 of 6 completedClose the lid firmly
ReversibleListen for the click.
Clear anything blocking it
ReversibleAnd reduce the load.
Clean the lock area
ReversibleWith a damp cloth.
Check the lid tab
ReversibleFor breaks.
Unplug for a minute
ReversibleAnd retry.
Replace the lock assembly
ReversibleOr contact GE.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Stainless basket
- The GTW525 has a stainless steel basket.
- Lid lock
- A tab on the lid enters it.
- Parts for this problem on the GTW525 (RepairClinic, 2026-09-20)
- lid lock & striker kit, part number WH08X37937, at $45.94.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If the lock clicks but the washer still reports the lid open, replace the lid lock assembly or contact GE with the model and serial number
- !Check the lid tab
- !Do not force the lid
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions
Why will my GTW525 not start?+
The lid lock does not sense a closed lid.
Is a lid switch repair costly?+
It is a modest repair.
Why won't the lid open after a cycle?+
The lock stays on until the drum stops.
Is there an app?+
No, it has simple controls.