On the covered Whirlpool top-load washer, F5 E4, Lid means the lid was left open, or was never seen to open between loads First, open the lid and close it firmly to clear the display. Then: if the lid really is opened between loads and the code stays, replace the lid lock/switch assembly.
Differential
Likely causes of “Whirlpool top-load washer code F5 E4, Lid”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
The lid was left open
What separates it The display shows Lid and the cycle has paused
How to confirm Close the lid firmly; Whirlpool says this clears the display
- 2
A lid that is opened between loads but never seen by the control
What separates it F5 E4 appears after several cycles and you open the lid every time
How to confirm Open and close the lid once and see whether the code clears; if it returns after a cycle you did open the lid, the switch is at fault
- 3
A failing lid lock/switch assembly
What separates it The lid is opened between loads and the code still appears
How to confirm Unplug the washer and check the lock wiring before replacing the assembly
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The display: F5 E4 or Lid
- Whether the lid is being opened between loads
- How long the lid was open
Try in this order
0 of 6 completedWhat to do first
ReversibleOpen the lid and close it firmly to clear the display.
Correct only the documented fault domain
ReversibleIf the lid really is opened between loads and the code stays, replace the lid lock/switch assembly.
Close the lid and see whether the display clears
ReversibleWhirlpool's Lid page says the lid was left open and asks you to close it. If the lid was left open past its 10-minute limit, Whirlpool says the cycle resets and the water drains.
Restart after a drain
ReversibleIf the washer has drained, start the cycle over. Whirlpool says not to add more detergent, because the clothing should already be penetrated with water and detergent.
Open and close the lid firmly
ReversibleFor F5 E4 Whirlpool asks whether the lid is closed and to open and close it to resolve the problem, and to call for service if it persists.
Replace the lock/switch if the code persists
ReversibleThe service tables say that if the lid is being opened between cycles but the control does not detect it, the lid lock/switch assembly will usually need to be replaced.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Displayed as
- F5 E4 or Lid.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !Unplug the washer before you touch the lid lock wiring
- !Do not tape the lid switch down; it stops the basket when the lid is lifted
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Where the manufacturer's article stops. The 10-minute limit and the detergent note are Whirlpool's own wording for the Lid display.
Exact questions
Common questions
What does F5 E4, Lid mean on a Whirlpool top-load washer?+
the lid was left open, or was never seen to open between loads
What does the Lid display mean?+
Whirlpool says the lid was left open. Close it to clear the display.
What happens if the lid stays open past the 10-minute limit?+
Whirlpool says the cycle resets and the water drains; start the cycle over.
Should I add more detergent when I restart?+
No. Whirlpool says the clothing should already have detergent and water in it.