OK, so now I really blew it!

[Paper Roses]

I have about a 10 year old Maytag washer and dryer.
Last week, the button behind the lid that engages the wash function broke off. I don't know why this happened but I thought it was no big deal. I trimmed off the jagged edge, thinking this was no problem. Well, now my washer will not start after filling with water unless I shove something between the lid and the remaining button at the rear.
I have been using needle-nose pliers and wedged them into the hole where the button was. (Middle back of cover)
Somehow I have to fix this. The button seems to be held in by two Phillips screws but the angle is not assessable from the top.
If I call my repair man, it will cost me $100.00 for him to come and fix it.
Don't have $100.00 to pay for a 25 cent plastic button.

Any ideas?

[Hassin Bin Sober]

1. Can you post the model number?

Sounds like a relatively easy fix.

[Paper Roses]

3. Hi, Just had a friend come and help me pull out the washer to

read the model #.
A882
Series 10.
I"m sure I may be able to buy the part. My concern is if I will be able to get the machine apart to remove the old part and replace it with the new. Think this will be a problem?
I could not find a schematic of the workings on line but I will, upon advice, call the MFGR.
What a pain in the neck!

[Hassin Bin Sober]

4. See if this link works for you. You may have to be a member. I'm not sure:

http://www.appliancepartspros.com/partsearch/model.aspx?model_id=28975&diagram_id=28324924#d28324924

[Wash. state Desk Jet]

2. You need to write down the make, model number and serial number

Than look up the phone number of a appliance parts supplier in the phone book or internet close to you.
Do not call Sears parts dept.

Ask the supplier parts person the cost of the replacement part and tell who ever that is you are going to do the fix and what do I have to do to get to it. you should find they are very helpful.

Also Maytag has a 1-800 number help line ,and they Will put you in touch with one of their tech. reps. over the phone. If I am not mistaken maytag was bought out by Whirlpool some years back.

Also the top panel should lift up for servicing which means if I am correct those screws are under the top panel,the pats supplier will look at that in a drawing that illustrates how to get to it.

Maytags are pretty easy fix's as are whirlpool's..

Look up the phone number of a appliance parts supplier near you and call them. Have those number handy /serial and model number.

[pipoman]

5. If it were my 10 year old unit

I would take the back panel off, you can likely get to the switch from there. Unplug the unit first. If it is a simple 2 wire switch, as it likely is, I would cut the wires, strip 1/2" of the insulation, twist the wires together good, install a $.05 wire nut from the hardware store (the smallest one available), wrap it with rubber tape (not vinyl electrical tape) rubber tape is used to splice wires for water wells and other wet locations, then put it back together. I would leave the broken switch in place so I didn't have an open hole where it used to be. The machine would then run with the lid open, but you can still close the lid..just me and my $.02.

[pipoman]

6. Oh, and be very careful sticking a metal object into a broken switch

a wooden sucker stick or something plastic would be a better choice.

[Paper Roses]

7. Update: Had to call a local repair service and am glad I did.

I am not comfortable enough to play with appliance repair. I thought the switch would be easy but I am afraid of being zapped.

I called a local shop that had great reviews.
He came on time, fixed the switch. He also brought to my attention that the belts on the 25 year old Maytag washer were cracked. Had them replaced too.

While he was here, I asked that he check the belts in my dryer. Takes forever to dry anything.
Big problem. Before doing any repair, he called me over to take a look at the inside of the dryer. He had pulled out the drum. As with the washer, nothing had been done to these machines since my husband bought them. He said the units were about 25 years old.

Both pulley's were all cracked but more importantly, he showed me where parts have worn out and that my vent hose outlet was not attached properly. Also, some of the other parts had worn out and showed signs of overheating. There was black residue on the areas surrounding the parts and some were in a state that might have caused a fire.

I have a long list of small parts that were replaced on the dryer, including a new vent. He showed me how the old one did not properly connect to the outside and lint had been collecting between the walls. I have cleaned the hose at least annually but never would have looked at the vent itself.
OK, it cost me a bundle but I feel better. Washer sounds like new, as does the dryer.
It cost me a little less than the deductible on my homeowners insurance. I was given a complete tutorial by the repair man. So glad that my washer switch broke. The dryer was a hazard.

PS. He said dryer sheets were a menace to the internal works of the dryer and that certain detergents were better than others. He also told me how to clean out a certain washer drain that clogs from residue of liquid laundry soaps.
What a day!