Replacing lid on old Maytag toploader

Probably damaged the lid lock

I own 20 speed queen top loaders that the same machine as yours.
they are 19years old and have never had a lid switch go out.
the problem is the arm that activates the switch gets bent and can activate the switch. to fix take the 2 screws out of the left side of the lid hinge then tilt the lid to the side and slide the right side out. this is the arm that activates the switch . looking at the top of the lid bend the arm up just a small amount. them put it back on the machine and try it you may have to bend a little more to make it work.

Some of them have a mercury switch that has been bent so it doesn"t make good contact with the liquid mercury. If you can find it you can bend it back. It has to be on the door or an arm under the door or door hinge.
If you know how, you can raise the washer top using a flat knife type of tool to move springs thru the gap between the washer top & the lower front piece. (assuming it's a top loader)
In a front loader it's still near the door.

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Push down on lid switch. Or by pass lid switch

tighten the hinge screws on the top left of the lid. If that doesn't get it started hit the top to engage the lid switch which is hooked into the left hinge on a whirlpool. if its a maytag, its in the center of the rear lid and you must remove the consoles rear to access the lid switch

512 are some of the best maytag made. the lid assemble is also you off balance . you should purchase a lid sw/ assemblyl and replace it . it's not a hard job .the lid will pop off if you pull it hard / do not lose the lid balls / this will let you get to the screws . p s order extra lid balls when you get the sw . they some time break . mm

I think it is in the lid switch. If the lid switch is malfunctioning on a maytag top loader it will not start washing. Probably by slamming the lid you are making the connection you need for the time being. It is located at the back underneath the lid in the middle. Follow the link and you will see and diagram and parts associated with your washer. http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/getSubComp.pd?modelNumber=A4910&productCategoryId=0153000&brandId=3048&modelName=MAYTAG-LAUNDRY&diagramPageId=00002&componentDescription=TOP COVER, CONSOLE & LID SWITCH

I had that same problem. I lift the top up by using a screwdriver and pushing in clips that are in the front. Lift lid carefully from the front. A hinge in the back will hold the back of the lid. Look where locks are located and see if they are connected. On my washer the connection was barely on. I reconnected the lock and have not had problem since. Good luck.

put one of the plastic balls in place on one side of the lid, hold the lid against it to hold it in place. then put the other ball in the other side indention and push the lid down on it until it pops in place. it is a little tricky if you have never done it b4.

Open the lid and the model and serial tag is on the washer itself in the middle under lid in back. Open lid and look at area where lid and washer top come together between hinges.