Speed Queen Washer Code L1 – Troubleshooting Guide

Speed Queen has a long and illustrious history in the United States, from the early 1900s to today. Like many other washers on the market, these will display an error code to let you know when they’re experiencing a fault. So, if you see the L1 error code on your washer, you’ve come to the right place.

The L1 error code on a Speed Queen washer means that the machine has failed to lock its lid. As a result, the machine cannot begin its wash cycle even though the drum may already be filled with water. The most likely reasons for this are an obstruction around the lid, misalignment of the lid or the lid lock, or a failed lid lock assembly. 

Keep reading as we dive deeper into the L1 error code, its likely causes, and how you can fix them.

What The L1 Error Code Means On A Speed Queen Washing Machine?

When your Speed Queen washer shows the Er L1 error code, that means the lid has not been able to lock. As the code appears, you’ll notice that several accompanying signs happen along with it, such as the washer has filled the drum with water, yet it does not begin the wash cycle.

This error will prevent you from using the washing machine at all, which is why you’ll want to troubleshoot and resolve it as soon as possible. Not to worry, though, as we’ll provide you with all the information you need below.

Will A Washing Machine Work Without A Lid Lock?

No, your washing machine will not work if the lid fails to lock. The reason for this is that the lid lock is a safety feature. 

The lid lock is designed to prevent any accidental or deliberate lid opening during the wash program. Besides that, it also prevents any water or suds from flying out, especially if the drum is turning at a high rate of speed.

Online, you will find videos and guides on how to bypass the lid lock. However, please understand that bypassing the lid lock is incredibly dangerous. Without a working lid lock mechanism, your washer will continue running with an open-top even if objects or a child were to fall inside.

Possible Causes And Solutions

Here are the most likely reasons your Speed Queen washer shows the L1 code and what you can do to fix them.

Obstruction Around The Lid

How this happens: When troubleshooting a lid that won’t lock on your Speed Queen washer, the first step is to check for any obstructions around the lid. Even small obstructions like a piece of cloth trapped under the lid could prevent the lid lock from engaging, thereby triggering the L1 error code.

How to fix it: For this issue, the solution is pretty straightforward. First, lift the lid and check all around it to ensure that there are no obstructions. Then, be sure to take a closer look at the hinges as there might be small obstructions hidden out of sight.

Clear any obstructions you find, close the lid, and test the machine to see if the lid lock will engage.

Lid or Lid Lock Is Misaligned

What it is: When troubleshooting the L1 error code on your Speed Queen washing machine, the lid lock assembly isn’t the only part to pay attention to. Besides that, the state of the lid itself could also lead to the L1 error code being triggered.

By right, the lid and its hinges must be free from any dents or bends. That will ensure that all parts are aligned correctly for the lid lock to engage when starting a new wash program.

How it fails: Misalignment can prevent the lid lock from engaging. For instance, the lid could be bent out of shape if someone sat or placed something heavy onto it. The same could also happen to the hinges designed to ensure the lid opens and closes in perfect alignment.

When the lid or the hinges are bent or damaged in any way, the lid will not be able to close correctly, and the lid lock will not be able to engage. 

As a result, the wash cycle will not begin, and the L1 error code will be triggered.

How to fix it: Firstly, try to pop the lid back into shape if there are any dents or bends in it. Any hinges that are bent or damaged must be replaced entirely. 

To do that, you’ll need to unthread the screws on both hinges before removing them. Then, depending on the exact model you have, you’ll likely have to open the washer’s top panel before accessing the hinge’s bottom screw.

Whatever the case might be, unthreading the screws will let you free the existing hinges and allow you to replace them with brand new ones.

Failed Lid Lock Assembly

What it is: The lid lock assembly consists of multiple parts. Firstly, there’s a lock that’s activated to keep the lid locked while your washer is running. This component will prevent the lid from being opened mid-cycle, thereby preventing damage to the washer and injury to people around it.

Besides that, the assembly also has a switch that detects whether or not the lid is closed. When the switch senses that the lid is closed, it’ll signal to the washer that it’s safe to proceed with the wash cycle.

How it fails: When it comes to the lid lock assembly, both the lock and the switch are prone to failure. For example, a faulty switch can’t tell your washer that the lid is closed. As a result, the washer will fill with water, but it’ll never start the wash cycle.

On the other hand, a failed lock will simply fail to keep the lid secure while the machine is running.

In this case, the best solution would be to replace the lid lock assembly entirely.

How to fix it: The first step to replacing the lid lock assembly is to open up your control panel. Doing so will allow you to disconnect the control panel and set it aside and disconnect the wire connector for the lid lock.

Next, lift the main top so you can access the underside of the lid. Next, remove the screws securing the old lid lock and remove the wire harness. Doing so will free the old lid lock entirely.

Then, work backwards to install the new lid lock assembly. First, position the wire harness and secure the new lid lock with the mounting screws. Then, put the main top back down.

Lastly, connect the lid lock wire harness to the control module and replace the control panel that you disconnected earlier.

How To Clear The L1 Error Code?

The best way to clear the L1 error code on your Speed Queen washer is to resolve the root cause following the troubleshooting steps described above. Thankfully, once you’ve done that, the error code will not persist or return anytime soon.

You can also clear the error code by performing a reset on your washer.

How To Reset A Speed Queen Washing Machine?

Speed queen washers are very straightforward to reset, as you’ll only need to cycle its power.

To do that, follow these steps:

• Start by turning off the washer and disconnecting it from its power source. That means you must disconnect its plug from the wall socket or switch off the dedicated circuit breaker if the washer is hardwired.
• Next, leave the washer alone for 8 minutes. Remember to keep it unplugged the entire time.
• After that time has passed, the machine would have lost any retained electrical charge inside. So you can consider the washer reset.
• Lastly, reconnect the washer to its power supply and continue using it like normal.

How To Test A Speed Queen Washer After Fixing It?

After fixing your washer, you’ll want to test it to ensure that everything works as it should. You can do that by running a complete wash cycle from start to finish. Since the L1 code relates to the lid lock, pay close attention to the beginning of the wash cycle.

When you see that the washer fills up, locks the lid, and begins washing, that means the problem has been resolved.

How To Read Error Codes on a Speed Queen Washer?

Whenever your Speed Queen washer experiences an error, it will display a series of codes on the digital display, much like the L1 error code we’ve explored here. The error code will persist until the cause of the error has been resolved.