We have a 10 yr old --. It won't spin or drain on any cycle. I read that the lid switch probably needs to be replaced. What is a lid switch?

Hi allwashedup and welcome, the lid switch is a safety switch that stops the washer if the lid is lifted. Post the make and model number of the washer and I'll see if I can help. Good luck


Also post if it makes any noise when it should be spinning, OK?

Here are some manuals: https://dl.dropbox.com/u/8010163/Whirlpool%20Washers.zip
What you want to do is to unplug washer then pop the top by taking a flat-bladed tool like a putty knife or butter knife and pressing in on the two clips, one on each side of front between top and bottom and then raising top. You will see the lid switch on the side of the opening with two wires on it. Unplug the wires and put the leads of an ohm meter on each terminal. With lid closed it should read about zero ohms and when lid is opened it will read infinity. Only if it's bad should it be replaced. Don't just guess and be a "parts changer." If it checks out then you need to look at the timer or water valve. The water valve is checked first by checking the ohms on the water valves and if open they need replacing. It's more likely you need a water valve, or even a water level switch than a lid switch.