Why won't it go to the wash cycle?

This can be several different things:

The lid switch is the most likely part to fail in this circumstance. However, this is only the most likely and there may be another part at fault. Here is a short list of ALL the parts in your top load washer that may have failed (and caused your particular problem) in alphabetical order…

Cycle Selector Switch – The cycle selector switch controls the speed of the motor and if it goes bad it can stop the motor from operating.

Drive Belt – If the belt falls off or becomes worn the transmission will not turn and the machine will not agitate. The machine will make a humming noise as the motor will be running.

Drive Motor – This motor turns the agitator and drum to wash your clothing. If it goes bad the machine will not agitate.

Lid Switch – The lid switch makes it so if the lid is opened, the machine will not run. A bad lid switch will make it so power cannot get to the drive motor.

Timer – The timer supplies power to turn the motor. If the timer is defective, the motor will not turn therefore no washer agitation.

Water Level Switch – The water level switch (aka Pressure Switch) controls the water level. If defective the motor may not receive power.

These are the most likely parts that may have failed due to the issue we have explained above. Use safety precautions when doing any type of maintenance checks on your washer.