I need to replace the lid switch. How do I get the top off of a Kenmore Series 70?

Try this link to sears parts.

http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/index.action

CHECK THE LID SWITCH, AND CHECK THE TIMER FOR A BURNED SMELL. IF SMELL PROBABLY TIMER. SOME WASHERS WOULD NOT GO INTO SPIN WITHOUT LID CLOSED, BUT WOULD AGITATE.

Bob your an the right track.. remove the two screws ( unplug washer ) pull sw from mount and the wires will folow. they are hooked to a wire clip . with it in hand you can see if sw is cracked or broken .. the new sw will come wire& plug/ you can splice it or remove wire harness and reinstall as you took it appart . the 70 series has a lift up top / two clip in front / use a putty knife . ..mm

You have a bad lid switch . This is the piece , the lid actuator piece , goes down onto , in the hole on the top . Try putting a screwdriver into the hole , to activate the switch , to drain the water and to spin the clothes dry enough to remove , until the switch can be replaced .

Lid switch assembly is part #547225...Lid switch actuator kit is part #3237...

Lid switch problem. Press down on lid and try to start machine. Reply.

check the lid switch some washers will fill and was with the lid open but will not spin, if the lid is closed manually actuate the lid switch or bypass it electrically, or replace it.

You need to replace the lid switch. This is located under the case. you have to take the case off to change this part. This is done by taking the 2 screws out of the front of the control panel. Then flip the panel back and remove the 2 brass clips that hold on the case. Then you can remove the whole washer case to get acces to the lid switch. This is a very common problem and an easy problem to fix.

It sounds like the lid switch. If it ws the coupler the water would drain. Check to see if the lid switch is clicking when you put the lid down. replace the lid switch. You have a great washer. Fairly cheap fix.

Most likely you need to replace the lid switch.
Open the lid and make sure the actuator that pushes the switch is still attached to the lid. Use a pen or screwdriver to depress the switch through the hole in the top of the cabinet, you should hear a click as the switch closes. I usually find that the switch has actually broken off from the cabinet and is hanging loose in the machine.
To replace the switch
Remove the screws that hold the console to the cabinet. Flip the console up and back like opening a car hood. unplug the wire connector for the lid switch. Pop out the two clips that hold the cabinet to the rear panel of the washer. The cabinet will tilt forward and slide off the machine base. You can now replace the switch from inside the cabinet.
If you need further help, please post the complete model number from the washer so I can see exactly how your washer is set up.
Mike