KENMORE (UFC 90 series) WASHER LID SWITCH issues?

I'm not sure if I need to replace the lid switch or just improvise a new attachment for the lid. If I use a screwdriver and hold down the metal plate that the lid should hold down, the washer operates normally. If I don't hold it down it won't drain or spin out. Until today, I had been putting a bottle of laundry detergent on the corner to hold down the switch-tripping mechanism on the lid and that worked fine, but it just doesn't seem to be doing it anymore. Not to be presumptuous, but JP do you have any answers--you're answers/advice are what has gotten me this far in figuring out my problem and prevented me from taking apart my washer further; thanks :)