What is wrong with my washing machine?

I have a whirlpool washing machine that is approx 3-4 yrs old. It is one of the commerial quality top loading types. 18mths ago it stopped at the end of the wash part of the cycle and wouldn't drain the water. I found that the plastic lug on the lid was not connecting to a part just under the rim of the machine. If I stuck a peg or similar into the slot it would connnect and finish the whole cycle. This morning the "peg" will no longer work. The machine will still do several tasks,(it works partially), it just won't empty or spin. I believe this to be a "little" problem that would cost a fortune to get a service person to fix. I have looked on the internet and found a USA site that sells manuals on how to fix and specifically mentions 2 types of lid switches for whirlpools, so my opinion is that this type of thing is common with these machines?
However the site does not ship outside of the good old USA!
The machine has not been overused - I live by myself and only use it when I have enough for a full load each of linens, whites, darks etc., so once every 3 to 4 weeks. (I've got lots of undies so no comments please.) I am quite handy for a girl, so any advice would help. Thanks.

jasolutions@hotmail.com
September 2008