I have to place extreme weight on the lid in order for the cycle to start. I think it might be the lid latch, however, I am unable to locate the latch. I downloaded a parts picture and it does not look like my washer. The only thing visible when I open the lid, is the soap dispenser. Please advise

It sounds like the lid switch is not making contact. Your lid switch on the back left hand corner, sometimes the metal rod, that slides into the lid switch assembly gets bent. If you were to unplug the washer, and open the lid, and stick your arm in the back left hand corner, you will feel and thin metal rod. What you need to do is hold the lid open, and push hard on the metal rod towards the back, and then close the lid, and give it a try. I find 95% of the times the switch is good, but the arm is bent. Give it a try, and save some money. Tom