so when i do that the top doesnt close. thats what im supposed to be doing right?
You should be able to do one strong piece of tape across that little bobbing pin to keep it down and still be able to close the lid. As long as that pin is FULLY depressed (all the way down inside its hole), the machine thinks that the lid is shut and has depressed it so the machine should work.
After all this, I just reread your posts. I was thinking dryer. If the washer lid is not closed properly the above would also apply, however FIRST I would check out something else. What are you putting in the washer when it pauses? It is a safely feature for the washer to stop when the load is not BALANCED appropriately inside. Make sure the load looks relatively symmetrical in the tub. Too much on one side vs the other side will cause the cycle to pause until you readjust the inside load and start it again.