This can be done by using a flathead screwdriver to unclip the panel, allowing it to be pulled off. Next, reach up through the panel area and find the door latch. Once located, find the tear-drop shaped tab on the door latch and pull it. You should hear a clicking sound and the door should be able to be opened.
First, try to unplug the washer for 5 minutes or flip the breaker off to the washer for 5 minutes to see if the electronics will reset. If that doesn't work, press and hold the start button for 5 seconds to try to reset the controls and unlock the lid.
If you need to open the lid, press and hold START/PAUSE. The lid will unlock 1 minute after the washer movement has stopped. This may take several minutes if the load was spinning at high speed. Press the START/PAUSE button again to restart the cycle.
One of the buttons should have a small icon of a pad lock. Press and hold it for 5 seconds. If not turn the breaker off for 5 min then turn back on.
Troubleshooting a Locked Whirlpool Washer
Press the "control lock" button for three seconds. The door should unlock. If the control lock button doesn't work, try the "end of cycle" button to reset the washer. If the above steps fail, completely reset the machine by unplugging it for an hour.
Turn off the machine for 5-10 minutes and try opening it again: This method works in most cases when the door lock is stuck. Turning off the machine for a few minutes gives it time to reset and release the door lock. After a few minutes, try opening the door again.
The most likely cause is an inoperative drain pump, or a clogged debris filter. If your washer has water inside the Drum, the door will not open to prevent a flood. If you are using to sanitize the cycle and the water is extremely hot, the door will not open to prevent injury. Straighten the drain hoses.
If the cycle has finished and the door is still locked, it may be due to a power outage or a fault in the machine's electrical system. In this case, try unplugging the machine and waiting for a few minutes before plugging it back in.
Manually Unlock the Door
Unplug the Machine: Disconnect the machine from the power source. Wait for 5-10 Minutes: This allows the lock mechanism to reset. Open the Door: After a few minutes, plug the machine back in and check if the door can be opened.
For front-load washers, you may need to perform a master reset. This involves unplugging the washer, waiting for one minute, and then plugging it back in.
If the door doesn't open as it should after the cycle has ended, the next step is to hold the “control lock” button down for 3 seconds. You should be able to hear an unlatching sound followed by being able to open the door.
Normally waiting for the cycle to end is all you need to do to unlock the door, or turn your washer on if it's off. If you get stuck, though, you can drain the water from front load washers using the emergency drain hose; once the water is gone, the door will unlock.
Washer Control Reset
To reset the electronic controls on your washer, shut off the circuit breaker or fuse to the washer or unplug the washer for 2 minutes. For models that have a timer control knob, turn the knob around and back to any position other than final spin for the interrupted cycle. Then, restore power.
This can be done by using a flathead screwdriver to unclip the panel, allowing it to be pulled off. Next, reach up through the panel area and find the door latch. Once located, find the tear-drop shaped tab on the door latch and pull it. You should hear a clicking sound and the door should be able to be opened.
Top-load washers won't lock because of issues with their lid, lid switch and actuator, lid lock, or control board. Whereas front-load models may have problems with the door latch/strike, door seal, door hinge, or control board.
Turn the power off at the circuit breaker or fuse box for one minute, then turn the power back on. Allow the oven to cool for approximately 30-90 minutes. Move the latch arm to the left to unlock the door.