The most common reasons your GE washer door won't lock are a broken door lock assembly, a defective door switch, or a malfunctioning PCB.
Initially, unplug the machine and wait 5 minutes before plug back in. Then power on the machine, and press the start button. Reboot the washer by using the open/close lid reset. Just open and close the lid 6 times in 12 seconds after you press the start button.
You should just need to press and hold the Delay Start button or the Signal button for 5 seconds to remove the control lock. If that doesn't work, unplug the washer and try again after 60 seconds. If it still won't work, you need to replace the front interface control board because it has failed.
Check for Obstructions: Examine the door seal and the door latch for any obstructions or debris that might be preventing it from locking securely. Even small items like coins or hairpins can cause issues.
The most common reasons your GE washer lid won't lock are a broken lid lock assembly, a defective lid switch, or a malfunctioning PCB.
To reset the washer control panel, it needs to be disconnected from the power source for one minute. If your washer is plugged into an outlet, simply unplug the unit for one minute and then plug the unit back in.
Check the latch mechanism: The first step in fixing a washer door that won't lock is to check the latch mechanism. If the latch mechanism is broken or jammed, it will need to be replaced. Adjust the door strike: If the door strike is out of alignment, it can be adjusted.
The easiest way to tell if your washer door lock is faulty is if it simply will not latch shut. The washer cannot recognize the door as shut, so it won't start. Sometimes you hear a repeated “knocking” sound – that's the washer trying to lock or seal the door shut – if your door lock is broken or bad.
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.
The most common reasons your GE washer door won't lock are a broken door lock assembly, a defective door switch, or a malfunctioning PCB.
Newer Dishwasher Models
To LOCK/UNLOCK the dishwasher control, depending on the model, press and hold the Cycle pad, or the Dry/Dry Boost and Steam pads simultaneously for 3 seconds. The Lock Controls light will turn on to indicate the control is locked and will turn off to indicate the control is unlocked.
Front Load Washers that have the UltraFresh Vent System with Odor Block™ do allow you to switch the door swing. The exception is our Front Load GE Profile™ UltraFast Combo Washer/Dryer, which can't be reversed because of the door design.
Factors like the weather, damage to the key, and even a buildup of dirt and grime inside the locking mechanism can all stop a door from locking.
Door lock problems are often caused by a malfunctioning lock mechanism or latch assembly, but there are several common reasons why locks stop working: The lock is dry or dirty. It doesn't fit in the door properly. The latch and strike plate don't align.
You can try lubricating the lock with graphite spray or silicone based lubricant as mentioned above. If this doesn't help it could be that there is a misalignment of the lock and door (similar to UPVC problem above) or there could be a problem with the lock cylinder.
If the washing machine's lid strike does not line up with the lock or latch when you attempt to close the lid, it's likely the lid hinge is bent or misaligned. This can prevent the lid from locking. Inspect the hinge for damage and replace if necessary.
The clicking or ticking noise heard during the gentle cycle in both GE and Hotpoint brands is caused by the clutch and is normal. This noise can be heard all through the cycle, except when the washer is filling.
If the washing machine's lid strike does not line up with the lock or latch when you attempt to close the lid, it's likely the lid hinge is bent or misaligned. This can prevent the lid from locking. Inspect the hinge for damage and replace if necessary.
Fix: Try resetting the machine by unplugging it from the power source for a few minutes, then plugging it back in. This might reset the control board and release the door lock. If the problem persists, contacting a technician for further diagnosis might be necessary.