Why is my Whirlpool washer locked and won't drain?

Author: Marlen Schultz MD  |  Last update: Friday, September 19, 2025

Kinked or Clogged Drain Hose Check the hose for visible kinks. If you find any, gently straighten them. If the hose seems damaged, consider replacing it. To look for blockages, detach the hose from the washer and/or standpipe and remove any clogs.

Why is my whirlpool washer not draining and locked?

The drain pump has a little fan in it and that fan can get pretty clogged up over the years. If the impeller gets clogged it won't be able to drain and it will error after it tries to drain. When that happens the door is already locked and the error shuts the machine function down so the lid stays locked.

Why is my whirlpool washer blinking red on locked?

Yes the blinking lid locked light is telling you that you have a lid latch /lock switch that has failed .

Why won't my washer drain and unlock?

Typically this can happen when you have a clog in the drain pump underneath the washer or the drain hose. So its possible you may have a clog in the pump or the hose that will need to be cleaned out to resolve the issue. If there is a clog, the unit wont spin, and then the unit wont unlock.

How do I force my washing machine to drain?

How to drain a washer filled with water
  1. Try the spin cycle. ...
  2. Turn off the power and water supply. ...
  3. Remove and check the drain hose. ...
  4. Check to see if it will drain with the help of gravity. ...
  5. Check your machine's inner workings. ...
  6. Check the drain pipe. ...
  7. Drain manually if needed. ...
  8. Call a service professional.

Whirlpool Washer Won't Drain - How to Drain the Washer, Diagnose and Fix

How do I reset a stuck Whirlpool washer?

Unplug the washer: Unplug the washer from the power source. If the plug is difficult to reach, or is hard-wired to the power supply, shut it off at the breaker. 2. Wait for a minute: Wait for 1-5 minutes before plugging the washer back in to reset the internal systems.

What does red lock mean on washing machine?

The door lock in washing machines is designed for safety; if a door lock indicator sign appears on the washing machine dashboard, it means that the door cannot be opened because the drum is hot or the cycle has not been completed.

Why does Whirlpool washer say locked?

If the control lock has been activated, the control will not function. If you try to push buttons, you may see the code "LoC" or "LC" (depending on your model). This is a reminder that you have set the control lock and need to de-activate it to allow the washer controls to function.

How do you remove a stuck lock washer?

To remove a lock washer, use a wrench or a similar tool to remove the nut or threaded fastener that holds the lock washer in place. Next, use a flathead screwdriver to pry the lock washer loose. If you remove a split washer, place the screwdriver head under the washer or inside the split.

How do you get a whirlpool washer to drain?

Why Your Whirlpool Washer Won't Drain and How to Fix It
  1. Check the hose for visible kinks. ...
  2. To look for blockages, detach the hose from the washer and/or standpipe and remove any clogs. ...
  3. Ensure that the hose is correctly positioned in the drainpipe, usually between 39 to 96 inches above the floor.

How do I force my Whirlpool washer to unlock?

Press the “Control Lock” button on your Whirlpool washer for three seconds. After three seconds, you should be able to open the door. If the door still doesn't open, press the “End of Cycle” button (if your washing machine has one) for five seconds.

How to tell if a Whirlpool drain pump is bad?

No washer movement: Washing machines spin and jerk quickly to loosen dirt on fabrics. No or little movement during washing cycles often means you need a new drain pump.

How do I release the lock on my washing machine?

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.

What causes a washing machine to lock?

Common reasons include a cycle in progress, a malfunction in the machine's sensor or control board, a power outage during operation, or even a simple issue like an unbalanced load triggering a safety lock.

What is the most common problem with Whirlpool washers?

A start button on your washer's control panel not working despite the rest of the lights coming on is the most common Whirlpool washer issue you will encounter. Taking off the control panel to try and find the cause will let you see if the solution can be DIYed, or a professional needs to be called.

Why is my Whirlpool washing machine not emptying?

If your Whirlpool washer is not draining, the drain hose, drain pump, door lock, or lid switch are likely causing the issue. If these components are working correctly, the control panel or timer may be causing the issue.

Will unplugging a washer unlock the door?

Check for a power outage or fault.

In this case, try unplugging the machine and waiting for a few minutes before plugging it back in. This can sometimes reset the machine and release the door lock. Before opening the door, ensure that there is no water inside the drum.

Previous article
What is the lifespan of waterproof paint?
Next article
What are they changing master bedroom to?