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.
As for your door lock issue, the first thing you'll want to do is just unplug the washer for 60 seconds and see if the latch will reset. If that doesn't work, leave the washer plugged in for 20 minutes and it should unlock.
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.
So the first thing you want to do is unplug the washer for 60 seconds and plug it back in to see if the latch will reset. If that doesn't work, listen closely and if you hear a motor running/humming--just leave the washer plugged in for 20 minutes and the washer should reset on it's own and unlock.
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.
Press and Hold “Start” and “Power” Buttons
Simultaneously press "Start" or "Pause" (depending on your model), and "Cancel" or“Power” buttons at the same time. Hold the buttons for about 5 seconds. Release the buttons and run a short cycle to check if the washer has been reset.
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.
If your door lock is malfunctioning, it can lead to issues with the control board not detecting a locked and sealed door, so your washer won't start.
Check the Pump and Filter
A washing machine making a clicking noise or a washing machine with a drain noise can be due to a blocked pump or filter. Clean the pump filter and try again.
Cycle power to the control to reset the washer:
If your washer is plugged into an outlet, simply unplug the unit for one minute and then plug the unit back in.
Access the lid lock switch by unplugging your washer from the wall and turning off the water. Press a magnet against the lid lock mechanism for a quick, easy way to bypass the lid lock. Cut the 1st and 3rd wire (or 1st and 4th wire if there are 4 wires) that attach to the lid lock to permanently bypass it.
Whirlpool (10-12 Years)
Whirlpool is another trusted brand with machines that typically last a decade or more. Known for their straightforward, no-fuss design, Whirlpool washers strike a good balance between affordability and reliability.
LG has consistently emerged as the best washer brand, often vying for the top spot with Speed Queen in Consumer Reports. This reputation cements LG's status as one of the best brand washers. A key factor in LG's popularity is its impressively low repair rates, making it a reliable choice in the appliance market.
All you need to do is press and hold the end of cycle button for 3 seconds and the control panel will unlock.
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.
If unplugging the washer for 60 seconds doesn't work, try this: plug the washer back in and leave it for about 20 minutes. This gives the machine time to complete any unfinished cycles and unlock the door.
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.