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.
Try unplugging the washer for 5 minutes and the lock should unlock if it's stuck in the lock positon. If not, then you just need a new door latch assembly. (assuming your door is not bent down and the door striker isn't hitting the door). If your door is bent, pull up on it and bend the door hinge back up.
As well as being one of the easiest DIY appliances fixes out there, fixing your washing machine door lock yourself can save you a lot of money compared to booking a repair or buying a new washing machine.
Washer lid switch repair costs $100 to $300 on average to replace the lid-lock and switch assembly. The door latch costs $20 to $130 for the part alone, depending on the model. Most washing machine door-lock repairs take 20 to 30 minutes.
If you do only few loads of wash each week, your washer can last for several years beyond the average lifespan — especially if you've kept up with yearly washer maintenance. In that case, you can reasonably expect your middle-aged washer to last another 8 to 10 years, and repairing the washer is a safe bet.
Leave it unplugged for a few minutes to allow any residual power to dissipate. Then, plug it back in and try opening the door. If the control panel continues to malfunction or the door remains locked, consult the manufacturer's manual or contact a professional technician for further assistance.
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.
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.
To fix a stuck key, apply a lubricant such as graphite powder or a silicone-based spray to the keyhole. Gently wiggle the key while pulling it out. If this doesn't work, use a pair of needle-nose pliers to grip the key and carefully work it out.
A displaced or faulty spin switch is the most likely cause. This small switch should be pressed down by the lid when it's closed. If it isn't pressed down, your machine may prevent the spin cycle as a safety measure. To troubleshoot this, hold the switch down with your finger (with the lid open) and start a spin cycle.
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.
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.
Use the emergency door release tab: On some washing machines (like Bosch, Hotpoint and Indesit models) you can open their doors manually by pulling down on a hidden release tab with a screwdriver. You'll usually find this inside a removable flap under the door.
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.
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.
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.
Most washing machines use a thermal lock that releases the door two minutes after a cycle is complete. If your door handle is feeling stiff and won't move, the problem will be with the lock.
Unplug the machine and wait a few minutes. Most doors will open once the power is off and the temperature cools off. Try knocking gently on the handle or pressing the pause/start button. Loop fishing line around the locked door and pull away from the door to manually unlock the locking mechanism.