Imagine washing your clothes and knowing your washing machine door is locked. Opening a locked machine door is a pain, especially when you do not know what to do.
Moreover, the flashing LED lights will frustrate you even more if you are still looking for a way to get through this problem.
To open the locked door, you should first know why this happens. Once you know why it has happened, unlocking it is simple. The reasons and solutions for the locked machine door are different for two different kinds of machines.
It all depends on whether the machine is front-loaded or top-loaded.
This article will explain every possible reason behind the locked door and the most appropriate action to solve it. We will explain all this for the top loading and the front loader washers.
Whirlpool top load washer door locked.
Switch lid and striker.
Switch lid and strikers are installed below the lid to ensure the lid lifting mechanism works correctly. The lid switch is installed in the Whirlpool top load washers for safety. With the help of the lid switch, the washer operates only when the lid is closed and would not operate when it is open.
The striker on the lid presses the lid switch down. You should make sure that the striker is aligned with the lid switch. If the alignment is out, the door will get locked awkwardly. The striker and other fittings get loose with usage, and there are occasions when they need to be found.
No matter the problem, the lid switch is the most common reason behind a locked Whirlpool top load washer door. If the striker alignment is not out, check if the lid switch functions. Use a multimeter to detect if the lid switch is working or not.
Control board
The control board must detect and close an open lid among its many functions. At times, the control board can malfunction, and it will not be able to detect if the door is locked.
This problem usually occurs due to various reasons. A voltage fluctuation can cause the control board to malfunction. An insufficient or delayed neutral feed can also lock the washer door.
No matter the reason behind the door jam, you should wait for at least 3 minutes. The door will probably open in 3 minutes if you unplug the washer from the power outlet. If you cannot wait that long, try opening the door manually. The procedure to manually open the Whirlpool top load washer door is mentioned at the end of the article.
Actuator motor
An actuator motor is installed inside the machinery to convert the electric energy into torque (rotatory motion). The actuator motor is fixed inside the Whirlpool top load washer to provide the lid with a rotatory motion. The lid cannot rotate (open) if the motor is not working.
The actuator motor might not be working due to a wiring problem. You should check the motor from the bottom of the washer. Inspect if the wiring is not cut or the connections are not loose.
If the wiring and fitting are fine, you should check whether the motor works. A malfunctioning motor can only be detected with the help of a multimeter. A faulty motor will need replacement. However, loose wirings need to be tightened and fixed correctly.
Blocked drain pump
The drain pump is there to eject residual material and bad water. Sometimes, the door will not open because the drain pump is clogged.
A blocked drain pump cannot get rid of unwanted stuff. The washer lid remains locked because the water is not ejected and is not designed to open when the waste remains inside the drum.
The solution to the blocked drain pump is simple. You should try opening the drain pump. Call an electrician or replace the drain pump immediately if the drain does not open upon trying the shoulder.
Whirlpool front load washer door locked.
Water supply
Is the water supply of your washer consistent? If not, this is likely due to the recent repair or overhauling. Technicians tend to turn the water supply off, due to which this happens. An inconsistent water supply tends to disturb the opening and closing of the door since all the processes are interlinked.
The solution to this problem is to reset the washing machine. To reset, you should perform the following steps:
- Press “Wash Temp,” “Spin,” and “Soil” one after another.
- Repeat the same sequence three consecutive times.
- If this does not work, then try pressing “Spin,” “Soil,” and “Presoak” one after another. Repeat the same sequence three consecutive times.
- When performed properly, the lights on the LED panel will turn on, codes will appear on the screen, and the washer will start making a humming sound.
- Now you have to wait for 10 minutes so that the process is complete.
- Press the power button to clear codes on the screen.
Drain pump and hose
Like the top load washers, the front door washing machines are also vulnerable to blockage in the drainage pump. Drain pumps ensure that the unwanted waste is dumped. However, a blockage will not let it do its function, and the door will not open because the washer will sense water in the bucket.
To solve this problem, you should check the drain pump. If it is clogged, then open it by removing the debris. On the other hand, if there is no blockage and the drain pump is malfunctioning, you should replace this component.
The problem could be solved, but the door is still not opening. In this case, you should see water standing in the bucket. You should press the “spin and drain” button to drain the unwanted water.
Door switch and striker
Like the top-loaded washing machines, the front door washers also have door switches to ensure the user remains safe. To wash a batch of clothes, the Whirlpool washer will need a green signal from the door switch that the door is shut correctly.
Unplugging the door switch from the power source can solve a problem with the door switch. Then you need to remove the front panel. Once the front panel is removed, check if the door switch works. You will need to check it with the help of a multimeter.
A fault in the door switch would mean that you should replace it. On the contrary, if there is no problem with the door switch, then you should check if the striker is aligned with the door switch.
Manually unlock the Whirlpool front door washer.
You should unplug the washer for around five minutes. Turn the circuit breaker off the power supply if you cannot unplug the washer.
Turning off the power for five minutes will reset the control panel, force the door open, and turn the lights off. However, you might face the same issue after performing the steps. In this case, you should perform a manual unlock that requires performing the following steps:
- Plug the washer from the power outlet.
- Pull it outwards to expose the backside of the washer.
- Unscrew the back of the top panel.
- Slide the top panel to the back and pull it up to remove the top panel.
- Reach for the back of the front panel.
- You will find a door lock assembly on the right side.
- Find a tab near the door lock and pull it down to open it.
Manually unlock the Whirlpool top load washer.
You should unplug the Whirlpool top load washer from the power source or press and hold the cancel button. Either one of these things will help you. However, if these methods do not work, you should use the manual unlock.
The manual unlock to perform as it includes the following steps:
- Unplug the washer from the power source.
- Cut off the water supply so the water does not go inside the machine.
- Find the drain pump cover in the Whirlpool top load washer. You will normally find it in the front of the washer at the bottom right corner.
- Unscrew the compartment from the washer.
- You will find a wire there. Pull it, and the door will unlock.
Conclusion
A Whirlpool washer is a durable and value-adding appliance you can purchase with your eyes wide shut. Those people who have been loyal to Whirlpool would endorse that the company does not disappoint when it comes to quality.
However, you will need some help with the Whirlpool washers, like any other appliance on the market. In our troubleshooting guide, we have explained common reasons behind a door lock in the Whirlpool washers.
Not just the problem, but we have also discussed the methods to solve these issues. You should start checking each problem one by one. There is one general rule, as we have said earlier. It is better to avoid screwing any component in the first go. Go for other options first. The options do not include unscrewing or dismantling.
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