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Why won't the washing machine door open or lock?

less than a minute readApr 19Lyle Weischwill
image of front-load-washer

If the door of a front-load washer either won't lock shut or won't open, it's likely that the door lock assembly is on the fritz. Less likely causes of front-load washer door lock problems include wiring failures or a bad electronic control board.

Also, the washer control may not unlock the door if the water-level pressure switch indicates the washer is still full of water. Replace the water-level pressure switch if it doesn't accurately detect water level.

If the washer is still full of water and the door won't unlock, a clogged or failed drain pump may be at fault. Replace the drain pump if it won't drain out the water.

These basic troubleshooting tips should help you fix most Samsung, LG, Whirlpool, Frigidaire, GE and Kenmore front-load washer door lock problems.


These repairs may help solve your front-load-washer problem

JC-WASH-Replace-the-washer-door-lock-assembly

Replace the washer door lock assembly

The door lock assembly on a front-load washer includes a safety switch that detects whether the washer door is closed, a latch and a locking mechanism. If any of these components fails when the door is open, the door won't lock; if a component fails with the door is closed, the door won't open. Replace the entire assembly if any component fails.

Washer door lock assembly

Find the required part specific to your product.
Jan 01
How to replace the door lock assembly on a front-load washer

Does the door on your front-load washer door refuse to lock? The problem could be the door lock. Thi…

Repair time and Difficulty

 30 minutes or less
JC-WASH-Replace-the-washer-main-electronic-control-board

Replace the washer main control board

The main electronic control board, also called the mother board, governs the timing and execution of the washer component functions. It controls the fill valves, the drive motor and the drain pump.

Washer main control board

Find the required part specific to your product.
Jul 01
How to replace the electronic control board on a top-load washer

A failed top-load washer electronic control board can cause multiple problems, from no display light…

Repair time and Difficulty

 30 minutes or less
Jul 01
How to replace the machine control board in a front-load washer

A failed front-load washing machine control board has several symptoms, including the washer not sta…

Repair time and Difficulty

 45 minutes or less
JC-WASH-Repair-or-replace-the-washer-drain-pump

Repair or replace the washer drain pump

The drain pump removes water from the washer at the appropriate times during the wash cycle. The pump's bearing can seize, the seal can fail or the impeller blades can break. The belt on a belt-driven pumps can break, and the pulley can shear off. A humming noise when the washer is full of water is a common symptom of a failing pump. In some cases, you can repair the pump by clearing it of debris, fixing wiring failures or replacing a seal. If the pump can't be repaired or rebuilt, replace it.

Repair or replace the washer drain pump

Find the required part specific to your product.
Jul 01
How to replace the drain pump in a top-load washer

Is your top-load washer not draining? A faulty drain pump could be to blame. This repair guide and v…

Repair time and Difficulty

 45 minutes or less
Jul 01
How to replace the drain pump on a front-load washer

Is your front-load washer not draining? The drain pump might be the problem. This DIY repair guide a…

Repair time and Difficulty

 45 minutes or less
JC-WASH-Replace-the-washer-water-level-pressure-switch

Replace the washer water-level pressure switch

The water-level pressure switch detects the water level in the wash tub. If the water-level pressure switch is defective, the washer won't fill properly. It could not fill at all or it could overfill even to the point of overflowing. If the pressure switch doesn't accurately detect and control the water level in the washer, replace it.

Washer water-level pressure switch

Find the required part specific to your product.
Jan 01
How to replace the water level pressure switch on a direct-drive top-load washer

When a top-load washer overfills with water, or when it won't fill at all, the water level pressure …

Repair time and Difficulty

 15 minutes or less