Whirlpool washers are equipped with a safety mechanism that locks the door during a cycle. Sometimes, this mechanism can malfunction, leaving the door locked even when it’s safe to open. To unlock a Whirlpool washer, you can try pressing and holding the “Start/Pause” or “Control Lock” button for 5 seconds, or unplugging the washer for 30 minutes to reset the control board.
Whirlpool washer locked – how to reset and unlock it?
If the washer door remains locked, manual unlocking may be necessary by accessing the door latch mechanism through the toe panel. Other troubleshooting steps include cleaning a blocked filter, checking the lid switch and door lock assemblies, inspecting the actuator motor and drain pump, and examining the door latch and strike.
How To Unlock Washer Door?
Quick Fix – To open the washer door if the washer is locked, press the Start/Pause or Control Lock button for 5 seconds as this will unlock the door if all is working properly. Or try unplugging the washer for 30 minutes to try to reset the control board. You also might need to wait a few minutes after the wash load is complete to open the washing machine door. Check the washer filter for any blockages.
Whirlpool washer blinking locked light
How do I unlock my whirlpool washer door lock?
If your washer is stuck in a locked mode, check if it’s still in the middle of a cycle. If it’s not, you can try pressing and holding the “Start/Pause” or the “Control Lock” button for 5 seconds. This should pause the cycle and unlock the door. If the door still does not unlock press the “End Of Cycle” button.
In some cases, this reset won’t work or the washer won’t respond at all. If that’s the case, you’ll need to unplug the washer from its power source and wait 30 minutes before plugging it back in. This should reset the control board and allow you to start a new cycle.
Whirlpool washing machine door locked fix
Manually unlock the door
If the washer door is still locked, you can try to open it manually. Be sure there is no water in the tub before doing this or a large amount of water can ruin your floors. Unplug the washer. Carefully remove the toe panel with a screwdriver and release any small clips if necessary to gain access to the door latch mechanism. Find the small door release handle and pull it to open the washer door. It will make a clicking noise when the door is finally released.
Hopefully, this has unlocked your Whirlpool washer and you can use your washer normally. If not there are more solutions and troubleshooting methods to fix this.
Whirlpool washer TOP LOAD how to unlock door
How To Troubleshoot The Washer Door Lock
Clean The Blocked Filter
If the washer filter shows signs of blockages or obstructions it can cause the door to remain locked. Clean any blockage or if needed, replace it with a new filter. Note that not all Whirlpool washers have a filter.
Check Lid Switch Assembly
Examine both the lid switch assembly and door lock assembly for any faults. A faulty switch may seem working but still not functioning leading to the problem of not unlocking. You can test the switch by using a multimeter to check for continuity. If the switch isn’t working properly you need to remove and replace it.
How to replace lid switch on Whirlpool washer
Washing Machine Actuator Motor
A fault in the actuator motor can cause issues where the door won’t unlock. A faulty actuator can disrupt communication with other components in the washer. If the actuator motor malfunctions by having loose wiring or another fault, the washer door will not open. Inspect the actuator motor for any issues. Fix any loose wiring and secure everything in place.
Drain Pump Issues
If the drain pump motor is blocked or has a problem, this might cause the washer door to remain locked. Check the drain pump for any electrical issues or if any visual signs of damage. Check the drain filter and clear any blockages or remove any foreign objects that may be blocking it.
Checking The Door Latch
Check the door latch and strike. Make sure the latch is fully engaged with the strike and that no debris or clothing is blocking the mechanism. If the latch or strike is damaged or worn, you may need to replace it. You can easily find replacement parts online or at your local appliance store.
Resetting The Washer
Try resetting your washer. Unplug the machine from the wall, wait a few minutes, and then plug it back in. This can sometimes reset the control board and solve the problem.
Inspecting The Control Board
Inspect the control board. Look for any visible signs of damage, such as burn marks or loose connections. If you notice any issues, you may need to replace the board. Keep in mind that control boards can be expensive, so this should be a last resort.
Need more help? Ask a professional repair service. If you’ve tried all of the above troubleshooting techniques and still can’t get your washer to lock properly, it may be time to ask a question in the comments below and a trained technician can diagnose the issue for you. You can also try reading the user manual and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for use and maintenance.
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