As a safety measure, the Whirlpool washer door is designed to lock automatically and remain closed when the machine is in operation. Especially the front-loading washers. The entire system consists of a control system that runs several other parts and features depending on the commands you input.
That said, it can be confusing when you notice your Whirlpool washer door is locked and the light is flashing. So, to help you understand, we’ve come up with a complete troubleshooting guide.
Why is my washer locked and won’t open?
Some of the reasons your Whirlpool washer door is locked are:
- There is a washing cycle in progress.
- The washer was turned on before being connected to water.
- The control system is faulty.
- Debris buildup along the frame of the washer.
- Damaged door lock.
Troubleshooting a Whirlpool washer door that’s locked and won’t open
There are several fixes you can use to try and get the washer door open. Check them out below.
1. Wait a few minutes
After the washer completes a wash cycle, it takes a few minutes for the door to be unlockable. This is because the motor takes time to stop completely and signal the control board to open the door.
In case you switch off the washer mid-cycle and the door refuses to open, it’s because there’s water in the washer that must drain first.
If you can’t wait, press and hold down the “Control Lock” button for 3 seconds after the washing cycle ends. When you hear a latching sound, it means you can unlock the door.
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2. Unplug the washer from the power source
You should disconnect power from the wall socket or the breaker box and leave it for a few minutes. This will reset the Whirlpool washer and could get the door to open. Turn on the breaker switch and plug the power cable into the socket then power up the washer. Try to open the door to see if the issue is no longer there.
Also, you can reset the Whirlpool washer by pressing and holding the “End Cycle” button for 5 seconds.
3. Check the lid switch
Considering this is the part responsible for locking and unlocking the washer door, you must inspect it for damage signs.
- First, unplug the power.
- Turn off the water supply.
- Find the lid switch (you might have to check your manual).
- Ensure its aligned and tightened properly.
- Use a multimeter to test for continuity.
- If it’s defective in any way or has no continuity, replace it immediately.
- Confirm if the locking problem is no longer there before you move to the next component.
4. Check the actuator motor
A faulty actuator motor will cause the motor to stop working mid-cycle and this prevents the washer door from opening. Now, to solve the problem, you need to troubleshoot the motor.
- First, put the washer on a cycle and listen for grinding noises from the motor. They prove that the motor is defective and needs a replacement.
- If you don’t hear any noises, unplug the power source and locate the motor.
- Ensure the wires attached to it are in good shape and there are no loose connections.
- Get a multimeter and test for continuity of the motor.
- If it has no continuity replace it.
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5. Check the drain pump
A faulty or clogged drain pump could be another reason your Whirlpool washer door is locked and won’t open.
To inspect the drain pump:
- Disconnect the power.
- Turn off the water supply.
- Locate the drain pump.
- Confirm if the impellers are able to move freely.
- If they’re stiff, then there’s a problem. You can try to loosen them by clearing debris or unclogging the drain.
- Next, use a multimeter to test for continuity.
- If the result shows no continuity, start looking for another drain pump.
6. Unlock the door manually
Lastly, if none of the solutions work, you’ll have to manually unlock a washing machine door. How? Follow the steps listed below.
Unlocking a front loader Whirlpool washer manually
- Unplug the power source.
- Turn off the water supply.
- Unscrew the screws on the back of the top panel.
- Remove the top panel (pull it back then up).
- Reach down behind the front panel.
- Look for a small circular tab on the right side.
- Pull it and the door will open.
Unlocking a top loader Whirlpool washer manually
- Unplug the power source.
- Turn off the water supply.
- Go to the drain pump cover. It’s near the bottom right of the washer on the front.
- Unscrew the cover and put it aside.
- Look for a plastic cord inside the washer and pull it.
- This will force a Whirlpool washer to unlock immediately.
Conclusion
That’s all the fix we have for a Whirlpool washer door that’s locked and won’t open. If they helped to solve your problem, feel free to share this article with friends and family that are dealing with the same issue.
For further inquiries, comment below or reach out to a professional technician near you.