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Fixing Whirlpool Washer Door Lock Issues Easily

With the automatic door locking feature, you can rest assured that your washing machine won’t make any unnecessary surprises. This feature prevents the door from opening during the cycle, so you don’t have to worry about the washer flooding your home or trapping clothes inside.

However, as with any mechanism, there’s always the chance for malfunctions, which in this case could cause the door to lock before the cycle even starts or when it’s in the middle.

So, in case your Whirlpool washer has locked its door and you’re unable to get it open, don’t fret – this is actually a pretty common issue that you can fix easily. Of course, there are a few different reasons why this might happen, but none of them is too hard to fix. 

Whirlpool Washer Door Locked Light Flashing: How to Fix it

Whirlpool washer door lock

Here are a few tips on how you can fix your Whirlpool washer door-locked light flashing malfunction.

Reset the Washer

If your washing machine is acting up, there are a few easy fixes that can help get it back on track. First, unplug your washer from the wall socket for at least 45 minutes. This will help reset your washer and clear any minor glitches it may be experiencing.

If this doesn’t solve the problem, try running a cycle with just water and vinegar. This can help remove any build-up that may be causing problems. If all else fails, consider calling a repairman. With their expertise, they should be able to identify and fix the problem quickly.

Leave the Washer for a Few Minutes

When the motor speed of your Whirlpool washing machine reaches zero revolutions per minute, open the door and wait for three minutes before getting access to the clothes. This will help avoid overheating and fires.

Most washing machines are designed with the ability to heat up warm water used in the wash cycle, typically through an internal heating coil that is integrated into the washer.

It is common for the temperature to go as far as 122 degrees Fahrenheit, as it’s the standard for many models. However, if the water exceeds 122 degrees, your washer may encounter a slight delay as the hot water cools down.

Inspect the Control Lock

Some models come with a control lock feature that locks the control panel. To unlock it, all you need to do is press and hold the button on the dashboard for three seconds. You’ll hear a beep that means that the control lock has been disabled. This will give you access to the control panel and let you complete your laundry as usual.

If you press the End Cycle button, the machine will automatically reset itself, recan the tumblers, and unlock the door. If this doesn’t help, you can manually open the door latch to stop the cycle.

Check the Lid Switch and Striker

The striker is a crucial part of the washer as helps it know when to enable the water flow. If this part becomes loose and moves from its original position, it can cause the washer to malfunction or stop working altogether. In case the striker was moved out of its place due to a drop, you can always put it back using your fingers, applying a little force.

In most cases, however, the lid switch can stop working on itself. When this happens, consider checking the lid switch with a multimeter before interfering with any components of the machine. The door latch should disengage once the washing cycle is over, but in some cases, it can malfunction and fail to lock up in place even after the wash cycle has ended.

Defective Door Latch

The doorframe’s plastic striker fits snuggly into the latch, a little metal piece. Your alignment is correct when you hear a clicking noise. Simply push it back if it’s misaligned. Tightening the hinges may also help align the washing door and prevent it from wobbling.

To avoid injury, disconnect your washing machine from power before repairing it. Once you have access to its parts, use a multimeter to test the door latch power assembly for electricity. If a breakdown or electrical short prevents the lid from latching, replace the door latch assembly.

Faulty Sensor Actuator

Whirlpool washer diagnosis sensors tend to get into diagnostic mode. While this mode can be tricky, you can check the directions in your machine’s manual to see if you can make it recognize the sensor and run a diagnostic test. Then check the diagnostic against the reference manual to see what the problem is.

It could also be that the optical speed sensor on the motor is not reading the motor as expected, and therefore the washer doesn’t know when to stop as well as when to unlock the door.

Cracked Hose

Whirlpool washer door lock

When inspecting inlet hoses, look for cracks or leaks. Even the greatest hoses wear out, so check for kinks or cracks. These difficulties often cause water flow troubles and can disrupt water level monitors.

Water in Washer Tub

If there’s water in the washer tub, then the door of your washing machine will not unlock unless the tub is completely empty. In case there is water standing in the tub, perform a spin-and-drain to expel all of the water. Once you’re done with that, you should be able to unlock the door and resume your laundry.

Tip: If your Whirlpool washer door is locked, you should first try to reset the machine to release the lock. If that doesn’t work, it could be that one of a few different components is causing problems, like the door switch assembly, the latch assembly, or even the washtub itself. If the washer is still under warranty, you might be able to get it replaced for free.