Washer Door or Lid Won't Lock/Unlock

The door or lid lock secures the washer door or lid during operation. Once the door or lid is closed, the washer can begin operating. If the door or lid is not latched shut, the door switch will prevent the washer from operating. If the lock is defective, the washer will not spin or start. The lock can fail either mechanically or electrically. Inspect the lock for damage. If the lock is damaged or does not latch properly, replace it. To determine if the lock has failed electrically, consult your washer’s wiring diagram and use a multimeter to test each of the lock switches, if applicable, for continuity.

If the washing machine's lid strike or door strike does not line up with the lock or latch when you attempt to close the lid or door, it's likely the lid hinge or door hinge is bent or misaligned. This can prevent the door or lid from locking. Inspect the hinge for damage and replace if necessary.

The door lock assembly might be defective. Inspect the door lock for damage. If the door lock is damaged, replace it.

The door latch assembly might be defective. Inspect the door latch for damage. If the door latch is damaged, replace it.

If the washer door or lid won't lock, the control board may be defective. However, this is rarely the case. Before replacing the control board, first check all of the components of the lock mechanism. If none of these parts are defective, consider replacing the control board.

Inspect the door strike assembly for damage. If the door strike is broken, replace it. The door strike is not repairable—if it is broken, you must replace it.

If the washing machine's lid strike does not line up with the lock or latch when you attempt to close the lid, it's likely the lid hinge is bent or misaligned. This can prevent the lid from locking. Inspect the hinge for damage and replace if necessary.

A bent or damaged washer door could prevent the door from locking properly since the door strike won't be able to line up with the lock or latch when you attempt to close the door. Inspect the door for any damage and replace if necessary.

The main control board may be defective. However, this is rarely the case. Before replacing the main control board, first check all of the components of the lock mechanism. If none of these parts are defective, consider replacing the main control board.