How do I open a Bosch washing machine if the handle is broken?

The handle of a Bosch washing machine is made of plastic, so handle it with care. Pressing too hard can cause the handle to break. To repair the mechanism, you'll have to open the Bosch washing machine. Let's figure out how to open the door if there's nothing to grab onto. We'll also explain how to remove the faulty handle and replace it with a new one.

Gaining access to the drum

If the door handle is broken, don't try to pry it open with a knife, a screwdriver, or an awl. These "brutal" actions can damage the housing and locking mechanism. It's much easier to access the drum using one of the available methods. Handymen have mastered the art of opening washing machines:

• with a spoon;
• fishing line;
• with a thin rope;
• with my own hand.

Be sure to read the instructions for your Bosch washing machine; some models have a special emergency door release lever.

If it is there, then unlocking the automatic machine will be very easy. The emergency opening lever is located at the bottom, near the drain filter. The user simply needs to pull the lever towards themselves and the drum door will open.

A very simple way to open the door of a Bosch washing machine is with a teaspoon. There's a marked spot on the door lid where you should insert the blunt end of the spoon and apply gentle pressure. After this simple maneuver, the washing machine will open immediately. This spot on the drum door is shown in the image below.

If a spoon doesn't work, and you have a thin cord or fishing line at home, you can use it to open the washing machine. Simply slide one end of the string between the door and the frame from above, then use a thin screwdriver to thread the string through the gap until the other end is at the bottom of the door. Then, pull the string firmly toward you, the latch will engage, and the machine will swing open.

If none of the above is readily available and there's no emergency release lever, you can open the door from the top of the machine. The procedure is as follows:

• de-energize the Bosch washing machine;
• unscrew the bolts securing the top cover of the housing and remove it;
• tilt the machine towards the wall;
• put your hand through the gap between the front panel and the tank, reach the washing machine lock;
• Feel the blocker tongue and slide it to the side.

There are plenty of ways to open the drum door. All of them are safe and won't damage the washing machine. Before opening the door, be sure there's no water in the drum.

Removing the damaged handle

The next step is replacing the broken handle. It's best not to put this off, as opening the machine after every wash with a spoon or string is a dubious pleasure. Repairing the handle is impractical, and sometimes simply impossible, so the only option is to install a new one.

To remove a faulty handle, follow these steps:

• open the washing machine door wide;
• unscrew the two bolts holding the door;
• place the element on the floor, with the front wall down;
• unscrew the screws connecting the hatch halves;
• take a photo of the glass and the location of the locking mechanism elements (this will help with reassembly);
• put aside the part without a handle;
• remove the pin, spring and hook of the broken handle.

Be sure to take a photo or draw the assembled handle mechanism; this will make the task easier when installing the new handle.

If the pin is difficult to remove, you can spray it with WD-40. You can also push the metal rod out with a nail. This completes the removal of the damaged handle.

We restore the door's functionality

Finding a spare part for your Bosch washing machine is easy. You can buy the handle at local stores or on reseller websites. The new handle consists of a set of individual elements: a plastic part, a spring, a metal pin and a hook. Using the photos taken earlier as a guide, you should assemble the mechanism.

Assembly is usually straightforward, but difficulties may arise when inserting the pin, as it needs to fit through each hole. This will require some effort, gradually pushing it in.

Next, you need to check the handle design. The washing machine door handle should be springy, return to its original position without difficulty, and move easily. If returning to its original position is difficult, you'll have to dismantle the mechanism and reassemble it. If everything is OK, you can attach the handle to the door, connect its halves, and hang the drum door back in place.

Once the repair is complete, check the handle operation again. Close and open the door several times. Run a test wash to ensure the machine locks the door. If the door handle is broken, you don't necessarily need to call a professional. A novice can easily replace it. The handle is inexpensive, so don't put off repairs.

   

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