How to open a locked Samsung washing machine
Everyone is so accustomed to using their washing machine regularly that a suddenly locked door becomes a major tragedy and can ruin plans. The panic is even greater if the drum is full of water, and an open door threatens a real flood. But there's no need to worry and lose heart: nine times out of ten, the problem can be solved with simple steps.
What's more, you don't need to call a repairman to unblock your Samsung washing machine. The problem could be a built-in safety mechanism, a system glitch, or a minor blockage, all of which can be easily cleared without assistance. Diagnosing the cause yourself is easy, and the instructions below will help.
Why are there difficulties with opening?
If the washing machine door doesn't open the first or second time after washing, don't try again, increasing the pressure and force. This will only worsen the situation and add to the blockage a broken lock or a torn door. It's more productive to investigate the causes of the problem, of which there are five possible causes.
- Standard automatic locking during machine operation. After each cycle, Samsung machines require at least 1-2 minutes to complete, after which the door will unlock automatically.
- System failure. There may be a technical problem with the washing machine's software. The failure is caused by sudden voltage surges, interruptions in the water supply, or sudden power outages.
- A faulty locking mechanism. It's possible the lock is jammed. Natural wear and tear, careless loading/unloading of the tank, or rough opening of the door can all negatively impact the locking mechanism.
- The drain hose is clogged. In this case, water is not draining from the tank, so the system doesn't signal to release the blockage, even after the cycle has completed.
- Child lock. This special protection mode can be accidentally activated.
The cause of a locked hatch should be addressed by examining the above points. The best option is to open the technical data sheet or manual for your Samsung model and review the steps for each specific case. If you can't find such documentation in your home, figure out what to do next yourself.
Delayed opening
First, you need to slow down. It's quite possible the machine isn't broken, but someone is rushing to continue washing and forgot to close the door automatically. This is a standard safety feature built into all front-loading washing machines, and Samsung is no exception. It should take about 1-2 minutes for the drum to stop completely, the water to drain and the system to give the go-ahead to open the door.
If the specified time has passed and the machine is still unavailable, try a different approach. Unplug the washing machine and let it "rest" for half an hour. The machine may have responded to a sudden power surge, a water supply interruption, or a minor power outage. Within thirty minutes, the system will reset and unlock the door.
Important! The methods described are only suitable for unlocking a machine with an empty tank. Otherwise, you will need to use a different method.
Panel lock
When waiting doesn't help, it's time to check the control panel. Almost all modern Samsung washing machines are equipped with a child lock, which is activated by pressing two buttons simultaneously. Each model has its own combination, but most often it consists of "Rinse" and "Temperature."
You can find the exact set of keys in the relevant section of the manual or carefully inspect the machine—there's a "lock" symbol between the required keys. All you have to do is press and hold the keys simultaneously for 10 seconds. The door should then open easily.
All the described methods only work when the tank is empty. If the problem with a locked hatch is complicated by laundry still standing in undrained water, other methods will be necessary. These will be discussed below.
The car stopped and there was water inside.
When the cycle ends and the door is locked, but water remains in the drum, there's a problem with the drainage system. First, wait a few minutes to rule out any delays in opening after the automatic locking. If the door is also stuck, try "triggering" the machine:
- We turn on the standard “Spin” or “Rinse” mode.
- We are waiting for the end of the cycle.
- If the situation repeats, inspect the drain hose and clean it from blockage if necessary.
- We start the spin cycle again.
Every Samsung model also has an emergency opening feature for the washing machine. This is possible with the help of a special cable, which is painted in an intense red or orange color. It's usually located near the filter, behind the rectangular panel in the lower right corner of the unit. Simply pull it slowly toward you to unlock the door.
Important! Be prepared for water to spill out of the open door.
For those who couldn't find the emergency release cable, we suggest using another method:
- disconnect the washing machine from the electrical network;
- we provide free access to the unit;
- remove the top cover of the machine;
- tilt the machine until the tank “moves away” from the door;
- we inspect the opened lock mechanism;
- we find the tongue that locks the door;
- we move the lock.
You can perform all of the described steps yourself, but it will be faster and easier if you have someone else help you. If the door is still locked, it's best to consult the manufacturer's instructions for additional emergency measures. Your specific Samsung washing machine model may have its own quirks.
Lock or handle?
Often, a quick attempt to open the door ends with a damaged handle and a broken lock. This is how the machine will react to attempts to forcefully bypass the lock. For those who overestimate their strength, an alternative opening method is offered.
- Measure the door circumference.
- Prepare a cord with a diameter of less than 5 millimeters and a length that should be equal to the circumference of the door plus 25 centimeters.
- Carefully push the rope through the gap between the door and the body (if necessary, you can use a flat-head screwdriver or other similar tool).
- Pull slowly on both ends of the lace.
It's important to understand that opening the door won't solve the problem of a broken locking mechanism. The faulty lock will need to be replaced. This can be a difficult task to accomplish on your own: you'll need to find the right part, partially disassemble the unit, and then return everything to its original position. Therefore, it's best not to experiment with DIY repairs and entrust the lock replacement to a professional repair service.
Don't despair if your washing machine refuses to open the door during a wash cycle. Moreover, there's no need to panic or try to force the problem: the door can be removed quickly and easily. The key is to be patient and follow all the steps described in detail. Only after trying all the options yourself and finding no solution should you contact a Samsung washing machine repair technician.
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Thank you, you helped.
Thank you. There was a children's castle.
Thank you, you helped.
There's no water in the tank, and the door won't open. When I turn the machine off myself, the lock opens after a few minutes. I wanted to know why this happens periodically, but I couldn't find an answer.
Whatever they did, the door was still closed.
The door of my Samsung wf7358s7v 3.5 kg washer is jammed. It won't open with a rope. I removed the top cover and tried using my finger and metal objects. The locking tongue goes all the way to the side, but it still won't open. The baby mode isn't selected. The water drains, the wash cycle starts, and there are no issues.