How to unlock a Gorenje washing machine

When users discuss the inability to unlock their washing machine, they may be referring to two different situations. Either the machine's dashboard doesn't respond to pressure, or the door is tightly closed (the door lock doesn't work). What should you do in either case?

Let's figure out how to unlock a Gorenje washing machine. What problems could be causing this behavior? When can you fix the problem yourself, and when is it best to call a professional?

How to remove a glowing key

Modern Gorenje automatic washing machines offer more than just a variety of washing programs. They also feature useful additional features, one of which is a "Child Lock." When activated, a key light appears on the washing machine's dashboard.

When the Child Lock option is enabled, the washing machine's control panel becomes insensitive to button presses, preventing the child from changing the cycle settings.

If the problem is specifically with the panel lock, there's nothing to worry about. This is a common situation. To unlock the washing machine Gorenje, you need to hold down certain buttons. The key combination will vary depending on the model.

Check your washing machine's manual. It will tell you which buttons to press to activate and deactivate the safety feature. Possible key combinations:

• "Spin" plus "Temperature";
• "Start delay" and "Anti-crease";
• "Spin" plus "Delayed start";
• "Delayed start" and "Extra rinse".

The lock option is disabled in the same way it's enabled. Sometimes users accidentally lock the control panel and then don't know how to reset the key. A hint is included in the "home assistant" manual.

If you can't access the manual, carefully examine the washing machine's dashboard. There's a hint there. The buttons used to activate the lock are grouped together by a bracket with a lock symbol underneath. To deactivate the function, press and hold the same buttons.

On some Gorenje machines with a touchscreen, the necessary buttons are illuminated. They light up when the Child Lock feature is activated. Simply press and hold these buttons for 5-7 seconds, and the washing machine will unlock. The illuminated key will turn off.

If you're sure you've unlocked the machine correctly and it's still not responding, try rebooting the system. This could be a system error. If that doesn't help, it's best to call a technician. There's likely a problem with the control module. Messing with the electronics yourself without sufficient experience and knowledge is not recommended.

What could have happened to the hatch door?

Now let's look at a completely different situation. The washing machine won't open the door. It's the door locking device that's malfunctioning. The laundry is trapped inside the machine.

First, don't try to force the washing machine door open. This will simply break the handle and make the situation worse. First, you need to figure out what's wrong with the machine. What's causing this behavior?

Why the hatch door may not open:

• too little time has passed since the end of the cycle, and the UBL plate has not had time to cool down;
• a one-time failure occurred due to a power surge in the network;
• the locking device is broken;
• the drainage system is clogged;
• the pressure switch is out of order;
• The control module is not working correctly.

A common situation is when a user tries to open the door too early. After the cycle ends, wait 5-8 minutes. During this time, the bimetallic door lock plate will cool down, and the washing machine will unlock. There's no point in trying to open the door any earlier.

A one-time failure can also occur. This happens if the power supply voltage suddenly fluctuates while the washing machine is operating. Restarting the equipment can resolve the issue.

The reason may lie in the locking mechanism itself. The door lock breaks due to natural wear and tear, careless opening/closing of the hatch, or a manufacturing defect. In this case, diagnostics and repair (or replacement) of the UBL will be required.

The washing machine will not open if there is water in the tank.

Therefore, if the door won't open, check the machine's water level. The drain may be clogged, and the water hasn't drained from the drum, causing the control module to not even attempt to unlock the washer.

A faulty pressure switch could also be the cause. A faulty level sensor indicates the machine's tank is full, even though it's empty. In this case, the "brain" won't open the washing machine door.

Finally, the control module itself could be the culprit. A strong power surge can burn out the semiconductors on the board. Moisture can also oxidize the contacts. Therefore, as a last resort, the electronic unit should also be checked.

Don't force the hatch door open. Instead, rule out all possible causes of this washing machine behavior one by one. The check progresses from the simplest to the most complex.

Waiting solves the problem

If you find that the door of your Gorenje washing machine won't open, just wait. Users often forget about the automatic door lock. It only unlocks 5-10 minutes after the cycle ends.

This time is necessary for the bimetallic door lock to cool. Therefore, don't rush to the machine as soon as you hear the end-of-cycle signal. Wait a few minutes before opening the door.

These recommendations are only relevant if there's no water left in the washing machine. Therefore, look inside through the glass. There shouldn't be any liquid in the drum.

If the tank is empty, enough time has passed, and the locking device still doesn't work, you can try resetting it. This will help if the problem is a one-time system failure. Unplug the machine and leave it unplugged for an hour.

During this time, the machine will reset its settings. The lock may open easily when turned on again. A reset will help if the washing machine reacted this way to a sudden power surge, a brief interruption in the water supply, etc.

The tank is full of water

There is another possible reason. Sometimes the lock does not unlock because there is water left in the machine. In 90% of cases, the culprit is a clogged drain. The first thing to do is try emptying the machine.

Try additionally enabling the "Drain" mode. This is selected by default, using the programmer. If the machine tries to empty but can't, you'll have to drain the water manually. This can be done through a special emergency hose or by unscrewing the waste filter.

You can drain water from the tank of a blocked Gorenje washing machine through the waste filter.

While not all washing machine models have an emergency drain hose, they all do. The procedure is as follows:

• de-energize the washing machine;
• close the shut-off valve;
• cover the floor around the machine with dry rags;
• prepare a large container with low sides (to collect water);
• Place a basin under the washing machine in the area where the dust filter is located (it is located in the lower corner of the washing machine);
• unscrew the "trash can" half a turn;
• wait until the water flows into the basin;
• Unscrew the filter completely.

Sometimes a blockage can be found in the waste filter opening. It's necessary to flush the drainage system components and screw the waste filter back in. If this is clear, check the Gorenje washing machine's drain hose.

The drain hose often gets clogged because it processes dozens of liters of dirty water with each wash. Therefore, after draining the drum, check the corrugated hose. Disconnect it from the machine and the siphon and rinse it under pressure.

The machine may also fail to drain due to a faulty pump. This will cause a characteristic "symptom." When the drain starts, the pump will attempt to pump and begin making a humming sound. If the element is burned out, it will need to be replaced.

Once the water has been drained, the "brain" should unlock the door. If this doesn't happen, you'll have to open the door manually. Here's how:

• unplug the machine;
• tilt the washing machine body back so that the tank moves away from the front wall;
• put your hand into the resulting hole and feel for the locking device;
• Slide the lock tongue.

Some models have an emergency door release cable. If so, unlocking your Gorenje washing machine will be even easier. Simply pull the cable.

The washing machine won't unlock the door if there's water left in the drum. Don't attempt to open the machine while it's full. First, drain the liquid through the waste filter before diagnosing the washing machine.

   

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