Washing machine door lock device – how to replace the door lock?
Nowadays, no automatic washing machine is manufactured without a door lock. This device is essential for user safety and prevents the door from being opened while the washing cycle is in progress. When closed, the door is automatically locked using the door lock.
This happens when you've set the desired cycle, closed the door, and pressed the start button. It's right before the water begins to fill. It continues until the entire cycle is complete, and sometimes a couple of minutes longer. The closed door presses the seal on the washing machine's drum, ensuring a watertight seal.
Washing machines use both mechanical locking devices and more modern UBLs equipped with a temperature sensor.
UBL with temperature sensor
When power is applied, the door lock locks the door in the closed position. It closes the contacts of the switching device and signals the washing cycle to begin. A special lever mechanically locks the door. This locking action continues throughout the entire washing cycle.
When the power to the locking device is cut off, you need to wait about 2-3 minutes. Then the latch retracts, allowing the door to open.
How does the locking device work?
A resistor is involved in the operation of the locking device. Its resistance increases as its temperature increases. This effect causes two plates located in the lock to change shape. This causes a lever to shift, which closes the contacts of the switching device.
At the same time, the latch, connected to the contact plate, moves, securing the hatch door. This entire process occurs within a few seconds of power being applied. When the power is cut off, the temperature sensor cools down. Cooling takes 1 to 3 minutes. After this, the plates assume their normal shape. The contact is no longer closed, and the fixation is broken.
Why does the locking device break?
- Firstly, the records may simply wear out over time.
- Secondly, they can be damaged if voltage surges occur while the machine is operating.
If the door locking system breaks, it's usually because the plates don't return to their normal shape and remain crooked. If the washing machine door remains locked for more than 3-4 minutes, the locking mechanism may be faulty. If your door locking system prevents you from opening the machine after the wash cycle, you simply have no choice. You simply need to replace it.
It's somewhat more difficult to definitively determine whether the door lock is faulty when it fails to lock the door after you've set the program and pressed start. The wash cycle won't start until the door lock is locked.
In this situation, there are several possible malfunctions. Let's discuss the two most common ones:
- The first is a breakdown of the washing machine lock itself or its wiring.
- The second is a breakdown of the electronic module.
If you remove the door lock from the machine, it's quite difficult to check its functionality. This requires connecting the power supply to it in a specific manner. If you hear a click after 5 seconds, the door lock is functioning properly.
In general, a UBL is quite inexpensive. And you can buy one if you suspect a breakdown. It's sold in specialized stores or at companies that repair large household appliances.
Replacing the door lock yourself
To replace the door locking system yourself, you'll need to open the hatch. If you're unlucky enough to have it stuck in the closed position, follow these steps:
- Remove the top part of the housing (cover).
- Then tilt the machine so that it rests on two feet and the top rear of the body rests against the wall. This will tilt the center of gravity back, and the tank will move slightly away from the front.
- Then you will need to reach your hand up from above and reach the UBL.
- Now all you have to do is find the locking element and move it to the side.
- That's it! The hatch can be opened.
Now let's move on to replacing the lock. The hatch is open. What's next?
- Now we need to remove the cuff from the front wall. To do this, we need to loosen the clamp that holds it in place. Clamps come in different types. To remove some, we'll need round-nose pliers. For others, a screwdriver or flat-nose pliers will do.
- Now we need to remove the cuff from the front wall so that we can get to the locking device.
- Next, unscrew the two screws located on the outside, where the lock hook enters the door lock. These screws hold the lock in place.
- That's it. The lock is no longer secured and can be accessed through the opening between the cuff and the body.
- Then disconnect the wires from the faulty door lock and connect the new, working door lock.
- Return the UBL to its position and secure it with 2 screws.
- Put on the cuff and secure it with a clamp.
- Replace the lid. That's it! All that's left is to run a test wash.
For those who prefer watching rather than reading, we suggest watching a video on replacing the door locking system yourself. It will also show you how to remove and disassemble the hatch to replace the handle. Let's watch!
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Thank you! Informative and accessible. Maybe I searched poorly, but I haven't found as much information as you have on any other website. Well done!
Is there any explanation on how to access and remove the locking lock from, say, the Elecrolux EWT 136641 vertical washer? After removing the control panel and side panels, I encountered a problem: the top cover of the machine serves as a support for the front panel, behind which is the locking lock. The panel itself is connected by springs from the hanging tank. Should I remove the tank? It's a dead end.
So, how do you remove the locking system from a vertical lift? Do you unhook the springs? How do you even unhook them? They're so strong!
Thank you, the information was very useful.
Thanks for the information, I'll go remove the cover.
Indesit wiue 10 washing machine, in the middle of the wash cycle, writes that the door is not closed and stops washing.
Ariston. There are no mounting bolts, how does it stay on?
The machine won't start, and the door lock light is flashing. Even though it clicked and the door was locked, what's the problem?
Where can I buy a UBL for a Brandt WDB 1001 car?
Can I remove the rubber seal from my Zanussi ZVO 181 washing machine to clean it without completely disassembling the machine?
Where can I get a plug for the door lock? It's completely burnt out. Looks like it shorted out!
How do I remove the door locking system without screws on an Ariston washing machine? Can anyone help?
Loosen the screws on the top frame of the hatch, remove the frame, and then remove the door lock. If access is difficult, remove the two front springs.
There was a clicking sound several times, but no water was filling. I was able to check the hoses, connections, and filter. Then, following your video, I was able to reach the door lock from above. I couldn't remove it. It was attached with some strange bolts. The screwdrivers didn't work. Finally, I reached in, stuck my finger into the door lock, clicked the plate, and carefully closed the hatch. There was a click. And that was it. But suddenly, water started filling. It worked. Thanks for your help!
How do you change the door lock with the door closed? It's impossible to feel anything on a Samsung, and you can't even reach the lock.