Replace the door lock on a top-loading washing machine

You can replace the door lock on a top-loading washing machine yourself, without calling a service center. The job only takes 15-20 minutes. Before you begin, it's important to understand how to properly remove the lock. We'll explain the tools you'll need and explain in detail how to remove the old lock and install the new one.

We are replacing the UBL on the ARDO vertical hatch

To replace the locking device on an ARDO washing machine, all you need is a screwdriver. Once you've got the tool ready, you can work on the machine: de-energize it, disconnect it from the water supply and sewer, and move it away from the wall to allow easy access to all sides of the machine. The next step is as follows:

remove the side walls of the case; to do this, unscrew the screws holding the panels;
at the back of the case, remove the three bolts securing the console with the instrument panel;
unscrew three more screws on the right and left - they hold the entire top cover;
carefully slide the lid back and lift it up;
Find the hatch locking device, it is located under the top panel, in front;
unscrew the 3 bolts securing the plastic protective “shell” in which the lock-blocker is “hidden”;
Disconnect the wiring from the lock contacts and remove the door lock.

Before disconnecting the wires from the UBL, take a photo of the connection diagram to avoid making mistakes when installing the new blocker.

Inspect the locking device—sometimes you can see obvious signs of damage on its surface. In most cases, the lock appears to be functional, and the only way to determine whether it's working properly is with a multimeter. If the device confirms damage, the locking device will need to be replaced.

A burnt lock cannot be repaired. When purchasing a new UBL, you need to be guided by the model and serial number of your washing machine. The cost of the Ardo vertical lock is low, so at the first sign of a malfunction, it is best to replace the part immediately.

Installing the UBL is done in reverse order. Place the new lock in its protective plastic "shell," and connect the corresponding colored wires to the contacts (refer to the photo taken earlier for guidance). Next, replace all the removed screws, one by one.

Once the case is assembled, check that the door lock is working properly. Connect the machine to the power outlet, plug it in, and run a test wash. If the door locks properly, the job has been completed correctly.

Changing the lock on a Whirlpool vertical lock

Depending on the model of the top-loading washing machine, the UBL can be located in different places. On Whirlpool machines, the lock is not under the top cover, like on Ardo, but on the side, on the right side. To dismantle an element, you must:

disconnect the machine from the power supply;
turn off the tap that supplies water;
disconnect the drain and inlet hoses;
move the "vertical" so as to have free access to all sides of the body;
unscrew the bolts holding the right wall of the case, remove the panel;
find the UBL, it is located at the top, in the corner, closer to the front wall of the machine;
With a sharp movement, pull the blocker out of the housing;
take a photo of the wiring diagram;
disconnect the wires from the blocker.

With Whirlpool machines, it's even simpler—you don't have to remove the control panel or touch the top cover. You only need to remove one side panel of the machine. Even a novice can replace the safety lock in no more than 15 minutes.

It is not practical to repair a faulty blocker; it is easier to buy and install a new device.

The price of a locking lock for a Whirlpool top-loading washing machine is low, around $10. Installing a new lock is done in reverse order:

connect the wires to the contacts of the blocker according to the diagram;
insert the device into the "socket" where it stood;
Fix the side wall of the case with screws.

After this, run a test wash. If the lid locks, the replacement is successful. If the electronic lock fails to work, check to see if the contacts are connected correctly.