How to open locked whirlpool washer door

Your Whirlpool Duet washing machine automatically locks the door as a precaution against opening the door during a wash cycle. If the door did not lock, small hands or preoccupied minds might open the door and allow water to flood the laundry area, or sustain an injury by reaching inside a spinning washtub. The lock remains engaged until the water drains from the tub. Cancelling unintentionally pressed wash cycle options can often unlock the washer, or you can access the manual release ring to unlock the door.

1. 1.

   Check to see if you accidentally pressed the “Fan Dry” option as part of the wash cycle. Pressing the power button cancels the "Fan Dry" option and unlocks the door.

2. 2.

   Press the “Drain and Spin” button on the washer’s control panel to attempt to unlock the machine. This may drain any excess water that could cause the machine to remain locked. Once the “Drain and Spin” cycle completes, the door should unlock.

3. 3.

   Check whether the "Add Garment" button is lit. Pressing the start button unlocks the washing machine if you engaged the “Add Garment” feature.

4. 4.

   Unplug your washer from the wall outlet if none of the these steps unlocks the door. Use a T-20 Torx screwdriver to remove the three Torx-head screws along the bottom front of the washer.

5. 5.

   Pull down on the bottom panel and pull it away from the washer. Reach through the open panel and up to the door lock. Find the release ring below the locking mechanism. Pull down on the ring to unlock the door.

   Tip

   If you must manually unlock the washer door after each wash cycle your drain pump or pressure switch may have failed and would need replacing.

   Whirlpool latest washing machine series are equipped with modern technologies. One of them is an automatic door locking system. It is a safety system that prevents your washer from an unwanted accident. This door lock is programmed in such a way that it becomes ready to open only after completing a cycle. You can’t open door lock in the mild of any cycle or even after canceling a cycle. Apart from that unlocking is necessary when you need to add or remove clothes after starting a cycle. So, what you should do when your Whirlpool washer door is locked? Just follow the tricks below according to the needs of your washer.

   
   Image: Whirlpool Washing Machine

   How to Unlock Whirlpool Washer Door Lock with Command

   Unlocking your washing machine is easy with command. Just follow the steps below.

   Step 1

   Before going to unlock your washer, wait three to five minutes after completing a cycle. The motor control unit will receive a “Stop” command when the motor speed becomes 0 and passed 180 seconds. Your washer’s door latch will only unlock when washer temperature is under 12 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperate is set higher than Wool, Delicate or Hand Wash, it must drain before unlocking the door latch.

   Step 2

   After completing a cycle, long press the “Control Lock” button for three seconds. Door will be available to unlock when you listen unlatching sound.

   Step 3

   If your washing machine did not unlock at end of Step 1, don’t worry. Hold down “End Cycle” button for five seconds that will work as a reset for your washer.

   Step 4

   Unplug your Whirlpool washer from the electric panel. Wait for 45 minutes. Plug your washer back to the electric outlet panel. Now washer’s main control board is reset and door should open.

   How to Manually Unlock Whirlpool Washer Door Lock

   If your washer faces problems mechanically or electrically, it fails to unlock automatically. If the 1st trick doesn’t work for you, don’t stop. Here is another trick to help you.

   Step 1

   Unplug your washing machine from the electric outlet board. Wait for 3 to 5 minutes.

   Step 2

   Take a screwdriver. Remove your washer’s bottom panel and pull it away.

   Step 3

   Reach the door lock through the open panel. Locate the door latch under the locking mechanism. Pull down it gently. At this position, you may hear a click sound and the door is ready to open.

   Final Words

   You no need to spend dollars for a technician when your washer faces an unlocking problem. Just apply above mentioned tricks when your Whirlpool washer door is locked. Apart from that if you need to unlock the door manually each time after completing a cycle, your drain pump or pressure switch is at fault. So, replace them to solve your washer’s locking problem permanently. If you aren’t experienced with repairing washing machine, send it to the manufacturer authorized service center.

   How do you manually unlock a Whirlpool front load washer?

   Opening a Front-Loading Washer Press and hold the Cancel button to turn off the load and cancel the cycle. This bypasses any locking mechanism, including the Control Lock. Once the machine is turned off for several seconds, press the Power button to turn the machine back on.

   How do I get my Whirlpool washer out of lock mode?

   If you do not see the 3-2-1 countdown and are unable to de-activate Control Lock, try pressing the POWER button first, then touch and hold 3 seconds to de-activate control lock. If this does not work, try unplugging the machine or turning off the breaker for 1 minute, then power the machine back on and try again.

   How do I bypass the door lock on a Whirlpool washer?

   Tip: The lid lock mechanisms on some washers are heat-activated, which means overriding them is as simple as letting them cool off. Let the washer sit unplugged for about 10 minutes, then try lifting the lid. If it opens, you're all set.