Tip & How-To about Washing Machines

Washing Machine Door Jammed

Normal 0 MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} Many front load washers can have problems with the door either not unlocking or the door getting jammed. If you do not know how to get it unlocked manually then you will have to call a repair person to so it for you. This is a fairly simple procedure if you know what to do and where to look.

To make the job a bit easier find a block of wood like a 2x4 or a 4x4, tilt the washer back and set the front of the washer up on the block or blocks.

Now take off the bottom front panel of the washer. There are a couple of screws at the very bottom that need to be removed. Then tap on the panel while pulling down and it will slide right off.

On the right hand side reach up inside the front panel to the latch assembly. Grab hold of the tab on the bottom of the latch assembly and your door will open.

If your door keeps getting stuck then you may need to replace the door latch assembly.
See that was easy and it saved you some $$.

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1answer
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I notice F22 error message on washer. Door seems to be jammed and will not unlock

This is a door lock failure code and it means the door lock is broken or just failed to unlock. Click on the links below for the detailed instructions for manually unlocking the door and replacing the door lock and switch assembly if it has indeed failed.

Manual Door Unlocking of Whirlpool Duet and Kenmore Elite front-Load Washing Machines

Replacing the Door Lock and Switch Assembly on Whirlpool Duet and Kenmore Elite front-Load Washing Machines
0helpful
1answer

door wont open

Hi,
Here is a tip that will tell you how you can get your washing machine unlocked manually...

Washing Machine Door Jammed
http://www.fixya.com/support/r3864434-washing_machine_door_jammed

heatman101
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1answer

I put a load in washer and it stopped in middle of cycle and will not unlock the door to get my clothes out. How do you get the door unlocked?

This advice is for Kenmore Elite and Whirlpool Duet model front loading washers. If you experience a problem where the door becomes jammed and will not unlock or open, here's an easy way to gain access inside your washer WITHOUT calling the repairman.

1. Remove the lower panel under the door by loosening the three screws under the bottom edge on the front of the washer. HINT: If you prop up the front feet of the washer with some small blocks of wood, this will make access to the screws much easier.
2. With the screws removed, the lower panel should drop down then come off. If the panel sticks, a light tap on either side will knock it loose.
3. Reach your hand up inside the washer behind the front casing on the right-hand side. This is where the door latch assembly is located.
4. At the bottom of the door latch assembly is a small pull tab. This is the manual release for the door. Pull the tab straight down and the door will come open.

Sometimes these doors will not unlock for whatever reason. If there are no error codes being generated, this could have just been a momentary glitch. If you see "Fdl" or "Fdu" error codes, these are usually indications of a failed door latch assembly and will require replacement.


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kenmore HE3 front loading automatic washer

The problem you are experiencing is a defective door latch. This is an easy repair you can perform yourself if you wish to save a service call. The following link explains the error, how to unlock to door if jammed, and provides the steps necessary to replace:

http://www.fixya.com/support/r622155-kenmore_elite_whirlpool_duet_door_jammed

Searpartsdirect.com carries your door latch. Just type in your model number and look under the various links on the next page. If you run into difficulty finding the part, let me know. I hope this helps you.

PS If your washer is under a service plan or warranty do not attempt this repair or it will void any service agreement you have.
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