How to open a washing machine if the HANDLE on the door is BROKEN? : what to do if the door does not open, how to check and repair the hatch lock

New generation washing units are equipped with the “automatic door lock” protective function. Its principle is simple: immediately after starting any of the programs, the hatch is locked and unlocked only after completion, after some time. But malfunctions can occur in the operation of any household appliance; washing machines are no exception. One of the most common breakdowns is considered to be a malfunction of the locking device. The hatch does not open after the required time allotted for user safety.

Rice. 1 — Washing machine door

There are several sources of the problem, the main ones are:

lock damage,
power failure,
software malfunctions.

If the hatch remains blocked for a long time, you should not continue to pull it or knock on it. The best thing to do is to understand the situation. And before opening the washing machine if the handle is broken, it is advisable to explore all the possibilities.

Door opening methods

What should I do if at the end of the wash the lock does not unlock and the loading hatch does not open? Since the cause of the incident may be a malfunction of the control system, you can start by rebooting the equipment.

Rice. 2 - Opening the door

Mainly the problem of locked hatches is a “disease” of Indesit automatic washing machines. The opening signal simply does not arrive at the UBL (hatch blocking device).

In a similar way, you can try to repair washing machines of other brands (Bosch, Samsung, Candy), since the same factors can block the door as in the Indesit machine.

You will need to turn off the washing machine for a short time by unplugging the power cord from the outlet, for about 30 minutes. After switching on, the hatch should open. If the door is still locked, restarting the wash may help. In this case, it is enough to select the mode with the shortest program.

Let's say it didn't help. The locking device may have broken down. This mechanical problem most often occurs due to the fault of the owners. Users pull the handle in a hurry, resulting in damage to the latch or spring. Let's figure out how to open a washing machine if the handle is broken, without damaging the unit.

With a rope

Rice. 3 — Lanyard for opening the door

You can open the door in a washing machine yourself using a strong, but not very thick rope or cord. Helping with a screwdriver, you need to insert the rope into the crack of the hatch along its entire circumference. Then forcefully pull both ends towards you. During this manipulation, the latch inside the lock will move away and the door can be opened.

Options for solving the problem

Emergency hatch release. Most models of modern washing machines have a cable for emergency opening of the lock. It is located behind the same small door on the front of the appliance as the drain filter. You can recognize this cable by its bright, red or orange color.
Self-unlocking hatch. If the previous method did not help or the washing machine is not equipped with an emergency cable, you can try to remove the lock manually. This can be done by approaching the lock from inside the device (removing the top panel and tilting the drum to the side).
Use of improvised means. In some cases, a jammed door can be easily opened with a rope. To do this, you need to take a thin but strong cord and insert it into the gap between the washer body and the hatch. Then pull both ends towards you and the lock will open.

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The method that allows you to open most washing machines is shown in the following video.

Removing the handle. This is a last resort method that can only be used if the handle of the device is faulty. You can verify that it cannot be repaired by detecting mechanical damage during a visual inspection. Most often, the plastic lock on the washing machine breaks after several years of active use.

How to check the lock on a washing machine

If the loading hatch suddenly jams, you will need to find out the reasons why this happened. Before you check the UBL (hatch locking device), you need to understand how it works.

Most often, a modern washing machine is equipped with either an electromagnetic blocker or a bimetallic one. The latter is considered the most productive, since the electromagnetic one works exactly as long as electricity is supplied. Due to a short circuit or prolonged use, which contributes to the wear of the bimetallic plates, the UBL may fail.

A number of signs indicate a malfunction:

if the equipment is turned off and the door remains closed, the reason is in the blocker device or in the main module;
when starting any program, the hatch remains open, but the wash does not start;
the device displays a fault code on the display panel, for example DE (locking defect) in washing machines or F34 (loading hatch lock problem) in Bosch.

In order to understand why the hatch does not open, it is necessary to find out where the source of the defect is. To do this, you will need to remove the UBL and use a tester.

Unplug the power cord.
Open the door.
Unscrew the hatch cuff and tighten the clamp located under it.
Remove the lock located on the side behind the cuff by unscrewing the two bolts that secure it.
Remove the blocker by releasing all connectors.

Hold the lock in your hands and check its functionality; this will not be difficult.

Methods: how to open a locked washing machine

If the washing machine is blocked, then there is no need to panic first, as the reason for this may be very simple. It is advisable to try to open the washing machine yourself, without harming the product.

If the door remains closed at the end of the wash cycle and there is no water inside, it is advisable to simply wait a while.

Often, to unlock the washing machine you need to press a combination of several buttons

There are devices that take up to 20 minutes to open, and sometimes a short circuit occurs, which lengthens the unlocking process. If the washing machine does not open after the power is turned off, then when you connect it, you should first resume the washing cycle. In other words, you can either put the laundry back to wash, or manually open it. To do this, you need to drain the water using a special filter, but even then a certain amount may remain inside. It is advisable to have a basin and rags nearby. As soon as the water level sensor in the tank is activated, when it is drained, the door should open automatically.

If it is not possible to determine the reason why the hatch does not open, then you can carry out a number of universal actions:

The power supply to the equipment is turned off;
You need to wait about an hour;
The washing machine is switched on;
The attempt is repeated again.

Such a reload most often helps to get inside the drum. Door jamming does not occur due to lack of water drainage during washing, which can happen either on new devices that are programmed manually, or on old ones in which this program has failed. In the first case, you just need to carry out programming according to the instructions, and in the second, contact a specialist to diagnose the water level sensor.

The door may be blocked after the cycle is completed due to a simple malfunction of the device. You can unlock the machine by simply starting the cycle again. Before starting the wash, the equipment is automatically checked for opening or closing the hatch, and therefore before washing it will be unlocked for several minutes, and during this period it can be opened.

How to replace the handle

It is best to purchase a new handle at a service center or at a specialized spare parts store. To install it, you need to take a number of simple steps:

remove the door after first unscrewing the necessary fasteners using a Phillips screwdriver;
unscrew all the bolts connecting both parts of the hatch;
pry up one of the halves using a knife or screwdriver, separating the door in two;
remove the glass and put it away so as not to spoil it;
advance the metal rod on which the handle rests using any strong pin;
When the pin pops out, you can remove the handle, spring and hook.

Now let's start installing the part.

Rice. 5 - Installing the spring

Insert the new spring in the same place where the old one was.
Continue installation by inserting the hook and, along with it, the handle itself until it stops.
Place the rod in its original place.
Finally, be sure to check the correct installation and functionality of the new handle. It should be slightly retracted due to the spring.

If the installation is incorrect, the spring will not push the handle out, then you will need to disassemble everything again and connect it again.

To reassemble the door, place the protective glass in its original place, between the two parts of the door. After tightening all the bolts, install the hatch on the washing machine.

Step-by-step instruction

The part cannot be repaired; you will need a new washer handle to complete the replacement. Buy it at any specialized store; just tell the seller the brand and model of the washing machine.

We carry out dismantling

First of all, unplug the machine and turn off the inlet valve to shut off the water. Armed with a screwdriver, get to work:

It is necessary to unscrew the door from the machine body. To do this, open the hatch and remove the two door securing screws.

Place it glass side up on a flat surface.
Unscrew the screws that secure the two parts of the door around the perimeter.
You can use a slotted screwdriver to pry out the plastic latches. Walk the tool around in a circle, releasing the latches.
Now remove the outer part as well as the glass.

The inner part remains in front of you.
To assemble the parts correctly, take a photo of the handle from both sides.
Using a thin screwdriver, push through the pin that holds the pieces together.
Once you remove the pin, the remaining parts can be freely removed.

Before we repair the washing machine hatch handle, let’s look at what it consists of:

Plastic handle.
The pin that holds the structure together.
Latch tongue.
Spring.

We are installing a new handle

Even if only one element of the handle is broken, the entire mechanism must be replaced. Follow the assembly order:

Reinstall the spring.
Position the retainer to the side of the spring. While holding it in place, begin to insert the pin, but not all the way. Insert it into only one ear of the spring.
Now, put the plastic handle on the latch and push the pin, placing it in the same place.

Place the sunroof glass under the handle.
Place the outer part of the door on top, pressing the latches.
Screw back the screws and attach the door to the SMA body.

For more information about repairing a washing machine door, watch the video:

Source

How to replace the sunroof locking device

Such a unit cannot be repaired. If the locking system is broken, it must be replaced. Once the new part has been purchased, you can begin installing it.

Connect the wires to a working blocker.
Place it behind the wall of the case, inserting it into the hole for the lock.
Tighten the fastening bolts, there are only 2 of them.
Straighten the cuff and put on the collar.

It is easy to check and replace the UBL if necessary. The main thing: when buying a part, do not make a mistake. It is advisable to use the help of the seller.

Rice. 6 — Hatch locking device

How to fix a latch

The most common and probable reason for the mechanism to fail is the appearance of nicks on the lever that fits into the hole. In order to repair the latch, it will need to be removed. In some units this part is completely dismantled. Working with her then becomes much easier.

If the latch cannot be pulled out, you will have to repair it without removing it, placing the door on the table for convenience.

The algorithm is as follows.

Unplug the cord from the power outlet.
Remove the door by unscrewing the necessary mounting bolts.
Disassemble it into two halves and remove the latch if possible.
Use a file to sharpen any nicks that appear.
Apply a small amount of graphite lubricant to the part. Remove excess substance with a rag to prevent damage to clothes during the washing process.
Reinstall the door by tightening the fastening bolts well.

Rice. 7 -Applying graphite lubricant

If the latch is broken, replacing it will not be difficult. It is enough to have a Phillips screwdriver or screwdriver on hand, as well as a file.

Plastic support malfunction

To repair the part you will need:

nail with a diameter of 4 mm;
pliers;
vice;
drill;
drill.

Eliminating defects in the support will require extreme precision, skill and dexterity.

Remove and disassemble the door.
Pull out the support.
Secure the broken part using a vice.
Drill a 3.8mm hole in the support.
Cut the nail to the desired length and, holding it with pliers, heat it to a temperature of approximately 180 degrees. Then insert it into the prepared hole.
When the new “part” has cooled, reassemble the door and install it in its original place.

The plastic support is not easy to repair. Without the proper experience, it is dangerous to undertake the repair of this part, so it is best to use the services of a specialist.

Rice. 8 - Result of using a faulty plastic support

Popular ways to open a washing machine without a handle

The most popular methods for opening a washing machine with a broken door handle include:

Use an emergency door opener - some types of washing machines are equipped with a specially designed cable or lever that can be pulled to open the door. A similar element is located under the bottom panel - you will have to remove it and look in the drain filter area.
In manual mode, reach the locking device - if your washing machine is not equipped with the above lever or cable, then you need to reach the locking device through the top of this household appliance. You need to remove the top cover and try to reach with your hand the lock that closes the door. Try opening it. Be prepared for the fact that you may not be able to complete this procedure the first time. Because you must have experience and certain dexterity to open a washing machine in this way.
Using an additional tool - if the handle is not completely broken, that is, there is a small part of it that is still connected to the spring, then you can try using the tool. Pliers are most often used for these purposes.
Using a rope, take the rope, pull it tight and push it through the crack between the door and the body of the washing machine. This must be done on the side where the lock is located. You need to pull the rope, holding it at both ends, thereby pulling back the lock. Thanks to this, it will be possible to open the door.