Replacing the washing machine door lock device

Purpose and definition

The washer hatch locking device is a compact mechanism, where the main element is a mechanical latch and an electric lock. UBL performs the function of a monitoring protective device. This device prevents flooding of the room and injury to a person when the drum rotates.

The device ensures fixation of the hatch when the eye falls into a special cell. When the equipment is turned on, current is supplied to the device, the closure of the contacts blocks the door. Correct operation generates a signal to the machine control unit that it is ready for work. Failure of this unit does not allow starting the washing procedure.

Installation and repair of the lock (UBL) of the Indesit washing machine

Every Indesit automatic washing machine has a hatch locking device (UBL). Such devices securely fix the door while the washing process is in progress, which protects against leaks and eliminates the possibility of getting scalded by hot water (the temperature during programs can reach up to 90 degrees - almost boiling water). After closing the hatch, a characteristic click is heard, and after the wash starts, the lock is completely blocked.

It will be possible to open it only a couple of minutes after the algorithm is completely completed. If the UBL fails, you will have to call a washing machine repairman to open the door.

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Hatch lock device

There are thermal locks and electromagnetic locks. The latter can only be found in outdated Indesit models. Currently, the manufacturer gives preference to devices whose fundamental element is a heat-sensitive bimetallic plate. All components of this design are enclosed in a closed plastic case.

This housing contains: a heat-sensitive metal plate on a spring; a small element to which voltage is applied, heating the plate; contacts; a pin that locks the moving part in contact with the hatch hook.

Until the wash cycle begins, the metal hook of the hatch fits freely into the lock hole. You can reopen the tank at any time with just one touch of your hand. After the program starts, voltage is applied to the resistor, the temperature of the bimetallic plate rises, and it changes shape. In this case, a special pin in contact with it enters the groove and blocks the movable element that affects the movement of the hook. When the bimetallic plate is deformed, the contacts close and the electronic module receives a signal that the UBL is activated.

The door remains locked until the voltage is removed from the plate and it cools down. This is why the hatch does not open immediately after washing. If the module has not received a blocking signal, washing will not start.

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Indesit washing machine lock repair

The UBL may fail at times. This manifests itself either in the fact that it is impossible to close the door tightly, or, conversely, the hatch does not open.

UBL breakdowns occur for the following reasons:

1. As a result of constant thermal exposure, the bimetallic plate loses its properties and fails.
2. Careless handling.

Repairing the lock components is impractical; it is easier to buy a new element and replace the UBL. The cost of such locking devices for Indesit washing machines ranges from 300 to 1500 rubles. But first you need to make sure that the problem is in the lock.

If the device does not operate when the car is closed, you must first open the hatch. To do this, drain and spin, remove the top panel, insert your hand into the lock and move the latch to the open position. Some models of Indesit automatic machines are equipped with an emergency door opening cord, which is located next to the drain filter at the bottom of the machine and usually has a bright color. You need to pull on it.

All work must be carried out with the unit disconnected from electricity. After opening the door, you must remove the rubber cuff. Most Indesit models have a wire ring that secures the casing. You need to feel it with your hand and remove it. After this, the seal can be easily dismantled, gaining access to the lock.

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Next, you need to use a screwdriver to unscrew the two fasteners that are located next to the groove for the hook, and pull out the UBL through the gap between the tank and the front wall of the unit. The locking device is disconnected from the wires. After this, it can be disassembled and examined with a multimeter. It is necessary to simulate the situation of the hook entering the groove and create tension on the plate. The mechanism should work; you need to check whether the contacts are working. This determines whether the signal is sent correctly to the electronic module. Replacing a UBL that has become unusable is carried out in the reverse order.

Sometimes the problem of the door not closing tightly lies in the fact that the hook is skewed. This situation is easy to fix. The hatch to which the latch is attached is disconnected from the car body, all the screws on it are unscrewed, and the glass is removed. This way we gain access to the place where the latch is attached. Now the element can be given the correct, stable position.

Service Indesit

If you still have problems with repairing the Indesit washing machine lock, or it did not give the necessary results, our specialists will always solve such problems!

Resource

Replacing the lock in a washing machine is rarely done due to its high reliability and maximum simplicity of design. The part does not have a specific resource. The unit is designed for the entire operational life of the equipped equipment. The reliability and durability of the device is determined by the quality of the assembly and the raw materials used in its manufacture. When buying a new part, it is better not to save money. Cheap analogues will require frequent replacement, so the benefits will be short-lived.

To extend the life of the UBL, you need to follow the operating rules and handle household appliances with care. No lubrication or other maintenance is required for this unit. It is enough to clean the well cell when visible contaminants get inside.

Reasons for failure

Natural wear and tear

Even with maximum reliability, over time you will have to replace the hatch lock in the washing machine. Critical resource depletion during long-term operation is inevitable. In expensive models, it is quite difficult to achieve this period; most of the parts will have to be replaced first. And in cheap models of washing machines, the resource exhaustion occurs after 3–5 years of active use. The problem of accelerated wear can be a misalignment of the fastening, deformation of the latch tongue, etc.

Sudden voltage changes

Installing a new UBL in a washing machine is often required due to a short circuit. Frequent and excessive power surges can burn out the contacts, leaving only the mechanical part intact. In some cases, functionality is only partially impaired, allowing for quick repairs.

Violations of operating rules

Service center technicians often have to replace the lock on a washing machine due to inept user handling of the equipment:

• destruction of the mechanism due to clogging of the hole;
• closing the door with great force in the presence of obstacles in the opening;
• an attempt to independently influence the operation of the blocker;
• violation of the startup or shutdown sequence.

Often the cost of replacing a washing machine UBL increases due to the discovery of additional damage resulting from incorrect actions and/or carelessness.

Manufacturing defects

Even modern systems working in conjunction with humans and auxiliary subsystems cannot ensure 100% quality in mass production. Because of this, about 1–2% of repair cases are caused by manufacturing defects. Damage can be expressed in the following moments:

1. Mechanical defects - thickness of some parts that does not meet the standard, defects, weak contacts, soldering.
2. Incorrect assembly - use of parts that do not comply with the regulations, violation of the sequence, unfinished actions.

In such cases, as a rule, the UBL of the washing machine is replaced during the warranty period.

Causes of malfunction

Replacing the lock on a washing machine

may be necessary, despite the durability and reliability of the UBL. When the door in the washing machine does not close, there can be various breakdowns. Common reasons for failure include:

• natural mechanical wear due to intensive use of the unit or significant service life;
• the presence of frequent power outages;
• breakage of the latch tongue and handle;
• increased mechanical pressure on the hatch (frequent opening/closing, slamming with force);
• sagging door hinges;
• laundry getting between the body and the door;
• The frame of the hatch is cracked and it is distorted
• faulty triac on the central board.

Any of the listed malfunctions will lead to the impossibility of opening the door at the end of the washing process, accompanied by a digital or audio signal indicating a breakdown. Also, the lock will not work when you try to start the program again. To diagnose the problem, you will need to test the serviceability of the UBL and disassemble the hatch. You should not carry out the procedure yourself, especially if you have a warranty on the car, and also if you do not have a tool - a multimeter.

Signs of failure

Due to the simplicity of the device, you can determine the breakdown without the help of specialists. The following signs indicate a problem.

The hatch door does not open

The door can be blocked at the moment of closing, either with or without power. It is important to remember that after finishing the wash, the hatch remains locked under standard conditions for 10–180 seconds, depending on the specific model. If the locking does not turn off even after 30 minutes, it means that the bimetallic plate cannot return to its original position or the grips have received critical damage. In such situations, in order to replace the hatch lock in the washing machine, you will have to disassemble part of the structure.

The hatch door does not lock after turning on the machine

The locking mechanism should be activated when the power is turned on, the start button is pressed, if the hatch is previously closed. There are two reasons when the device does not work:

• failure of the electronic module;
• damage to the mechanical lock.

The activation of the module will be indicated by a characteristic click, after which the program will start.

Visible mechanical damage

There is visual damage to the insulation and/or casing on the surface of the device. In this case, the blocker works, but the operation of such equipment is unsafe. The latch may open during the washing process or a voltage breakdown on the housing may occur.

Self-check of the SMA lock

There are a number of external signs by which the user can assume that the lock is faulty:

• The CM is turned off, but the door remains closed. The reason lies in the locking device or in the main module.
• When the program starts, the washing does not start, the hatch remains open.
• The washing machine displays a fault code indicating that the lock is broken.

To understand whether the lock is broken or something else, you need to know how to check the UBL in a washing machine with a tester.

You will need to remove the device from the car:

• Disconnect the SMA from the network.
• Open the door.
• Bend the hatch cuff and remove its clamp.

• Pulling the cuff to the side reveals a lock.

• Unscrew the two bolts securing the lock.

• Unlock all connectors and remove the blocker.

Now that you have the UBL in your hands, you can start checking the washing machine lock. To use a multimeter, you will need a lock circuit. This is necessary to determine the location of the common and neutral contacts.

At home, you can only check the thermoelement that heats the plates.

1. Set the tester to resistance measurement mode.
2. Apply its probes to the neutral and phase contacts.

3. The lock is operational if a three-digit number appears on the screen.
4. Move the multimeter tentacles to the neutral – common contacts.
5. The device is faulty if the display shows 1 or 0.

Once you have figured out how to properly check the door lock in your washing machine, you can install a new lock. Proceed like this:

• Connect the wires to a working device.
• Place it behind the wall of the case and install it in the hole for the lock.
• Tighten the fastening screws.
• Reinstall the cuff clamp.

Checking the UBL in a washing machine is not a difficult task; you can do it yourself. Of course, if the lock is faulty, the door will not close, so the wash will not start for your safety.

How to unlock the door?

If the lock on the washing machine is broken and the hatch cannot be opened in the usual way, you can get to the part through the bottom. To do this, you will have to dismantle part of the case on the lid - the handle or by removing the front panel. You must first turn off the power and water supply. If the design includes a non-removable handle and/or front panel, carefully place the equipment on its side. Then remove the underbody skid plate, if equipped, and remove the latch by hand. The exact algorithm of actions depends on the specific modification of the washing machine.

Changing the lock on the vertical Whirlpool

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

• disconnect the machine from the network;
• turn off the tap responsible for the water supply;
• disconnect the drain and inlet hoses;
• move the “vertical” so that you have free access to all sides of the case;
• Unscrew the bolts holding the right wall of the case and remove the panel;

• find the UBL, it is located on top, in the corner, closer to the front wall of the machine;
• pull the blocker out of the housing with a sharp movement;

• take a photo of the wiring diagram;
• disconnect the wires from the blocker.

In the case of Whirlpool machines, everything is even simpler - you don’t have to remove the instrument console and touch the top cover. It is enough to remove only one side wall of the machine. Even a beginner will spend no more than 15 minutes replacing the blocker.

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

The price of UBL for top-loading Whirlpool washing machines is low, within a thousand rubles. Installing a new lock is performed in the 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 self-tapping screws.

After this, a test wash is started. If the cover is blocked, the replacement can be considered successful. If the electronic lock does not work, you will have to check whether the contacts are connected correctly.

Interesting:

• Ardo washing machine device
• Reviews of Ardo washing machines
• How to remove the lock of an Indesit washing machine?
• How to remove the drum from an Ardo washing machine?
• How to change the belt on an Ardo washing machine?
• Top loading washing machine lid won't open

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Replacing the hatch locking device (UBL) of a washing machine: stages

Each model and series has its own characteristics, while the sequence and number of stages are always identical. It is important to strictly adhere to the maintenance schedule specified by the manufacturer. Stages of work:

• Inspection. You need to make sure that the problem is in the lock. Perform a test run and visually inspect the structure.
• Removing the insulating clamp. The easiest way is to get to the part through the hatch hole. Carefully move the protective clamp in the area of ​​the UBL socket.
• Removing the lock. The lock is fixed with special latches or screws, depending on the model.
• Lock diagnostics. You need to visually inspect the part and check the contacts.
• Installation of a new spare part followed by testing. First connect the contacts, then fix the part in the socket, return the insulating clamp to its place. After replacing the hatch lock in the washing machine, check the serviceability of the unit.

It is important to remember that an automatic washing machine is a complex mechanism that requires certain knowledge, skills and experience to operate. To avoid increased prices for repair work, as well as wasted time and effort, entrust the work to professionals. Specialists of specialized service will quickly eliminate faults with a guarantee! We service all models and modifications of household appliances.

Hatch locking device

When starting to check, it is important to understand what type of lock is installed in your model of automatic washing machine (WMA). In older SM releases, manufacturers installed blockers with an electromagnet

However, they were ineffective without electricity. If the electricity was turned off during washing, the hatch automatically unlocked.

Another thing is the hatch door lock based on bimetallic plates. They are used everywhere due to their efficient operation.

The structure consists of three main elements:

• thermoelement;
• bimetallic plate;
• fixing device.

How does UBL work? Everything is tied to electronics. The electronic board supplies current to the thermocouple, which heats up quickly. This, in turn, is applied to the plate, which, increasing in size, pushes out the latch. Typically, when you start a cycle, you will hear a click, which means the door is locked and ready to draw water.

The principle of operation of the lock has been disassembled. Now let's talk about its problems: for what reasons does a breakdown occur?

Reasons for the malfunction of the lock in the washing machine

There are two main causes of breakdowns: physical wear and tear and electronic problems.

1. Constant deformation of the plates when heated leads to damage and destruction of the element. In such cases, fixation does not work at all.
2. Power surges in the network can lead to breakdown of the thermoelement. Then it does not heat up, therefore, the plate remains in place. The short circuit of the control triac results in the door not opening. Current is continuously supplied to the parts, so the latch does not turn off.

What should I do if there is a problem? Check the lock of the washing machine and replace it if it is faulty.

How to check the UBL of a washing machine with a tester?

The first thing that catches your eye when a breakdown occurs is the abnormal operation of the equipment. Here are the signs that indicate problems with UBL:

1. The hatch does not open even several hours after the wash is finished.
2. A code was displayed on the display of the washing machine, which indicates a problem with the blocker.
3. The door will not unlock even after disconnecting the appliance from the power supply.
4. During startup, the lock does not work and the hatch does not close.

Most often, either the element itself or its wiring and control module fail. A multimeter will help you accurately determine the cause of the breakdown.

To perform diagnostics, you will need the electrical diagram of the device. It may be different for each model, because manufacturers arrange the contacts differently.

What you need to find out:

• Where is the “neutral” contact located?
• Where is "general" located?
• Where is the “phase” located?

Prepare a multimeter and adjust it to measure resistance. You can get to the lock the same way in all front models:

• Open the door.
• Unscrew the two mounting bolts.
• Bend down the sealing collar.
• Place your hand behind your body.
• Get the UBL.
• Disconnect the wiring.

Now place one tester probe on the neutral contact and the other on the phase contact. Three-digit values ​​are considered normal.

Next, place one probe against the neutral contact, and the other against the common one. The device is considered broken if the values ​​are 1 or 0.