Is your Whirlpool washer’s “door locked” light flashing? Don’t panic since this is one of the common issues with whirlpool washers. If you aren’t sure why your whirlpool washer door is locked and the light is flashing, you might want to conduct a diagnostic on the machine before replacing it.
There are numerous possible common sources and fixes for such a problem. Start by resetting the washer to let go of the lock. But if that does not work, inspect other parts because there must be a source of such an issue. You may want to check the door button assembly, door lock assembly, washtub, or latch assembly. If the appliance is under warranty, replace it for free.
Keep reading to learn common causes and ways to fix a whirlpool washer whose door is locked and the light is flashing.
What Causes Whirlpool Washer’s Door Locked Light Flashing?
If your Whirlpool washer has the functionality to lock, you’ll see the door light flashing before you start using it. The error shows that your washer senses that the door is open and has responded accordingly. Here are some of the common causes and ways to troubleshoot a whirlpool washer door locked.
- An issue with the lid switch
- Check actuator motor
- A problem with the drain pump
- Check out the hose
- Malfunctioning door switch
- Check the lock control
1. An issue With the Lid Switch
A failing switch is one of the common issues when a washing machine door is locked, and the light is flashing. If it’s the switch causing this issue, the spinner can’t move properly.
How to fix: Use the screwdriver to place it into the holes of the switch actuator. Once you’ve done this and the light isn’t blinking, but the machine runs well, you need to replace the switch.
2. Faulty Actuator Motor
Maybe the actuator is faulty, which is caused by the lost connection of wires. So, check the wiring connection of the appliance. If there is damage or loss, that could make the door-locked light flash.
How to fix: Turn off the breaker and open the machine wire system. Examine if the connection is lost or doesn’t supply enough voltage. Tighten the wires and fix them to allow them to supply enough voltage to the machine actuator motor.
3. Problem With the Drain Pump
A drain pump assembly is located at the center of the washer, facing you. Unbolt the knob on the pump. Make sure you have a bucket in front of the drain pump while removing the knob to hold the water.
How to fix: When something is trapped in the drainpipe, allow high-pressure water to pass through the pipe, removing all the clogging. You can also use solutions to clean the drainpipe. Mix vinegar and water, then pour it into the pipe to easily clean the whirlpool drain pipe.
4. Inspect the Hose
When examining the state of the inlet hoses, it’s good to ensure that there are no leaks or cracks. The airtight hose is perfect, but even the best can break down because of wear and tear. Inspect for kinks and damages that might have formed over time. These can be a common source of water flow problems, affecting the water level detectors.
How to fix: Inspect the hoses to locate any kinks that might hamper water flow. You can even remove the hose from the washer. First, stop the water flow and use pliers to remove the inlet hoses. Put the hose opening in a container to hold the water that might be remaining.
5. Faulty Door Switch
The washer has two switches: a door switch and a lid switch. If both switches are faulty, the door-locked light will flash. The door switch prevents the machine from malfunctioning when it’s overloaded. When the button isn’t working, you can repair or replace it.
How to fix: Start by unplugging the washer, and take your wire strippers and screwdriver. Connect the wires to the new switch’s holes. Then, check the switch resistance.
6. Check the Lock Control
When you notice a light flashing in your whirlpool washer, this could be a sign of malfunction or manipulated lock. There is a likelihood that the manipulated lock prevents the washer door from opening until it reaches its complete cycle, which might explain the error.
You’ll need to update the lid lock before you continue using the appliance. If you connect the whirlpool washer back after unplugging it for 10 minutes, you may need to reset it.
How to fix: If the machine door lock light is flashing and you can’t open it, here’s how to fix the problem:
- Switch off the water supply to the machine after disconnecting the plastic cord from the outlet for 45 minutes.
- When opening the front of the machine, lift the top cover. You’ll hear a click when it opens completely.
- Remove all the clothes or items inside the detergent dispenser after opening the machine lid.
- Press the white reset power button on the washer until it clicks
Close the laundry room doors such that no light will get in since this can cause interference with the sensor’s detection of darkness within the atmosphere. This determines how the washer will work from there.
Other Causes of Whirlpool Washer’s Door Locked Light Flashing
1. Faulty Door Latch
The door latch on a top loading washer lets the door close and open. It functions by allowing the locking mechanism in the machine door to spin while opening and closing the door.
Once you notice the whirlpool washer door light flashes, check out these factors before calling a technician. Start by removing the clothes in the washing machine drum before testing. Then, press and hold the pause/start button until you see the diagnostic codes on the screen. This shows which component may be causing the issue.
Whenever your washer has a door latch or any part failure, it should be fixed instantly, or get professional help.
2. Damaged Sensor Actuator
A Diagnosing detector should get into diagnostic mode for it to work. While this is a tricky mode, follow the instructions in the manual to locate the sensor and do a test. Then, check the diagnostics against the reference manual to know the problem.
If the machine is stuck in a rinse chamber, there’s a high chance the motor’s optical speed sensor isn’t correctly recording the motor speeds. In that case, the machine won’t tell when it stops and hence doesn’t sense when to open the door. Once you press the button on the back of the top panel, the sensor actuator opens the machine door once it detects that the machine is locked.
If you notice a glitch with the sensor actuator, you can solve it by:
- Disconnecting the machine from the outlet for at least 10 minutes
- Connecting the appliance to a power source and switch it on
- Switch off the breaker to the electricity front panel in your home for 15 minutes and restart the computer.
3. Water in the Machine Tub
In case of flood, the machine door won’t open unless the machine tub is empty. If the tub is full of water, spin it and drain the water. Then, quickly open the door and continue with the laundry.
4. Examine the Control Board
When you close the washer door, you might encounter light flashing, but the system fails to respond. The primary cause of this kind of problem is the control panel, which regulates communication between the washer and its other components. Nevertheless, too little or too much voltage to detectors or a glitch in power can cause this malfunction.
How to Manually Open a Whirlpool Top Loader Washer Door
The door on the whirlpool top load machine is locked, and you can’t open it? You might be wondering how to unlock the door manually. Here is what to do!
Disconnect the machine from the wall outlet. Long press the cancel button for at least two minutes. You can opt for the manual option if this fails to work. To complete this, disconnect the machine from the outlet and shut down the water inlet.
When removing the drain pump lid on the right side of the washer, remove the screws holding the pump with the help of a screwdriver. You’ll come across a curly code inside. Finally, unplug the code to unlock the washer.
Final Word
When the door lock on a whirlpool washing machine malfunctions, you will experience light flashing. Since this is a minor issue, you don’t have to contact a repair professional. All you need to do any of the following to troubleshoot the problem:
- Inspect the lid switch
- Check actuator motor
- Examine the drain pump
- Check out the hose
- Check the control lock
- Reset the washer
- Replace the latch assembly
The easiest way to deal with a whirlpool washer door-locked light flashing is to update the components. But if your machine is making a humming sound or shimmying nonstop, it’s time to call a professional. If you have any questions or concerns about your whirlpool washer, leave a comment, and we’ll get back to you.