If your washing machine door won’t close or lock properly then the problem is usually with either the door interlock or the door release mechanism. If you need to replace the door lock but are unsure where to start, there’s no need to panic. We’ll talk you through how to successfully replace the door lock without damaging your washing machine.
If you can’t open your door at all, and it is stuck in the lock position, you can a different video where we demonstrate how to manually open the door from the inside of the machine - How To Open A Washing Machine Door That’s Stuck Closed
Please Note: If the door swing doesn't move smoothly or does not allow the door to close, it's likely to be a problem with the hinge. This repair can be viewed in a different advice article - How To Fix A Broken Washing Machine Door Lock - Hotpoint
This video shows an example on how to remove or replace the part on a typical machine, some models may be different but the procedure should be similar.
What You Will Need:
Step 1 - Switch Off Your Appliance
Safety First! Please make sure that you have switched your appliance off at the mains before starting your repair.
Step 2 - Pull The Door Seal Away To Remove The Door Lock
Ok then, on this occasion for you to be able to get to the door lock, you need to get the seal out of the way! (We also have another video showing how to replace the lock from the top of the machine). The first thing you need to do is remove the retaining band - which you can do by using a flat-head screwdriver to get behind the clip at the top. Push the seal away from the interlock to give you some room. Proceed to remove the screws that are currently holding the interlock in place.
Step 3 - Fit The New Door Interlock
The old interlock can then be removed from the machine, and you need to transfer the connections to your new interlock. Once you have then placed the new interlock in position, you can then add the screws that you had previously removed.
Step 4 - Refit The Door Gasket And Retaining Band
Put the door seal and the retaining band back to how they were fitted before you started this repair.
Step 5 - If You Need To Remove The Door Latch, Read On And Remove The Door
Now so far so good regarding the replacement of your door interlock. However, if it is the door latch mechanism that you wish to replace then read on…
You need to start by removing the door from the machine by removing the screws that are holding it in place.
Step 6 - Disassemble The Inner And Outer Door Trim
The door latch mechanism is located in between the inner door trim and the outer door trim, so to replace it you need to separate these two parts of the door (again, by simply removing the screws that are holding them both together). Once the screws are out you should be able to unclip the front trim and then lift it off with the bowl.
Step 7 - Secure The Door Latch Mechanism
The door release mechanism in this video comes as one complete part, which we’re quite lucky with because sometimes they do not come assembled - so you might have to put it together yourself. Pop the new release mechanism in, grab the inner trim and bowl and simply replace. Once done just make sure that the hinge is in the same place.
You have now successfully replaced your washing machine door lock and door catch mechanism. You can now get back to being able to wash your clothes again in no time, in the knowledge that you have fixed the door lock and door release mechanism all by yourself (with a little help from eSpares of course!).
Fancy Giving Your Washing Machine Some Loving Care & Attention?
Your washing machine no doubt works hard for you in getting your clothes nice and clean. If you want to show it some TLC, then it is a great idea to protect it from the build-up of limescale & detergent that can happen over time in your machine. Introducing the eSpares Limescale & Detergent Remover - where by using this you can help protect from this, as well as removing bad odours and bacteria build-up.
*Not suitable for top loading appliances
Need To Locate The Correct Door Lock For Your Washing Machine?
As well as being one of the easiest DIY appliances fixes out there, fixing your washing machine door lock yourself can save you a lot of money compared to booking a repair or buying a new washing machine. Here at eSpares, we have a wide-range of replacement washing machine door locks and door release mechanisms for you to select from - so you can soon be on your way to repairing it yourself.
Now you can add washing machine door lock and door release mechanism replacement to your DIY repertoire. Congratulations! You can also find lots more of our useful help and tips on looking after your appliances at home, and also further advice and video tutorials on how to fix your appliances yourself at the eSpares Advice Centre.
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