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.
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.
Replacement
After emergency opening, the handle should be replaced with a new one.
Before doing this, it is recommended to photograph the old one from the outside and inside, so as not to make a mistake when installing the new handle.
Let's look at the step-by-step replacement process:
- Buying a new part. To do this, you need to know the make and model of your car,
- Next, at home, unscrew the door from the base. This must be done in the open state and using a screwdriver. This will not be difficult even for those who have not repaired anything,
- After the door has been successfully unscrewed, you need to unscrew all the bolts in a circle, thanks to which its halves are connected. To do this, you will again need a regular screwdriver or with a star-type attachment,
- Separate the two unscrewed halves, pull out the glass and put it in a safe place,
- Push the metal rod so that it comes out. This can be done using an awl or a nail. Following the pin, you need to remove the handle, spring and hook,
- Now, in place of the broken handle, a new handle with parts is installed in the same sequence as it was. First, insert the spring, then the hook and handle until it stops. After this, the metal pin should be in place. In order to thread the pin you need to use pliers,
- Door assembly. After we have made sure that the handle is installed correctly, we insert the glass, screw the two plastic halves of the door, and then the entire structure with bolts to the front of the washing machine.
If you don’t know how to properly change the handle yourself at home or you have difficulties during the repair, entrust this task to professionals.
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
Installation
We purchase a new handle, which consists of a set of parts: a plastic part, a hook, a spring and a pin. Referring to the previously taken photograph, assemble the handle mechanism and place the handle itself in the correct position. The most difficult thing is to install the pin, because it must fit through all the holes. You will have to sweat, pushing it gradually and at the same time shaking it with pliers.
Checking the position of the handle. The washing machine hatch handle should be spring-loaded, but at the same time move relatively easily and return to its original position without problems. If the return is difficult or does not exist at all, you need to reinstall the handle mechanism. If everything is fine, assemble the hatch and install it in place. We check the operation of the hatch handle and successfully complete the repair.
In conclusion, we note that breaking the washing machine hatch handle is not a big problem. However, to solve it, you must first open the hatch itself, and only then carry out simple repairs. There are many opening methods and all of them are available to anyone, even those who do not have the skills to repair household appliances. All that remains is to apply one of these methods. Good luck!
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