The door in the washing machine is not blocked
All modern models of washing machines are equipped with an automatic hatch locking function, which is triggered as soon as the washing program starts. The locked door can not be opened without pausing the machine. This is designed for safety: the automatic lock avoids flooding due to a loose door, and also prevents accidental opening of the door (e.g. by small children).
If there is a malfunction with the hatch, as a result of which it does not lock, the washing machine will not start the washing. About why this happens and how to solve this problem, you will learn from our article.
Types of breakdowns
All the reasons why the automatic lock function can fail are divided into two large groups. The first group includes mechanical breakdowns, and the second group includes problems with electronics.
Let's take a closer look at each of the possible types of breakdowns.
|
Breakage type |
The reason of breakage |
|
Mechanical damages |
|
|
The handle-lock on the hatch is broken |
Most often this happens after several years of active use of the washing machine, in which case the fragile mechanism of the lock simply wears out. Also, the handle can break because of hanging heavy things from the door for drying. |
|
The hinge on which the door hangs is warped |
This can be caused by low-quality components. The warping can also occur because something got caught in the gap between the door and the washing machine's wall. |
|
The fixing tab on the handle has shifted |
The door may not close because the rod (metal rod) that holds the lock retainer in a certain position has shifted. This usually happens when too much pressure is put on the door. |
|
The guide, which is responsible for locking the door, is deformed |
If the door can be closed, but you do not hear a clicking sound, it is likely that the plastic guide is worn and bent. This occurs as a result of active use of the washing machine or because of low-quality raw materials. |
|
Problems with electronics |
|
|
The door locking device is defective |
The UBL is actuated by the voltage applied to it from the start of the wash until the end of the wash. Over time, under the influence of high temperature, the metal elements of the device may deform. This is especially caused by voltage fluctuations in the mains. |
|
A foreign object got into the UBL |
If you neglect regular washing machine cleaning, detergent residues, small debris, lime particles, threads, buttons, etc. can accumulate, forming clogs in various places of the appliance, including the UBL. |
|
Faulty control unit |
The electronic module of the washing machine is quite a complex device, which can fail under the influence of a variety of factors. Most often it occurs due to a sudden power outage or a power surge. |
Watch the video tutorial, which shows how to disassemble the hatch locking device if an object got into it.
How do I replace the hatch handle?
If the breakage of the hatch handle is serious enough, it will be easier to replace the entire mechanism than to go through each part. First, you need to pull out the broken handle.
This is done in this sequence:
- disconnect the washing machine from the mains;
- Remove the door from its hinges;
- unscrew the screws that connect the two halves of the door;
- Carefully loosen the halves;
- remove the glass part and photograph the location of all the elements;
- gently pull out the metal pin, which fixes the handle;
- remove the plastic handle, then disconnect the return spring and hook.
Now that the old part is removed, it is necessary to replace it with a new one.
To do this, we take the following steps:
- carefully study the photo, which fixes the original location of the elements;
- Install the spring and hook in their original place;
- Insert the pin into the first hole;
- holding the pin and the spring with one hand, with the other hand put the handle in place (the pin should go through it);
- insert the other end of the pin into the opposite hole;
- Check that the parts are correctly positioned: the spring should deflect the handle slightly to the side;
- Assemble the door and put it back in place.
To see the complete disassembly process see the following video.
