Whirlpool Washer Wont Lock/Turn On/Unlock/Turn Off: How To Fix? [5 Easy Fixes]

Whirlpool is a well-known brand when it comes to washing machines. Until something goes wrong, their washers are one of modern life’s greatest conveniences. However, if your Whirlpool washer wont lock/turn on, unlock, or turn off, assistance is available.

The lock on your Whirlpool washing machine may be damaged or faulty if it will not lock, turn on, unlock, or turn off. Another possibility is a faulty main control board. It could also be a tripped circuit breaker or a drainage problem.

As you can see, there are a number of possible causes for your Whirlpool washer not locking or unlocking, or not turning on or off. More information is provided below. And, just for good measure, we’ll throw in some fixes.

WHIRLPOOL WASHER WON’T LOCK: REASONS AND FIXES

You won’t be able to run a wash cycle if your Whirlpool washer does not lock. This is due to a safety feature known as an interlock in modern washers.

It prevents the machine from starting on a front loader unless the door catch is fully engaged in the interlock’s lock cavity. It keeps the door locked on a top loader during the spin cycle. In the Interlock Cavity, there is debris.

When you open the door to your washer, you’ll notice a square cavity next to the drum opening. That is a feature of the washer’s interlock.

The latch for the door latches into that cavity. A buildup of debris inside the door catch may prevent it from latching. Remove any debris, and the door should now lock.

1. Damaged Door Release Mechanism 

When you press the handle on your front-loading washer, the door catch moves and disconnects from the interlock, allowing you to open the door.

If the catch does not move, the release mechanism’s spring may be damaged. It’s sandwiched between the door and the wall. You’ll need to remove the door from the washer and separate the front and back door trims to replace it. Screws hold them together.

After you’ve removed the old parts and replaced them with the new ones, reverse the process to reassemble the door. After that, reattach it to the washer. If that has put your mind on a spin cycle.

2. Faulty Door Interlock

If your front-loading washer isn’t locking because the interlock’s electrics have failed, the interlock must be replaced. To do so, unclamp the boot seal around the washer opening and insert it into the drum.

Unscrew the screws that hold the interlock in place, unhook it from its bracket, and disconnect the wires. You can now retrace your steps to install the new interlock. The door lock on a top loader prevents the door from opening during the spin cycle. If it will not lock and you must replace it.

3. Faulty Actuator Motor:

Is your Whirlpool top-load washer locked and refusing to start? The actuator motor could be faulty. This component allows the washer to transition from spinning to agitating mode.

If the motor fails, it can cause spinning issues, causing the lid to remain locked and halting other functions. Testing and/or replacing the motor is a difficult task that should be left to a professional repair service.

SUGGESTED POSTS:

• Whirlpool Washer Sensing Light Flashing: How To Fix? [7 Easy Methods]
• Whirlpool Washer Not Working/Repeating Cycle/Keeps Draining/Shuts Off [9 Easy Fixes]
• Read: Lawn Mower Blowing White Smoke: 3 Effective Methods To Try

4. Broken Door Strike:

The door strike on top-loading machines activates the lid switch. When the switch makes contact with the strike, the lid is locked and the control panel is notified to start the wash cycle. With wear and tear, or if the lid is slammed down, the plastic strike may crack, break, or become misaligned.

When this happens, it may be unable to engage the lid switch or leave the washer door locked, resulting in the washer door not opening. While a misaligned strike can be repositioned, a broken strike must be replaced by a technician.

5. Failed Lid Switch:

When the washer is turned on and the lid is closed, the lid switch should activate automatically. When activated, the switch locks the lid and instructs the washer’s control panel to start a wash cycle.

If the switch is damaged or has failed electronically, the Whirlpool washer lid may not unlock or signal the start of a cycle. When this happens, your washing machine will stop spinning, draining, or starting. If the switch appears to be damaged or fails multimeter testing due to a lack of continuity, it must be replaced by a professional.

WHIRLPOOL WASHER WON’T TURN ON: REASONS AND FIXES

There are several possible causes for your Whirlpool washer to lock but not turn on. The washer isn’t turned on. This may seem overly obvious, but it’s free, so double-check it anyway.

1. Problem with an Electrical Outlet

Check that the outlet is operational by plugging something else into it. If the other appliance works, the outlet is not the problem. If the other appliance isn’t working, see if the outlet has an on/off switch.

While most outlets do not have switches, some do. If there is a switch, make sure it is turned on. Some outlets, particularly those in kitchens and laundry rooms, have a safety feature that turns off power if an electrical surge occurs.

Ground fault circuit interrupters are what they’re called (GFCIs). If the GFCI has turned off the outlet’s power, press the reset button on the GFCI outlet. Continue if your washer still does not turn on.

2. Circuit breaker tripped

Examine your breaker panel to see if the washer switch has tripped. If this is the case, turn the switch back on.

3. Damaged Power Cord

To determine if this is the issue, use a multimeter to test the power cord. It will indicate whether or not there is a complete electrical path running through the cord. If the test reveals that the power cord is faulty, you’ll need to replace it.

4. The Main Control Board is faulty.

The main control board is the brain of your washer. If it’s broken, you’ll have to replace it. Damage to the main control board, such as burn marks, may be visible.

The manner in which you gain access to the control board varies according to the model of your washer. On a front loader, for example, you remove the top. These helpful videos should assist you if you need to replace the control board yourself.

WHIRLPOOL WASHER WON’T UNLOCK: REASONS AND FIXES

If your washer does not turn off, try unplugging it for a few minutes to reset it. Then plug it in and see if that solves the problem. If not, here are some common causes of your washer not turning off and how to fix them.

1. Faulty On/Off Switch

If your washer’s on/off push-button is damaged, it may stop working properly. If the button appears to be in good condition, the button pad inside the washer may be damaged.

You’ll need to get behind the control panel fascia to replace the button or button pad. As you can see from the videos, this isn’t a difficult task, and they show the process on a top loader.

2. Faulty Main Control Board

The function of the main control board has already been discussed. A faulty or damaged control board may be the cause of your washer’s inability to turn off, necessitating its replacement.

WHIRLPOOL WASHER ERROR CODES

Nothing is more frustrating than seeing an error code on your washing machine and not knowing what it means. So, how do you figure out what’s going on and how do you fix it?

5 COMMON WHIRLPOOL WASHING MACHINE ERROR CODES

We’ll look at the five most common whirlpool washing machine error codes and their solutions below.

1. PF stands for Power Failure.

Press the START button to restart the cycle from the point at which the machine lost power—OR—Press the STOP/CANCEL button to clear the display and cancel the cycle.

2. F70/oL – Excessive Load

Simply open the machine’s door, remove some excess laundry, close the door, and restart the cycle to clear this common error code.

3. Lid/F81 – Door Lid Open/Close

Press the START button with the lid open, then press it again after two consecutive cycles without opening the lid.

4. OB/ob – Off-Balance

To restart the cycle, open the lid, redistribute the laundry in the basket, and close the lid. To clear the display, press the STOP/CANCEL button.

5. F22 – Inadequate Door Lock

To begin, unplug the machine from the power source. Examine the door switch and lock for signs of wear and tear. If the latch is loose, you may be able to secure it by tightening any mountain screws that are attached to it.

However, in most cases, you’ll need to replace the part in order to get your machine back up and running.

HOW DO I RESET THE LID LOCK ON MY WHIRLPOOL WASHER?

If your lid lock light is flashing, you can reset the washer and the flashing light by unplugging it for 10 minutes and plugging it back in. You can also reset the washer and flashing lid lock light by pressing and holding the ‘End of Cycle’ button for 20 seconds.

CONCLUSION

You now understand some of the most common causes and solutions for your Whirlpool washer not locking, turning on, unlocking, or turning off.

Often, resetting the washer by unplugging it, waiting, and then plugging it back in solves the problem. Hopefully, knowing why you’re having these problems and how to fix them will alleviate your laundry day blues.

Frequently Asked Questions