How to Fix a Whirlpool Washer That Won’t Lock

If your Whirlpool washer won’t lock, it’s likely due to malfunctioning locking safety devices. Front and top-load washer models differ in locking systems, and the parts you will need to fix will differ as well. Top-load washers won’t lock because of issues with their lid, lid switch and actuator, lid lock, or control board. Whereas front-load models may have problems with the door latch/strike, door seal, door hinge, or control board. We’ll guide you step-by-step to resolve this issue and get your washer locking and working again.

Why is Your Whirlpool Washer Not Locking?

If your Whirlpool washer isn't locking properly, there may be a few reasons why. If any of the parts in your washer's locking mechanism are broken or worn out, it can cause the whole lock to not line up correctly or work at all. Below we will explain why your washer needs to lock in the first place, the signs your washer has a locking issue, and the distinct differences between top-load and front-load Whirlpool washer lock parts.

Why Your Washer Needs to Lock

The entire reason your washer needs to lock is for safety reasons. The inner tub of your washer, whether it's a top-load or front-load model will, at some point during the washing cycle, begin to spin at RPM's (rotations per minute) that can be hazardous if insecure. Your washer is equipped with a locking mechanism to ensure you can't have any contact with it during these points. Some models outright lock the washer until the cycle is over, whereas some models will allow you to pause or stop the cycle to throw another garment in. But the lock is there as a preventative measure to ensure you or any children don't get injured.

Signs That Your Whirlpool Washer has a Locking Issue

If you're unsure of what's going on with your Whirlpool washer, and you're curious if what you're seeing or hearing is a locking issue, these are the following signs.

• Clicking Noises: If you hear a repeated clicking noise when starting a washing cycle with your Whirlpool washer, that is the sound of the lock attempting to connect and being unable to do so. Avoid hitting your washer to fix this, as you may cause more damage to it.
• Flashing Lock Light: Seeing a blinking or flashing 'lock' light on your Whirlpool washer is a sign that there is an issue with the locking system as a whole. The user manual for some models may indicate particular parts or give an error code with a specific issue. Make sure to reference your manual for those codes.
• Washer Not Starting: Another common sign is that your washer simply won't start. As mentioned earlier, your washer will not start if it cannot lock securely.

Differences Between Top-Load and Front-Load Washer Locks

Since front-load and top-load Whirlpool washers have distinctly different structures, they also feature different parts in their locking mechanisms. There may also be differences in older versus newer models, so be sure to check your specific model and its user manual for any indication of what lock yours has.

Top-Load Washer Lock Parts

• Lid
• Lid Switch and Actuator
• Lid Lock
• Control Board

Front-Load Washer Lock Parts

• Door Latch/Strike
• Door Switch
• Door Seal (also known as a Boot) and Retaining Ring
• Door Hinge
• Control Board

How to Fix a Top-Load Whirlpool Washer That Won’t Lock

Now that you know why your Whirlpool washer needs to lock, the signs that your washer has a locking issue, and all of the parts that can cause this issue, you can fix it! With a top-load Whirlpool washer, all of the affected parts that can malfunction and cause a lock-related issue are located at the top and rear of the washer, and will need minimal tools (screwdriver, wrench, and pliers) to access and replace!

How to Replace a Lid Switch to Fix a Top-Load Whirlpool Washer That Won’t Lock

The lid switch and actuator for a top-load Whirlpool washer are responsible for communicating that the lid is closed, with the control board. If either are broken or malfunctioning, the control board will not start or lock properly as a result. Removing a lid switch to test and/or replace is easy, and with our instructions you will have no issue getting your washer running again. To do this repair, you will need a multimeter, screwdriver or wrench, and flat tool like a putty knife.

1. Unplug your washer's power cord.
2. Lift the lid of the washer and unthread any mounting screws on the top panel around the entrance of the washer.
3. If you notice any unusual bends or warps in your washer's lid that could cause misalignment between the switch and actuator, replace it immediately.
4. Slide the top panel forward and use a putty knife or flat tool to lift the top panel of your washer.
5. Locate the lid switch on the underside of the top panel, and disconnect its wire harness to effectively remove it. Locate the actuator as well, which is normally on the underside of the lid.
6. Test the old switch to verify that it's not physically damaged. Then test it with a multimeter for continuity by setting it to the Rx1 setting, and touching the probes to the terminals with the switch button down; you should receive a setting of zero.
7. If your switch is physically damaged or not reading 0 when activated, make sure to replace it immediately. If the actuator for the switch is also damaged and unable to fully activate the switch, replace it by unthreading its screws.
8. Plug in the new switch via its wire harness and secure it below the washer's top panel.
9. Close your washer and make sure the actuator fully sits within the switch before you plug the washer back in and attempt to run a cycle.

How to Replace a Lid Lock to Fix a Top-Load Whirlpool Washer That Won’t Lock

Some models of top-load washers feature a lid lock, that is similar in function and appearance to a lid switch, however, its sole purpose is securing the lid during the washing cycle. If the lid lock for your top-load Whirlpool washer is damaged or not locking properly, you will need to replace it immediately. To do this repair, you will need a screwdriver and/or wrench, multimeter and flat tool.

1. Unplug your washer's power cord.
2. Unthread any securing screws holding the top panel down, at the top of your washer's back panel. Depending on your washer, you may also need to remove the back panel to access the control board and its wire harness connections.
3. Slide the top panel forward and use a putty knife or other flat tool to lift the top panel of your washer.
4. Locate the lid lock underneath the top panel, and use a screwdriver to unthread it or release its securing clips. Then, trace its wire harness and disconnect it.
5. Inspect the lock for any damage, and then use a multimeter in the ohms setting (Rx1) and touch each probe to a terminal on the lock; the reading should be infinity. Depress it and the reading should be zero - if not, it needs to be replaced.
6. Install the new (or existing) lid lock and by securing it with the necessary screws or clips, and by plugging in the necessary wire harness to the control board.
7. Secure the top panel of the washer, and secure the back panel of the washer.
8. Plug the washer back in and monitor for any other locking issues.

How to Replace a Control Board to Fix a Top-Load Whirlpool Washer That Won’t Lock

Any issues with a top-load washer, including any issues where the locking mechanism is not working or engaging, can ultimately boil down to the control board not working properly. If this happens, it's important to replace the control board as soon as possible, as you won't be able to use your Whirlpool washer until you do so. Replacing a control board will require a screwdriver and/or wrench, and a set of pliers, if necessary.

1. Unplug your washer's power cord.
2. Locate the control board for your washer. Top-load machines normally feature the control board at the rear of the machine.
3. Use a screwdriver or wrench to unthread the back panel of the washer.
4. With the back panel removed, locate the control board and take note of the wires connected to it.
5. Disconnect the wire harnesses (with a set of pliers, if necessary), and use a screwdriver to unthread the securing screws for the control board.
6. Remove the old control board and install the new one, and then secure it with the necessary screws.
7. Connect the wire harnesses to the new control board and replace the back panel of the washer.
8. Plug your washer back in and monitor it for any further locking issues.

How to Fix a Front-Load Whirlpool Washer That Won’t Lock

Fixing a front-load Whirlpool washer that won't lock is not a difficult task. You will need some tools to inspect and potentially replace parts like the door latch, door switch, door seal and door hinge. But we've got the step-by-step instructions that will explain exactly how to do it, so you can quickly get your front-load washer back in fully working condition.

How to Replace a Door Latch to Fix a Front-Load Whirlpool Washer That Won’t Lock

The door latch is an essential part in the washer's ability to properly lock shut. The door latch, also known as a strike, inserts into the door switch and allows the lock to secure the door completely. If the latch is broken, warped or damaged, it can cause enough of a misalignment for the locking mechanism to no longer work; at which point, it would need to be replaced. Replacing a front-load washer's door latch will only require a screwdriver.

1. Open your washer's door and locate the door latch. This will be on the inside of the door, opposite of the door hinge.
2. Inspect the latch for any physical damage. If it's warped, chipped, or broken, and unable to seat properly in the switch, it needs to be replaced.
3. Use a screwdriver to unthread the door latch from the inside of the door.
4. Remove the old door latch, and attach the new one - then secure it with the appropriate screw.
5. Close your door and see if the locking issue is resolved.

How to Replace a Door Switch to Fix a Front-Load Whirlpool Washer That Won’t Lock

Door switches, also known as door locks, work with the door latch to hold and secure the door shut during the washing cycle. When a door switch is damaged or bad, either physically or mechanically, it will cause locking issues and the cycle will not start, effectively rendering your washer inoperable. However, we have the instructional guide that you can follow to find out if your washer's door switch is in need of immediate replacement, or if there's another part that should be looked at. Replacing a door switch will require a screwdriver, a set of pliers, and a multimeter.

1. Unplug your washer from the wall outlet.
2. Open your washer's door and locate the door switch, which should be on the door frame and identifiable by its female port.
3. To access the door switch, you will need to trace the door seal and pull the retaining ring and its spring out - this is best done by hand with a set of needle-nose pliers.
4. With the retaining ring out, you can pull the door seal away from the location of the door switch assembly. This will allow you to remove it.
5. Use a screwdriver (or drill) to unthread the door switch assembly from the washer door frame.
6. With the door switch assembly loose, pull back the seal and handle the switch.
7. Disconnect its wire harness and remove it.
8. Use a multimeter in the Rx1 setting to test the switch for continuity while the switch is activated with the latch. Inspect the door switch for any signs of physical damage, and if the switch is damaged and broken, or does not have continuity, it needs to be replaced.
9. Plug the wiring harness into the new switch and secure it being the washer's door frame.
10. Pull the door seal back onto the door frame and ensure it's sealed and flush within its groove.
11. Wrap the retaining ring around the door seal and use needle-nose pliers to pull on its spring to seat it within the groove of the seal. Ensure the ring is seated properly before continuing.
12. Plug the washer back in and run a cycle to see if the locking issue is resolved.

How to Replace a Door Seal to Fix a Front-Load Whirlpool Washer That Won’t Lock

Although less common of a problem with a washer door locking than the previously mentioned parts, a door seal can be just as guilty at causing a misalignment for the door lock. Door seals, also known as boots, bellows, or gaskets, are used to ensure the washer door doesn't leak. If the door seal is damaged or warped, it can may cause the door or tub to not shut properly, resulting in the lock not being able to fully close. Replacing a door seal will require a screwdriver and a set of needle-nose pliers or flat-head screwdriver.

1. Unplug your washer from the wall outlet.
2. Open the washer door and locate the seal around the frame of the door.
3. Inspect the seal for any warps, tears, or damage. If it's damaged in any way or not allowing the door to sit properly when closed, replace it.
4. Trace your hand around the seal until you can you feel the metal retaining ring and its spring. Stretch the spring and pull off the ring to remove it. If the retaining ring is warped, bent, or severely stretched, replace it.
5. With the ring out, begin to pull the seal away from the washer door frame. Depending on your model, you may need to use a screwdriver or drill to unthread a securing screw inside the washer.
6. Remove the old seal and insert the new one. Install it by carefully wrapping it around the inner tub of the washer, and then securing it with a screw if necessary for your model. If this is too difficult to do by hand, you may need to remove the front panel of the washer by first removing the top panel, and then carefully disassembling the front assembly.
7. Once the new seal is installed, ensure it's wrapped around the door frame of the washer, and then wrap the retaining ring around it to secure it in place - this may be most easily done with pliers.
8. Once the new seal is installed, close the washer door and see if the locking issue is resolved.

How to Replace a Door Hinge to Fix a Front-Load Whirlpool Washer That Won’t Lock

The hinge to any appliance, especially Whirlpool washers, will cause closing, locking, and securing issues if it's bent or damaged in any way. It's important that if your Whirlpool washer's door hinge is bent or damaged, that it be replaced as soon as possible. To replace a front-load Whirlpool washer's door hinge, you will only need a screwdriver or wrench.

1. Open your washer's door and locate the door hinge on the inside portion, opposite the door latch.
2. Use a screwdriver to unthread the screws securing the door hinge.
3. Once the screws are removed, lift the door up to remove it.
4. Place the door on a flat surface, and use a screwdriver to unthread the screws securing the inner and outer door halves together.
5. Separate the two halves, and use a screwdriver to unthread any cover plates on the door hinge.
6. Remove any covers, and remove the old door hinge.
7. Position the hinge on the door and push it in to install it. Make sure any cover plates are installed as well.
8. Replace the two halves of the door together and secure them with the necessary screws.
9. Reseat the door on the washer frame, and secure the hinge with its screws.
10. Close the door and see if the locking issue is resolved.

How to Replace a Control Board to Fix a Front-Load Whirlpool Washer That Won’t Lock

The control board is the central system that runs your Whirlpool washer, and ensures it moves through the washing cycle properly. If your washer's lock is no longer engaging, and you've checked your washer's other parts for damage and functionality, and found none, the main control board is responsible and will need to be replaced. Replacing a front-load washer's control board will require tools like a screwdriver or drill, and a set of pliers (if necessary).

1. Unplug your washer from the wall outlet.
2. Use a screwdriver to unthread the top panel's securing screws on the back of the washer.
3. Remove the top panel.
4. Locate the control board. If it's in the washer's front panel and inaccessible from the top, you will need to remove the door and disconnect the front panel from the washer to gain access to it.
5. Unclip any covers on top of the board, and once you have access to the control board, you should note any wire harness connected to it.
6. Disconnect its wire harnesses, and then unthread and remove the control board.
7. With the old board removed, install the new board into the washer, and secure it with the necessary screws or clips. Install any covers onto the board as well.
8. Reassemble your washer if you had to remove the front panel, and then reseat the top panel of the washer. Make sure to secure it with its screws as well.
9. Plug your washer back in, and your locking issues should be gone!

Now that your Whirlpool washer is locking properly, you're not only able to wash your clothes, but you can fix any of these issues with your washer if they ever pop-up again! And in the spirit of popping up, if any of the other appliances you use have error codes or other issues in the future, or if you're just looking for some fun or helpful DIY guides, hop on over to our other PartSelect blogs!