Washing Machine Door Not Locking – Appliance Not Starting

The workings of washing machines are quite simple if you know the sequence of operation. When you have selected the wash program, turned ON the machine, front load washer door prop shut the door and press start (if you have one of the modern electronic machines), the door interlock light should come ON, if it doesn't the machine will not start to fill, simple. There are a couple of things to check when you discover that your washing machine is not starting the program.

DOOR LOCKED APPLIANCE NOT STARTING

  1. Check to see if the door is locked BUT the program is not starting OR the door is electrically locked, the door lock light does not come, if this is the situation then there is a more possible chance that the wash motor brushes are worn or the wash motor itself is faulty. Most washing machine wiring is in series, that is the door interlock and the motor has to communicate. Replacing worn motor brushes should not be difficult. Most wash motors are located at the back bottom half of the machine.

  2. Before attempting to do any kind of work on your appliance PLEASE turn OFF the appliance from the mains, and then unplug it. This is safer than just leaving it plugged in but turned OFF at the mains. Faulty electrical sockets have caused many electrocutions.

  3. Current machines on the market uses stretch belt, this means it has no adjustment to tighten the drive. Remove the belt from the motor shaft, use 13mm socket spanner to remove the 2x bolts, the motor should now come out easily. Replace the worn motor brushes which is located on either side of the motor side.

DOOR NOT LOCKED

  1. If the door does not lock at all, then there are two (2) possibilities. The first is a faulty door interlock, this is the mechanism that locks the door catch. The second is a possible faulty control module or timer. The door interlock can be replaced by removing the FRONT door seal band. With the second possible cause I will recommend you don't attempt it, allow a qualified technician to attend.