How to replace a washing machine door handle

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

The solution to a locked door problem is to open it in the first place.

This can be done with:

opening a washing machine with a rope

Emergency door opening. To do this, you need to open the bottom panel, which is located in the drain filter area, find the lever or cable and pull one of them until the handle unlocks and opens. This method is one of the correct ones from a technical approach. After all, such emergency unlocking and opening is provided by the manufacturer itself in case of an emergency;
Ropes. Here you will need a thin and strong rope, which is inserted between the body and the door. To make it easier to insert the rope, you need to use a flat screwdriver to carefully create a gap between the lid and the base. Next, the rope is firmly taken by the two ends from below and above and pulled from the body of the washing machine. At this moment, the lock is also pulled back and the door opens;
Manual unlocking. This can and should be done if it was not possible to find the lever by removing the bottom panel. Now you need to remove the top cover of the washing machine and try to reach the lock, which closes the door. It takes skill;
Tools. You can try to pull the door with pliers, holding them on a piece of the handle and pulling it towards you.

Don’t forget that if the washing machine is still under warranty, you have every right to demand repairs from the sellers. In addition, the washing machine is in direct contact with water and electricity, so before using one of the above methods, care should be taken to shut off the flow of water and disconnect it from the electrical network.

For those owners who have no experience in repairs and who do not know at all how to open a washing machine if the handle is broken, it is recommended to call a specialist.

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.

Holding the lock in your hands, check its functionality; this will not be difficult.

How to open the hatch

Indeed, a modern washing machine is an expensive piece of equipment; you can’t treat it like a Soviet one: with a fist to the body. It is necessary to use gentler methods so that you don’t have to do a complete repair of the washing machine because of the door. To quickly unlock the washing machine, it is worth analyzing the situation and understanding what caused the failure and why it does not open the hatch. The decision will depend on the reason.

Blocking for natural reasons

First, you need to figure out when the door of the washing machine is blocked on purpose (after finishing the wash, the hatch does not open immediately). This behavior is quite normal. Most equipment opens the door after 1-3 minutes. Sometimes the delay is longer. Therefore, if the washing machine does not open the hatch, you need to wait. If nothing changes, you should unplug the machine for 20 - 30 minutes. After this, she should earn money.

It happens that during washing the electricity may go out. In this case, the machine may also malfunction. The hatch is blocked and cannot be opened. The solution will be to launch any program. For example, you can put the washing machine on the spin cycle, after which the door can be opened in the usual way.

Finally, the door cannot be opened if there is water left in the machine after washing. The system simply will not unlock the hatch until it is drained. After draining, the blockage will be removed and you can remove the laundry from the drum. You can drain the water from the washing machine using a special drain pipe, drain hose, or drain pipe. Let's look at where it is and how it opens.

If the power goes out, press spin mode

Opening usually requires waiting a few minutes after disconnecting

If there is water inside the drum, it must be drained to open it.

The water in the tank is not drained

Some machines are equipped with a special thin tube. It is located next to the filter, under the cover. Accordingly, to get to it, you need to open the filter cover and take out the tube. Before draining the water, you need to prepare a container for draining. All that remains is to remove the plug. There is no need to unscrew or disassemble anything. The only thing is that the water can drain for a long time this way.

A convenient way to drain the water is to use a drain hose. True, when it is connected to the bottom of the “washing machine”. The water is drained by disconnecting the hose after first replacing the water container. This method may not be able to drain the water completely; you may have to use another method.

In emergency cases, the machine cannot drain water due to a clogged pump drain pipe. When the previous methods are not suitable, the only option is to use the tank drain pipe. To do this, you need to get to the pipe and disconnect it from the pump. Having cleared the clogged pipe, the water is carefully drained. Everything returns to its place. If the problem with the hatch was due to water that was not drained, it will be solved.

Broken door lock

If the above methods did not help, the washing machine is most likely broken. In particular, its lock, or hatch locking device or door handle.

In this case, it is necessary to resort to manual, forced opening of the hatch. This can be done in several ways: using thread or by partially disassembling the machine.

The easiest option to open the hatch is when the front-loading washing machine has a lock that snaps to the side. In this case it is necessary:

take a strong lace or thread;
insert it into the gap between the hatch of the machine and its body;
hook the lock hook with it;
pull both ends of the thread.

Everything needs to be done carefully, so that the hook will come out of the grooves of the lock and the door can be opened.

Take the thread

Stretch it between the hatch of the machine and the body

Hook the thread into the lock

Sequence of work

A more universal way to unlock a washing machine is as follows:

you need to remove the top cover of the machine (often you just need to unscrew two bolts);
in the open state, access to the lock appears, if not, you can tilt the washing machine back (the drum will move, thus opening access to the lock);
Press the hook with your finger or a screwdriver.

After these manipulations, the machine will be unlocked, you can safely remove the laundry from it. And also, start repairs.

Locking the drum in a top loading machine

The methods given up to this point related to front-loading washing machines. But what to do if your top-loading equipment jams? Most often, such a washing machine blocks the drum. This happens when it turns open. As a result, the drum is blocked and does not turn. To make this washing machine work again you need to:

move it away from the wall;
disconnect from communications;
on the back side, find the place where the heating element is located;
unscrew and pull out the heating element;
spin the drum.

This procedure should be done carefully so as not to damage the heater and other important elements of the washing machine. After completing the repair and connecting all communications back, the washing machine can be started again to continue washing.

A locked door is opened using the vertical loading technique using the methods given for front-facing doors; there is no big difference between the technologies used. The washing machine needs to be unplugged or try starting a new program. In cases where the hatch locking device fails, the part must be replaced.

The locked hatch of the “washing machine” opens easily, no need to use various knives, spatulas and other tools.

This can not only ruin the appearance of the equipment, but also damage fragile parts. Often it is simply enough to restart the machine or drain the remaining water in the drum. You need to remember that the car opens the door with a delay and if the hatch does not open within 2 minutes, you should wait a little longer. Only after this can other steps be taken to solve the problem. Careful handling of the equipment will allow you to use it for washing things for a long time.

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.

How to change?

A broken handle prevents you from using the washing machine normally. In order for the door to open, the broken part must be removed and a new one installed in its place. You will need a set of screwdrivers for this work.

Removing the part from the washer door

Before you begin to remove the handle that has become unusable, you must turn off the electricity and water supply. Algorithm for further actions:

Remove the hatch door. To do this, you need to open it and unscrew a couple of screws from the inside that hold it on its hinges.
Place the removed door on a horizontal plane with the convex part of the glass facing up.
Unscrew the bolts that connect both parts of the hatch.
Using a screwdriver (or a dull knife) release the latches that hold the plastic halves together. They run along the entire circumference.
Unfasten the plastic from the hatch.
Remove the sunroof glass.
Use a screwdriver to push the pin that holds the mechanism in place.
Disassemble the remaining handle fastening elements.

After some of the plastic and glass of the door are removed, you need to photograph the internal structure on both sides. This is necessary in order not to make mistakes during the assembly process and installation of the new handle.

Installation

After disassembling and removing the old handle, you can proceed to carefully installing the new part. Assembly is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling. If you have doubts about the correctness of your actions, you should check previously taken photographs, clarifying the position of all structural parts.

Procedure:

install the spring;
install the lock;
insert the pin so that it is inserted only partially to begin with - into one ear of the spring;
put the fixing element on the handle;
push the pin all the way;
check the correct installation using photographs before disassembling the hatch;
place the door glass under the handle;
Place the previously removed plastic part of the door on the glass;
snap the latches;
screw in the screws to secure the two parts of the door;
test the operation of the spring mechanism by pressing the handle;
put the door.

After installing the new handle, you must test run the washing machine without laundry to ensure the quality of the installation.

The process of replacing the hatch handle is in the video:

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

Repair or replace: what to choose?

The washing machine hatch handle is made of plastic. Despite the strength of the material, plastic can break. Even if the functionality of the part is not impaired, it is better to replace it .

It is not advisable to repair the handle, since this element bears the load when opening the door. When soldering plastic, the structure will not be strong enough and will not last long.

If the situation turns out to be more complex, and not only the handle is damaged, but also the hatch or glass itself, it makes no sense to replace only one part. In the event of a global breakdown, it would be more correct to replace the entire door at once. You should select a replacement based on the model of the washing machine.

The handle itself is not expensive, so it is advisable to replace it without resorting to repairs .

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.

Calling a specialist: where to find and how much will it cost?

If you don’t have the time or opportunity to replace the handle yourself, it is recommended to call a professional. You can find a company that specializes in repairing household appliances on the Internet.

It is better to give preference to those companies that have been operating in the market for a long time and value the opinions of customers. This approach to choosing a specialist will help you avoid falling for scammers.

The average cost of work may vary by city and region. The price for the part is not included in the repair price and must be paid separately .

Sometimes it happens that replacing one part does not end the repair. If, along the way, faults are discovered in the device that require elimination, the cost of repairs increases.

In the capital, the average cost of minor repairs is:

replacement of the hatch handle – from 1,300 rubles;
door hinge replacement – from 1,200 rubles;
replacement of sunroof glass – from 1,300 rubles;
replacement of the entire hatch – from 1,200 rubles;
opening a hatch without repairs – from 1,000 rubles.

After troubleshooting, the technician provides a guarantee for the work performed.

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

Prevention measures

Most consumers never experience a broken door handle in their washing machine. If there are no manufacturing defects and all operating standards for washing equipment are observed, the part will serve faithfully for years.

To avoid such breakdowns in the future, you should adhere to the following preventive measures:

When opening the washing machine door to add or remove laundry, do not allow the door to hit foreign objects.
When opening/closing the hatch, do not use force.
The laundry sent for washing should fit effortlessly into the drum - without pushing or pressing.
If the washing machine does not open after washing, then to open the door you should not pry it with sharp objects or try to press even harder on the handle. There are other, safer ways to solve the problem.
If the handle does not work stably, it is better to immediately figure out what is wrong without waiting until it is completely jammed.
The washing machine should be protected from children's pranks and the curiosity of pets.