LG Washing Machine Door Locked – Repair Guide

The modern home relies on several appliances to function efficiently, and the washing machine is one such essential tool.

We rely on them to clean our clothes quickly and efficiently. However, like any other appliance, they can sometimes encounter issues.

Among the many problems with LG washers, one common issue is the LG washing machine door locked or not opening.

This problem is particularly common in LG front-loader washers.

In this guide, I will explain the reasons behind this and provide detailed steps on how to unlock your LG washer door when it doesn’t open normally.

Quick Fix: Unlock your LG washer door by checking for technical glitches, disabling the child lock, replacing the faulty door lid switch or latch, and tightening the drain hose.

5 Reasons Behind LG Washer Door Won’t Open

Your LG washer has a door lock that ensures the door remains closed during the wash cycle, preventing water leakage.

By default, the LG washer door won’t open when the wash cycle is in progress.

However, the door may get stuck under unusual circumstances, even when the washer is turned off.

Here are some common reasons for this issue:

Technical Glitches

A complex system of electronic boards and programs operates modern washing machines.

Your LG washer can experience glitches in its program or board like any other electronic device.

This can happen due to power surges or the machine’s age and constant use.

When such glitches occur, the machine can behave erratically, and one common manifestation of this is the door remaining locked or stuck even after the cycle is completed.

Child Lock

Safety is paramount, especially in homes with little children. That’s why the latest LG washing machines have a child lock feature.

This feature, when activated, prevents the washer door from unlocking or the wash cycle from accidentally starting, thus avoiding potential accidents.

While this feature is incredibly helpful, it can also be why your washer door is not opening if you accidentally activated it.

Faulty Door Lid Switch

The door lid switch is a safety feature designed to prevent the door from opening during the wash cycle.

This ensures that water doesn’t spill out and you don’t accidentally open the door while the drum is spinning at high speed.

If this switch malfunctions, it may mistakenly signal the washer that the cycle is still in progress, even when it has already finished. Thus keeping the LG washing machine door locked.

Displaced Washer Timer

The washer timer is a component that controls the sequence of functions in your washer, from filling with water to spinning and draining.

However, if your LG washer is automatic or semi-automatic, its functions depend heavily on the timer.

Normal wear and tear or a power surge can cause the timer to be displaced or faulty.

This may prevent the door from unlocking after the wash cycle is completed because the washer thinks it is still in a different part of the cycle.

Drain Hose Issues

The drain hose is a crucial component of your washer. It is responsible for pumping out the used water from the washer at the end of the cycle.

If the washing machine cannot drain the water, the LG Washer door will stay locked as a safety precaution to prevent water from spilling out.

Issues with the drain hose could include clogs from debris, kinks in the hose, or even a loose connection.

All of these can prevent the water from draining properly and, consequently, prevent the door from opening.

How to Troubleshoot LG Washing Machine Door Locked?

If your LG washing machine door gets stuck and you need to unlock it, try the following fixes:

Replace the Door Latch

The door latch is one of the most common reasons for a locked door. You will need a screwdriver and a replacement latch to complete this task.

First, remove the screws holding the door latch in place. Next, remove the old latch and replace it with the new one.

Finally, replace the screws and test the door to ensure it opens and closes properly.

Check out our following similar blogs if you have a different washer brand:

• How to Fix Hotpoint Washer Door Lock Not Opening
• Samsung Washer Door won’t open.

Perform a Power Reset

The first step in troubleshooting your LG washer when its door gets locked is to reset it.

This can quickly resolve any technical glitches in its program or board. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to reset an LG washer:

• Turn off your LG washer and unplug it from the power source.
• Wait for about 5 minutes.
• Plug the washer back into the power source and turn it on.
• Select a new cycle and press the start button.

Disable Child Lock

If the child lock is activated, it will be displayed on the washer’s display. To disable the child lock and unlock your washing machine door, follow these steps:

Locate the ‘Child Lock’ buttons on your washer’s control panel. These are usually 2 buttons labeled with a small child icon or ‘CL.’

Press and hold the ‘Child Lock’ buttons simultaneously for about 3 seconds until the ‘CL’ icon disappears from the display.

Replace Faulty Door Lid Switch

The door latch switch is located beneath the control board. If your LG washer is under warranty, do not try to test it yourself, as it will void the warranty.

However, if it isn’t in warranty, you can follow the steps below to fix it.

Test the Switch: 

First, test the switch to confirm it is faulty. You can do this by setting the washer to a cycle and manually pressing the switch.

If the washer doesn’t respond or the door remains locked, it is likely a faulty switch.

Unplug the Washer: Always unplug the washer before starting any repair work to avoid electric shock.

Access the Switch: 

Accessing the switch usually involves removing the washer’s top panel or control panel.

This may vary based on your washer model, so consult your user manual for specific instructions.

Replace the Switch: Once you have accessed the switch, carefully remove it and replace it with a new one. You can purchase a replacement switch from an authorized LG parts dealer. Make sure to carefully disconnect any wires connected to the old switch and connect them to the new one.

Reassemble and Test: After replacing the switch, reassemble the washer and run a test cycle to see if the issue is resolved.

However, since it is a complex task, I would suggest seeking professional help to test or replace the lid switch.

Check the Washer Timer

Encountering problems with your LG washer timer can lead to several issues, including a locked door after the cycle ends. Follow these steps to address the issue:

• Check the Timer: Observe the washer during a cycle. There might be a timer issue if it doesn’t move to the next stage in the expected time.
• Reset the Washer: Unplug the washer, wait a few minutes, then plug it back in. This can sometimes reset the internal programs.
• Inspect for Damage: Remove the control panel and check the timer for any visible damage, like burnt areas, loose wires, or a displaced knob.
• Replace the Timer: If visible damage or displacement occurs, replace the timer. Replace it yourself if you are confident in your DIY skills.
• Test the Washer: After replacing or adjusting the timer, reassemble the washer and run a test cycle.

Consult a professional or LG support for help if the machine is under warranty.

Inspect and Tighten Drain Hose

If your LG washer door is not opening, it may be due to a damaged or loose drain hose. To check and tighten the drain hose, follow these steps:

• Disconnect your LG washing machine from the power source.
• Access the drain hose at the back of the washer and ensure it is properly tightened in its place.
• Check the hose for any clogs or obstructions and remove them if found.

Conclusion

It can be incredibly infuriating when your LG washer door won’t open. However, you can resolve the issue with some patience and basic troubleshooting.

Remember to always disconnect the washer from the power source before performing any maintenance or repair work.

If you have tried all the above steps and your LG washer door is still not opening, it might be time to seek professional help.

Keeping your washing machine in good working order is essential for the smooth running of your household.

Steven Settles

Steven Settles is an ISCET-certified master in appliance repair. He has aced the National Appliance Service Technician Certification Exam, showcasing his exceptional diagnostic and repair skills. With an in-depth understanding of the latest repair technologies and a keen eye on evolving industry standards, Steven is a go-to expert for any appliance issue.