How to open a LG washing machine if the door is locked

All modern models of washing machines are equipped with a system that automatically locks the door after the wash cycle starts to prevent water leakage during washing. The hatch can only be opened after the programs have finished and the corresponding sound signal has sounded. Let us look at options for how to open a washing machine if the door is locked. 

The washing machine hatch will be blocked until the washing process is completed in full. On some models of washing machines, the hatch opens immediately after the sound signal, however, it is better to wait at least 30-40 seconds. After finishing washing, do not pull the handle forcefully, even if the beep signal sounds to indicate the end of the wash. Wait the required time for the drum to stop completely, do not use physical force. In this case, the hatch is easily damaged, and the door is unlikely to yield to force. If you do not hear the characteristic click of the hatch opening, then the problem may be a faulty door locking mechanism. Before contacting a technician, you should exclude obvious factors that influence why the hatch is blocked.

Water in the drum. The main purpose of the locking mechanism is to protect against water leaking out of the washing machine drum. That is why the hatch is securely blocked during washing. If the water drainage system does not work well enough, water remains in the tank. In the event of such a malfunction, the pump will need to be replaced. Pump wear is affected by water, powder quality and washing frequency. This problem can also occur due to a blockage or an initial defect in the device. 

Sometimes water may not drain due to a breakdown of the pressure switch or water level sensor. The machine believes that the tank is empty and does not drain, the door remains locked. New models of washing machines have a separate “water drain” function. If the water does not drain automatically, drain it manually: open the water drain hatch at the bottom of the machine, most often it is located on the right side of the front panel, and carefully drain the liquid into a basin or bucket. As soon as the drum becomes dry, the door will open.

Lack of electricity. If the electricity in the house is turned off and the washing machine has not completed the washing process, then you will not be able to open the door until the power supply is restored, as the locking mechanism may be lost. If the light supply is expected soon, it is better to just wait.

In case of a long-term power outage, you should not leave laundry in the machine drum. However, you cannot pull it out simply by pulling a special cable. In this case, water from the drum will pour onto the floor and the threat of flooding the neighbours will be quite real. Therefore, before removing the laundry, you need to drain the water manually by opening the water drain hatch on the front panel at the bottom of the washing machine. You should be prepared in advance for a large volume of water - up to 15 litters.

When the drum is empty, the door will unlock. If after all the manipulations the washing machine hatch still does not open, you need to further look for the cause of the blockage.

The lock latch is broken. If there were no failures in the power supply or in the operation of the washing program, the reason for blocking the hatch could be a breakdown of the lock latch. For example, if laundry gets into the lock device, the lock will jam, and you will not be able to open the door. To unlock you need to do the following:

• Turn off the equipment.
• Remove the top cover of the machine.
• Locate the automatic lock and check it. If there is any fabric blocking the lock, carefully remove it using a screwdriver.
• Replace the top cover, connect the device to the power supply and continue washing.

Do not tilt the machine while checking the lock. When moisture gets into it, the electrical module shorts out.

Damage to the handle. The lock can also become blocked in cases where the hatch handle has failed. This happens due to natural wear and tear on the door or when pressed hard. You can replace a broken handle with a new one yourself since the washing machine door has a simple structure. It consists of two plastic rims and glass between them, and fastening is carried out with self-tapping screws and latches. Repairs must be performed in the following sequence:

·Remove the cover from its hinges. This will make it easier to access parts and speed up work.

• Unscrew the bolts that connect the two plastic rims.
• Carefully separate both parts of the rim, setting aside the one to which the handle is not attached.
• Carefully disassemble the structure. It is important to remember the sequence of actions here since the lock mechanism will need to be assembled correctly.
• Replace the failed part with a new one, assemble the door and install it in its original place.

·After replacing the part, plug in the washing machine and try any wash cycle. If the door remains tightly closed during the washing process and opens afterwards, then the installation was successful.

Stopping programs. If the washing machine door does not open, although the washing time has expired, and the timer shows the opposite, then you need to understand the reasons for the blockage. The program could stop because of the following problems:

• Water does not enter the tank. 
• The liquid did not drain out after washing.
• The heating element is broken.
• Accidental pressing of buttons after starting the wash.

If the device breaks down for other reasons than these, you should contact a LG Washing machine service center. You should not disassemble the washing machine yourself, as the mechanism of the device can easily be damaged.

Manufacturers of washing machines categorically do not recommend interrupting the washing process by opening the door. Even if this happens at the very beginning of the cycle, when the water has not yet accumulated, the door is still locked. Usually, they want to unlock the hatch in case of forgotten clothes, which were also planned to be sent to the washing drum, but you should not risk a malfunction of the washing machine.

If you need to open the washing machine immediately, even if it is an emergency, you can use one of the well-known methods. Manufacturers indicate them in the instructions and the procedure depends on the specific model of the machine. However, there are several basic techniques for unlocking the lock. Before you begin repairing your washing machine yourself, you should familiarize yourself with the following recommendations:

• If the door does not open, inspecting and repairing the locking device in the case of a connected household appliance is prohibited. Before any manipulations with a locked door, you must unplug the equipment from the outlet.
• Make sure there is no water in the drum. If necessary, drain it through the filter.
• If the display shows the presence of water in the tank, but the wash is completed, you need to use the “water drain” function.
• When an unfamiliar code appears on the display, you need to find the instructions and look at its designation.
• Before disassembling the equipment, it is worth checking the length of the warranty period. If it has not yet expired, it is not recommended to carry out repairs yourself, as this will result in additional costs and void the warranty.

Using rope. If you cannot open the washing machine door by turning it on/off, one of the easiest ways to solve the problem is to use a thin rope or cord. This option is effective if the handle on the door is broken or the latch is jammed, and unlocking the hatch is impossible. To unlock the door, you will need a long rope and a flathead screwdriver. The rope is threaded between the body of the washing machine and the hatch cover. The most convenient way to do this is with a screwdriver, but you must act carefully so as not to scratch the case. When the rope is threaded from the side of the lock, you need to pull both ends towards you at the same time. At this time, the lock will open, and the door will unlock.

Power off. In this way you can open the washing machine if it is locked after a program failure or when frozen. To restart the program, you need to unplug the machine and turn it back on after a couple of minutes. Then wait a little more time and try to open the door. The fact is that now of switching on, the control module checks the condition of the door and if a failure occurs in the lock, it will return to normal. Otherwise, you will have to start a new washing program and catch the moment when you can unlock the door. This can happen in a matter of seconds, so it is best not to leave the washing machine.

Emergency opening cable. When the hatch on the washing machine does not open, you can solve the problem using an emergency cable. The hose is located next to the filter. To get to it, you need to remove the front bottom panel of the device. The cable is painted yellow or red. By pulling the hose with your hand, you can quickly remove the door lock. 

Some models of washing machines do not have an emergency cable, so the work of opening the lock will have to be done manually. To do this, you will need an assistant whose task is to tilt the machine back a little. Under the influence of gravity, the drum will also deflect slightly. This will make it possible to stick your hand behind the front panel and find the latch there. The part is carefully moved to the side, after which the lock is removed.