Laundry is never a fun thing to do. It can get even more frustrating when a locked door on your Kenmore Elite washer prevents you from starting a new cycle or retrieving your clean laundry. However, before you start getting frustrated or panicked, there are several potential causes and solutions that you can try before resorting to professional help.
In this article, we will discuss some of the most common reasons why a Kenmore Elite washer door may be locked and provide you with some practical solutions to help you get it unlocked and back to normal operation. So, all you have to do is read along and find out the solution to the problem you might be facing.
Potential Causes Of A Locked Door On A Kenmore Elite Washer
A sudden and unexpected door lock on your washer is never a fun thing to experience, especially when you are not even aware of the reason behind it. However, in order to find any sort of solution, it is necessary to find the cause first.
So, here are some potential causes of a locked door on your Kenmore Elite washer:
Error Codes
Most Kenmore Elite washers come with a display setting where you can see error codes. These error codes indicate that something is going wrong with your Kenmore Elite washer, preventing the smooth mechanism of the door lock/ unlock option.
Some common error codes that you might encounter are dU, F29, Sr, DE, F22, LE etc. these codes will show you where the actual problem lies and how to go on to fix it.
Power Outage Or Disruption
Power outages or other types of disruption can often be the cause of different malfunctions of your Kenmore Elite washer, including the locked door problem. If this is, indeed, the cause behind your washer’s locked door problem, then you can attempt to power cycle the washer.
Obstruction
Sometimes your Kenmore Elite washer door can be locked due to something being stuck on the door latch or door mechanism. It is really not unusual for your clothing or other objects to get stuck somewhere in there and prevent the door from locking or unlocking properly.
Broken Or Malfunctioning Latch Or Lock Mechanism
Sometimes the cause can be your Kenmore Elite washer itself. Over time, with frequent use, the door lock mechanism of your washer can wear out or become damaged. This can lead to the prevention of the door of your washer from properly locking or unlocking. This can be caused by regular wear and tear or physical damage, such as slamming the door shut.
Malfunctioning Control Panel
As with all sorts of electronics, the control panel controls the overall functionality of your Kenmore Elite washer. If the control panel is malfunctioning, it can prevent the door from unlocking. There can be several numbers of reasons behind this, including electrical issues or physical damage to the panel.
Possible Solutions To A Locked Door On A Kenmore Elite Washer
After identifying the underlying causes of a locked door on your Kenmore Elite washer, you can start to figure out the possible solutions to fix your washer and get it back to normal operation.
Here are some possible solutions to the problems we have just discussed:
Check For Error Codes
If your Kenmore Elite washer comes with a display, it might show you error codes to indicate what exactly is wrong with your washer. Therefore, before attempting to do anything else, check for error codes.
To understand the meaning of the displayed error code, consult your user manual or turn to Google for help. Once you’ve identified the error code, all you need to do is simply follow the recommended solution given by the manufacturer.
Power Cycle The Washer
If you think that the underlying cause of the locked door situation of your Kenmore Elite washer is caused by a power outage or some sort of disruption, attempt to power cycle your washer.
In order to power cycle your washer, turn off the power to the washer for a few minutes and then turn it back on. This can reset the system and may unlock the door. However, some washers might require a longer power cycle to reset the Kenmore Elite washer. Therefore, make sure to follow any specific instructions given for your model.
Clear Obstructions
If you think something might be stuck, and preventing the door from unlocking itself, do a quick check on the door latch and lock mechanism for any obstructions. For example, the obstruction can be caused by clothing or debris. If obstructions are found, remove them and try to unlock the door again.
Inspect The Door Latch And Lock Mechanism
If the door latch or the lock mechanism is broken or malfunctioning, you may need to replace it. Thus, check them properly for any visible damage or wear and tear. If damage is found, consider the severity and replace the part if you deem it necessary.
Make sure to refer to the owner’s manual or seek professional help for instructions on how to replace the latch or lock mechanism.
Check The Control Panel
As with the door latch and lock mechanism, check the control panel for any damage. If damage is found, refer to the owner’s manual or seek professional help for instructions on how to replace it.
Contact Customer Support
Sometimes, maybe none of the above-mentioned solutions will work. If that is the case, then you need to contact Kenmore customer support for further assistance. They might be able to figure out the issue and give solutions to fix the problem, or they might recommend you get proper professional help to deal with it.
Related: Kenmore Elite Washer Leaking
Final Words
A locked door situation on your Kenmore Elite washer can be quite troublesome. However, before resorting to professional help, there are several simple causes and solutions that you can fix by yourself.
In this article, we have discussed them in detail. However, when attempting a quick fix on your washer, always remember to prioritize your safety and consult the manual or a professional if you’re unsure about what to do.