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Whirlpool Washer control lock won't turn off
Common reasons your Whirlpool Washer control lock won't turn off
The most common reasons your Whirlpool washer control lock won't turn off are a defective control panel, malfunctioning electronic control board, or a failed door switch.
48% of the time it's the Control Panel
29% of the time it's the Electronic Control Board
0% of the time it's the Door Switch
23% of the time it's the Something else
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Most common repairs needed to fix a Whirlpool washer
Control Panel Replacement
A defective control panel may become unresponsive and won't allow you to select or change wash cycle settings or turn the washer on and off. In some failures, only one or two buttons on the control panel are affected, while other times the entire control panel fails to work. There may be problems with the digital display. Control keys or buttons on the control panel may also stick, causing the washer to exhibit inconsistent behavior, such as starting or stopping unexpectedly during a cycle.
Electronic Control Board Replacement
A malfunctioning electronic control board can lead to various failures in a washer. This is because the board serves as the brain of the washer, controlling crucial components such as the water valve, drive motor, drain pump, and cycles. If the electronic control board fails, the washer may not power up or display the cycle status. Additionally, it might fail to fill, agitate, spin, or drain. In some cases, a shorted board may emit a burning smell.
Door Switch Replacement
A washer door switch is a safety feature that prevents the washing machine from operating if the door is open. The door switch sends a signal to the electronic control board indicating if the door is open or closed. If the door switch is broken, the washer won't be able to spin or drain. A damaged door switch could also prevent the washer from starting. If the door switch is broken, it should be replaced by a qualified appliance repair technician.
Why is my Whirlpool washer stuck in lock mode?
When you’re unable to unlock the control panel, a faulty user interface control board or a bad electronic control board could be causing the issue.
Sometimes, a shorted component or faulty door or lid switch could be preventing the control panel and electronic control board from getting the electrical current needed to control washer functions properly.
Reset the Washer Control
Sometimes, you can reset the washer control board to fix a problem with an unresponsive control panel.
- Unplug the washer power cord to completely disconnect electrical power from the machine.
- Leave the washer unplugged for 2 minutes.
- Plug the power cord back in to restore power to the washer.
The main electronic control board will reboot and reset.
The washer control may begin working again.
Attempt to unlock the control panel.
If you’re unable to unlock the control after resetting the control board, you’ll likely need to have a service technician diagnose and repair the control failure.
What to expect when you experience a Whirlpool washer control lock won't turn off issue
How is the washer control lock won't turn off issue fixed?
Correcting most washer control lock won't turn off problems usually involves replacing the control panel, electronic control board, or door switch. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.
Sears Home Services recommendations for a washer control lock won't turn off problem
When a washer control lock won't turn off, it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts, we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of washer failures.
What to look out for with a washer control lock won't turn off diagnosis
Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your washer problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.
When the control lock on a Whirlpool washer remains stuck, key cycle changes or starts might be frozen out. A faulty switch or software glitch often causes the lockdown. Rather than being locked out of laundry, schedule washing machine repair. Freeing up controls ensures easy adjustments mid-cycle.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Glossary Terms
Hard water is water that contains high levels of dissolved minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium. It contrasts with soft water, which has lower concentrations of these minerals.
A washing machine pedestal is a platform that raises the washer off the ground, providing easier access to the appliances and often includes additional storage space such as drawers.
A washer tub is the interior part of a washing machine where clothes are placed for washing, typically made of stainless steel, plastic, or porcelain-coated metal, designed to hold water and withstand the agitation or spinning during the wash cycle.
Fabric softener is a laundry additive used to soften and freshen clothing, reduce static cling, and make fabrics feel smoother.