You've probably noticed that during washing, a door lock icon - a key or a lock - appears on the display of the washing machine. Or, if the machine does not have a display, the lock indicator on the body lights up. Some people wonder what this means and whether this indicates a breakdown of the car.
We hasten to reassure you, if there are no other complaints about the operation of the washing machine, then the appearance of the lock indicator is a completely normal situation , indicating that the hatch is blocked.
It’s a completely different matter if the machine does not start washing, freezes during the program or does not open after the wash is completed - and all this is accompanied by a flashing hatch lock indicator.
Let's figure out what this behavior of a washing machine may indicate and whether it is always a breakdown.
What to check first
If the “key or lock flashing” is accompanied by signs of a malfunction, then check the following:
- The Child Lock function is not activated. This mode blocks all buttons of the washing machine and, thus, protects the washing machine from accidentally turning on or changing the program during washing. Perhaps someone accidentally activated this function or you simply forgot to turn this mode off after the previous wash. In any case, to fix the problem, you need to remove the lock. For information on how to do this, read the instructions for your washing machine. If you have an LG machine, you can look here.
- Has the control module failed? Try unplugging the machine, wait 5-10 minutes and turn it on again.
What to do?
If, after turning on the Indesit or Samsung washing machine, the user finds that the lock icon is on, do not be upset. Experts recommend doing the following:
- Disconnect the device from the power supply.
- Check the cleanliness of the lock and, if necessary, remove small debris.
- Restart the unit.
- If the indicator continues to blink, call a repair technician.
Washing machine lock failure
If, in addition to the lock or key, other indicators are lit/blinking or an error code is displayed
If, in addition to the door lock indicator:
- on a washing machine without a display, any other indicators light up or blink
- On a machine with a screen, some symbols are lit on the display
this means that the unit signals you about a problem with an error code. This is an abnormal situation, but it’s too early to talk about a breakdown. The cause of the error could have been simple carelessness. For example, you forgot to turn on the water or the washing machine is overloaded.
Therefore, determine what the error means and try to correct the situation on your own. For information on how to do this, read the article “Indicators are blinking in the washing machine.” You can find out what the error code means in the instructions or in the “Washing machine errors” section.
What to do when a snowflake lights up or blinks
Please note: if the snowflake on the washing machine is blinking, this is not due to the door being locked or a failure of the control unit. The snowflake is a symbol associated with heating water for washing. You may have selected a cold wash cycle. Or the heating element has failed, so the water entering the machine will not heat up. If the snowflake is just shining, perhaps the water temperature is sufficient for the selected mode. If it blinks, you need to check the selected program and the water temperature at which the wash is performed.
Common breakdowns when the lock on a washing machine blinks
According to the experience of the RemBytTech workshop, there are a number of typical washing machine malfunctions that are accompanied by the lock blinking.
Breakdown of the hatch locking device (UBL) - from RUB 1,300.
UBL blocks the door during washing so that it cannot be opened.
Signs
The lock icon flashes on the body or display of the machine, but the hatch does not lock or, on the contrary, does not open after washing. Other indicators may also flash or an error code may appear on the display.
How to fix
The hatch locking device needs to be replaced.
Breakage of the door lock due to mechanical damage - from RUB 1,300.
Due to mechanical damage, the door is physically impossible to close, and the machine will not wash with the hatch open.
Signs
The door does not close, the tongue on the hatch does not fit into the hole. At the same time, the lock indicator blinks.
How to fix
Replacement of damaged parts or the entire lock is required.
Skewed hatch hinges due to mechanical impact on it - from 1200 rubles.
Children like to ride on the washing machine door or it sags over time. As a result of the hinges being skewed, the tongue does not fit into the UBL hole and the door cannot be physically closed.
Signs
The hatch does not close because the tongue on the door does not fit into the hole. At the same time, the lock indicator flashes.
How to fix
Hinges need replacement.
A tubular electric heater (TEH) burned out - from 1,400 rubles.
The heating element is responsible for heating the water during washing. If it fails, the heater spiral burns out or the housing burns out.
Signs
The lock (key) indicator and the car blink:
- freezes during washing;
- washes but does not heat water
In addition, the washer may display a heating error code.
How to fix
The heating element needs to be replaced.
Malfunction of the control unit - from 2000 rubles.
The control module is the “brain” of the washing machine. It receives signals from other nodes and gives them commands.
Signs
The machine “confuses” the washing programs or the washing does not start at all. The problem is accompanied by flashing door lock indicators.
How to fix
The control module needs to be repaired or replaced.
Wear of electric motor brushes - from 1400 rubles.
The brushes create torque to rotate the drum. When they wear out, contact with the collector deteriorates and disappears, as a result, the machine does not rotate the drum.
Signs
The key (lock) indicator on the car body blinks. The machine does not spin the drum, its motor sparks and crackles. An engine error code may appear.
How to fix
The brushes need to be replaced.
Failure of the water level sensor (pressostat) - from 1600 rubles.
The pressure switch measures the amount of water in the washing machine. When it fails, the washing machine cannot understand how much water is in the tank and interrupts the program.
Signs
Washing machine
- doesn't dial
- constantly fills and drains water
- stopped with water while the program was running.
The lock icon blinks on the display. Additionally, other indicators may flash or a level sensor error code may be displayed.
Bosch
After pressing “Start” in Bosch washing machines, the hatch is locked and the key icon lights up. At the end of the cycle, the machine automatically unlocks and, after turning off the machine from the electrical network, after one to two minutes the hatch can be freely opened.
If the Bosch washing machine is accidentally turned off before the end of the program (or, for example, there is an emergency power outage), the machine will remember and turn on later from the same place.
It is often necessary to open a locked door before turning off the machine. To do this, turn the program selection knob to the one that was last executed. Then the key should light up with a constant light, as it should when the machine is running. And the lock is then removed in the usual way - by pressing and holding the “Delayed Start” button for five seconds.
Calling a specialist: where to find and how much will it cost?
When independent diagnostics and repairs do not lead to the desired result, then professional craftsmen will come to the rescue. You can call a specialist to your home in several ways:
- The most common one is to use word of mouth. Relatives, acquaintances, neighbors - everyone can recommend a repairman who once repaired a washing machine in their house.
- Call a service center specialist. This method has one significant advantage - all work is documented. If ambiguous issues arise, this particular document will serve as confirmation of completed (or not completed) work.
In order not to encounter scammers, and to save not only funds, but also household appliances, it is very important to take into account the following points:
- a conscientious craftsman will never take funds until the repair is completed (an exception may be a deposit for the purchase of an expensive part);
- the specialist will always listen to the client, focusing on the brand of home appliances, duration and features of operation;
- The most experienced master never names the final price of repairs without preparatory diagnostics (the amount may vary depending on the prices of new components, as well as the difficulty of work).
READ Do I need to unplug my washing machine?
Everything about repairing Samsung washing machines is in this section.
The hatch lock is out of order
Specifically, blocking the hatch transmits a signal to the system module that the hatch door is closed and the washing process can be started. The malfunction of this element leads to the fact that the system does not perceive the signal about the closed door and blocks any processes of the washing machine.
The solution to the problem is to replace the hatch lock.
- Open the washing machine door.
- Using a Phillips screwdriver, remove the bolts securing the door lock.
- Remove the outer clamp. To do this, carefully pry the part off with a screwdriver.
- By placing your hand between the body and the cuff, you take out the hatch blocking device and disconnect it from the general wiring system.
- To completely verify the malfunction of this element, it is tested using a multimeter.
- The faulty UBL is replaced with a new one. Installation of a new element (essentially so that the device matches the model of the washing machine) is carried out in the reverse order of the dismantling process.
In order not to make a mistake when connecting a new lock, before dismantling the old element, you need to photograph all the connections.
Different models - different features
Naturally, there are several manufacturers of washing machines. Companies such as Samsung and Bosch have proven themselves well in this market. They produce many different models, which, however, are united by one feature - the presence of buttons, light displays, displays and light bulbs.
On older and cheaper models you can find a row of buttons, each of which is equipped with an indicator - a light bulb. In the normal state it is turned off, respectively, in the working state it is turned on. If some kind of malfunction occurs, the light opposite the button will behave in a non-standard way - blink, turn off, etc. - attracting attention to itself in every possible way.
New models of Samsung and Bosch washing machines have displays, which makes the task easier for both the user and the technician. As a rule, an error code is displayed on it, specifying an emergency situation.
In most cases, if an error occurs, you can fix it yourself. The instructions for your device include detailed descriptions of all possible errors - loose closure, drum overload, uneven load distribution. Therefore, before calling a technician, it is recommended that you read the instructions and, according to them, try to fix the problem yourself.
What is the problem?
If the lock on the Indesit, Samsung washing machine is blinking, one of four breakdowns may have occurred:
- The loading hatch lock has failed.
- The heating element is faulty.
- The water pressure sensor in the tank is broken.
- The control module is faulty.
How to accurately identify the cause of the malfunction? Considering the possible breakdowns, it is recommended to contact a specialist. An experienced specialist, using special equipment, will diagnose the washing machine and identify the exact reason for the blinking indicator. If it is not possible to call a technician, you need to check the cleanliness of the lock. Often, a simple blockage of debris causes the indicator light to blink. Cleaning the lock from small debris will help solve the problem.
If the heating element fails, the unit will freeze and stop washing. It happens that the machine starts the work process, and even rinsing has started, but the lock indicator is constantly on. If the heating element is confirmed to be damaged, this element will need to be replaced.
Washing machine heating element
If the lock indicator on the washing machine is blinking, the water level sensor may be faulty. It is necessary to control the amount of water that is drawn into the unit’s tank. The sensor is available in any washing machine from Indesit, Samsung and other brands. Over time, the element begins to malfunction, causing the light to flicker. The water quantity sensor cannot be repaired. It needs to be replaced with a new one.
Another reason that causes the lock icon light on the washing machine panel to blink is a breakdown of the control board. This happens due to power surges or moisture getting on the board. Do not despair, in most cases the Indesit board can be repaired. Only a very serious breakdown requires replacing the old board with a new one.
The red light is flashing - what does this mean?
The indicator in the form of a key (lock) shines during the washing process - the washing machine is operating normally and does not require repair.
At the end of the wash, after two or three minutes the door will automatically unlock and the indicator will stop flashing or shining.
Another situation is when the key or lock shines or flashes constantly, even when the washing process is finished and the hatch is open. However, the washing machine does not respond to pressing the buttons (the light continues to shine with a reddish light).
Such signs indicate that a breakdown has occurred and the washing machine requires detailed diagnostics and repair.
