Washing machine is broken. :-(

Anybody ever repaired a washing machine door lock?

First, a bit of a vent. I was already feeling crappy today, due to my lack of employment and having to spend my last £15 on prescriptions. The laundry has been piling up because the weather has been so wet that it takes forever to dry (we don't have a dryer). So this afternoon when I discovered that the washing machine door lock has crapped out and I can't wash any more clothes, I had a bit of a meltdown.

Anyway, once I stopped sobbing and berating myself I opened up the machine and had a look at the offending part. It would be easy to replace the locking bit itself, but the wiring harness that it connects to is also burnt out. I can't seem to find any information on replacing the wiring, although you can order it separately. It's a long shot, I know, but I was just wondering if anyone had ever made this kind of repair and could tell me whether it's worth trying to do it myself or if it's likely to be too hard for the amateur.

I wasn't able to get in touch with any repair places this afternoon so I don't have any quotes, but I reckon it will cost £150 at a bare minimum to get someone in to fix it. Sigh.

12 years ago

Vildy

Veteran

oh I feel you. I hate when that happens. I don't have any info on the fix but what we usually do is just buy a replacement used washer. Of course, we don't have any huge investment in the washer in the first place.

April

Mander, I completely feel for you! When my last washer went, it was full of water and bath towels. I almost had a meltdown as well (how was I going to get those bath towels out of two feet of extremely cold water? And once I did, then what? A bath towel taken directly from a tub of water weighs a ton.)

It's so upsetting when the appliances we count on break down. Do you know any retired handy people who might want to have a bash at it? Official repair shops can be very expensive, I know, but maybe there is a tinkerer who would charge less.

Liz

You might try googling around (especially on Youtube) with your washing machine model name. When I needed to take my dryer apart, I found lots of surprisingly helpful videos by handymen and repair guys showing exactly how to do simple and practical repairs.

suzyq

Active Member

Liz is correct. I've been able to fix the clock on my stove and the door on my dishwasher by watching Youtube. You can take your broken part to an appliance parts dept. and the nice folks behind the counter might talk you through it (call first.) My father in law has also talked me through many a repair. Good luck and I'm so sorry you've had such a rough patch.

DonnaF

Repairing a washing machine door lock is pretty easy. We used to have a Slovenian washer (Danby aka Gorenje), and after I got the part, DH was able to replace it fairly easily, just like our dryer lock which has also failed several times. I'm not really sure what a wiring harness is, but it probably is something you buy and then swap out. So many answers are available on the internet plus how-tos on YouTube. This doesn't sound like such a huge problem that getting a new washer is mandatory.

BTW, last fall we bought a Speed Queen top load. Made like a tank and just as heavy; no electronics to fail. Only thing I miss is that our old Danby could be cranked up to 200F so it was great for our everyday napkins/serviettes.

Laurinda

"Appliance 411" online can have useful information if you are up for doing this yourself. Best of luck whatever you decide.

Adelfa

Doesn't it seem like troubles come multiply? So sorry

kkards

don't know anything about repairing a washing machine, but just wanted to say, sometimes a good cry is needed and a helps to set everything else in its place.

I really don't have any technical solutions for your problem, but can only offer you my good wishes that I hope things better for you quickly.

Glory

Oh yes I know this pain. I happened to me 3 times and each time I was without a washer for about 4 weeks. Very challenging. On time number 3 the repair was not really worth it and I ended up having to buy a new machine. These were motor and pump related issues.
It sounds like you have some great advice here and I agree that you should be able to find out how to repair this by googling. If not, does your area have a retired service group? Some times these retirees will do repairs for much less money.

Mander

(website)

I feel much better today. I think it was just one of those days.

Anyway, I'm going to have someone give me a free estimate tomorrow. I think replacing the parts will actually be pretty easy, it's just that I don't know what caused the problem in the first place so I'm hesitant to spend £50 on parts if there is a more fundamental issue. It looks like two different parts shorted out at the point where they are connected, so hopefully it's just an unfortunate wire placement and not a problem with the more delicate electronics.

This post has 1 photo. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

Category