How Do You Bypass A Washing Machine Door Lock?

Check Your Warranty First

Before you begin, you need to know that if your washing machine is still under warranty, it is best to have the door fixed by one of their professionals. Because if you make these changes to your machine, you will likely void the warranty. Check the warranty date first. If you still want to bypass the door lock, read on for a couple of different ways.

Try the Magnetic Fix First

Step One: Unhooking it All

Unplug the washing machine from the wall. Tape it to the washer out of the way so it will not get wet or damaged while you are working on it.

Step Two: Shut Off the Water

You do not have to shut off your main water supply to the house. Just shut off the two hoses that are connected to the back of your washing machine. They may be near the utility sink if your laundry room has one. Turn them to the left until you cannot turn them anymore.

Step Three: Opening the Top Panel of the Washing Machine

Although brands differ a bit, most washing machine tops lift off by putting pressure on the retention clips hidden underneath on each side. Use the flathead screwdriver to push against the clip until it releases. Do the same to the other side.

Important Tip:

Some models have hinge screws you may have to unscrew on the back of the upper control console.

Step Four: Find the Lid Lock Switch

The electronic mechanism that is causing all the problems for you should be just under the hood. It is often made of black or gray plastic. It will be attached to a wiring harness, which is why you had to unplug the machine.

Step Five: Do the Magnet Trick

Find the spot where the lid lock meets the top of the machine. Put the magnet on top of this piece. This tricks the machine’s technology into believing the lid is closed. Tape it on so it will not fall into the machine.

Step Six: Putting it All Back Together

Replace the top panel that you removed. Make sure the lid locks into those retention clips securely. Also, if you had to remove any screws, be sure to put them back.

Step Six: Run a Test Wash

Cutting the Electrical Connection

If it is not your magnet that is the problem, you are going to have to do the wire splicing fix. This is a bit more difficult but still pretty easy. You will need a quarter-inch nut driver, a set of screwdrivers, wire cutters or sharp scissors, wire strippers, and a wire connector or electrical tape.

Step One: Get to the Lid Lock Assembly Switch

Repeat steps one through four above to get back to your washing machine’s lid lock assembly switch.

Step Two: Remove the Assembly

Use the nut driver to loosen the two mounting screws at the bottom of the assembly. Put the screws in your pocket or somewhere else safe so you do not lose them. You can let the assembly dangle from the wire harness while you work on it.

Step Three: Remove the Cover from the Assembly

The cover usually just pops off of the assembly unit really easily. There should be retention clips holding it together that you can easily move with your fingers to take the cover off. Put the cover aside somewhere safe.

Step Four: Check the Tech

If you have your washing machine’s tech sheet, have that available for this part. The tech sheet is usually found in the owner’s manual that is taped to the back of the machine. If you do not have it, you should be able to find it online or order it from the manufacturer.

Step Five: Find the Right Wires

Look for the wiring diagram labeled lock switch or lid switch. They typically have three or four color-coded wires. If your switch has three wires, the wires you want will be the first and third wires. If there are four wires, you want the first and fourth wires. These are the lid switch and the lock switch. Leave the one(s) in the middle alone.

Step Six: Cutting the Wires

Go ahead and cut through the middle of both of the wires. This breaks the connection to the lid lock. That means the lid will no longer be locked. Use the wire strippers to remove about an inch from each piece of wire that you cut. Be careful you do not pull the wires out of the assembly box.

Step Seven: Bypassing the Switch

Twist the ends of the wires together so you have connected the lock switch and lid switch wires. Screw the wire connector onto the bare wires to cover them completely. If you do not have wire connectors, you can use some electrical tape. Just make sure there are no bare wires you can see.

Step Eight: Wrap it Up

Once you are done, tuck the wires back into the assembly and press the cover back in place until it clicks. Reposition it exactly as it was and put the screws back in with the nut driver. Run a test wash to make sure the lid opens when you want it to.

Be Careful of the Agitator

Now that you have the lid unlocked permanently, you will need to be careful when opening the lid during a wash cycle. With lid lock washing machines, they do not stop spinning when you open them after bypassing the lock mechanism.

Do not let your jewelry, clothing, hair, or hands get too close to the agitator. It is best to keep children away from the machine at all times.