Oven Convection Fan Not Working? 6 Causes and What to Do
A convection fan that will not spin is usually a failed fan motor, a seized blade, a door switch or a relay on the control board. Here is how to narrow it down.
Read the guideWhy won't my washer door unlock?
A front-load washer keeps the door locked while there is water in the drum, while the drum is still spinning, and for a short time after the cycle ends. If it stays locked, the most common causes are water left in the drum from a drain problem, the child lock turned on, a power glitch mid-cycle, or a failed door lock or control. Wait two to three minutes first, since many washers need that long to release.
Never pull hard on the handle. Door handles and lock tabs break easily, and that turns a simple fix into a bigger repair.
What are the 6 most common causes?
1. Water still in the drum
If the washer could not drain, it will not unlock. Look through the glass. Water at the bottom means a drain problem.
2. Clogged drain pump filter
Most front-loaders have a small filter behind a panel at the bottom front. Socks, coins and lint clog it, so the washer cannot drain.
3. Kinked or clogged drain hose
If the washer was pushed back, the drain hose may be bent. A clogged standpipe also stops draining.
4. Child lock is on
Many models have a child lock that also locks the door or the controls. Check the panel for a lock light and the owner's manual for how to turn it off.
5. A power glitch
A short outage or a tripped outlet mid-cycle can leave the lock engaged. Resetting the power often clears it.
6. A failed door lock or control
The lock is a small motor and switch in the door frame. If it fails, the door stays locked even with an empty drum, or the washer will not start at all.
How do you open a locked washer door safely?
- Wait 2 to 3 minutes after the cycle ends.
- Run a drain and spin cycle to remove water from the drum.
- Unplug the washer for 5 minutes, then plug it back in.
- If water is still inside, put towels and a shallow pan down and drain it through the pump filter or drain tube at the bottom front.
- Clean the pump filter, put it back tight and try a drain cycle again.
- Look in the owner's manual for an emergency release. Some models have a pull cord behind the bottom panel.
Door still stuck with wet clothes inside? Call now and a technician can open it without breaking the lock.
When should you call a technician?
Call if the door stays locked with an empty drum, if the washer will not drain after you clean the filter, if you see a door lock error code, or if the handle or latch is broken. These point to a failed door lock, drain pump or control. Most washer repairs in Mountain View run about $150 to $450 with parts and labor.
Learn more about our washer repair in Mountain View. If water stays in the drum, read washer not draining. If the washer locks but will not spin, see washer not spinning.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission keeps a list of product recalls. Check it if your washer has a known door or lock problem.
Frequently asked questions
Why won't my washer door unlock after the cycle ends?
Most often water is still in the drum, so the washer keeps the door locked. A clogged drain pump filter, a kinked hose or a failed door lock can also cause it.
Is it safe to force a washer door open?
No. Forcing it can break the lock, the handle or the hinge, and water may pour out. Turn the power off and use the steps in this guide.
How much does washer repair cost in Mountain View?
Most washer repairs run about $150 to $450 with parts and labor. You get the price before any work starts.