Door Does Not Unlocked Until Machine Unplugged

[kotorov]

Hotpoint WT741.

Just managed to replace a broken handle. This involved opening a stuck door by pushing the hook from the back of the interlock.

Now the machine works normally and finishes the cycle but will not unlock until it has been unplugged from the mains for about 5 minutes.

Turning it off from the button so that all lights go off is not sufficient.

Any ideas why?

Thanks!

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

That sounds weird. Could the lock have got damaged? Have you tried spraying the lock and moving part with WD-40 in case something is catching or jamming? When the machine has finished and especially when turned off the lock should no longer receive any power and it should cool down and release. I can't think of any logical reason why it would only cool down when unplugged other than it's still somehow receiving power when turned off.

It might help to read this article how does a washing machine door interlock work?

[kotorov]

Thanks. Yes, the interlock feels warm long after the machine has been switched off from the button, but remains plugged in.

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

If the washing machine completes the cycle, spins the laundry, and appears to turn off without indicating any errors or flashing any lights it would seem to indicate nothing is wrong, and it is very unusual therefore that the door interlock is still being supplied with power.

One suspect is the main control board. It's hard to see how a faulty door catch, or even having to manually force the door open could cause this issue. If anything the door interlock could get damaged but this fault seems to be caused by the door interlock still being supplied with power, which no amount of damage to the lock could cause. It's getting power from an unrelated source.

One possible cause that springs to mind is if the pressure system has a blockage so the washing machine thinks there is still some water inside and continues to lock the door. The only problem is if this was the case it should also stop the washing machine from spinning.