Why does the key on the washing machine blink - what does it mean?

Sooner or later, every user of a washing machine is faced with a situation where the key or lock icon lights up or flashes on the display. This does not bother the consumer until the loading hatch door needs to be opened. The key or lock symbols light up during washing and this is normal. The hatch is blocked from accidental opening. In this case, the icons simply light up.

If the images of the key or lock begin to blink, this indicates a possible breakdown. Reasons why the key blinks in the washing machine:

• The door lock is broken;
• The electric motor is broken;
• Fluid pressure sensor is broken;
• The control module is faulty.

If the lock or key indicators are on, you can try to unlock it yourself. You should press the “Start” button and do not release it for five seconds. During this time, the electronic board of the machine must reboot and the lock usually turns off.

If the lock cannot be removed, then you need to turn off the washing machine, then disconnect it from the electrical network and wait about ten minutes, turn it on again. In most cases, such a “cold” reboot helps and you can continue to use the machine.

If nothing helps, you will most likely have to contact a repair specialist.

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.

Initial user actions

First of all, you need to weed out banal and frivolous reasons. It is likely that the user’s elementary inattention led to the blinking of the so-called key. Therefore, we forget about the UBL, board and heating element and answer the following questions one by one.

• Does the machine take in water? If the centralized water supply is turned off or there is insufficient pressure in the pipes, then the machine, for safety reasons, will not start the cycle. The electronic unit will receive a signal that dialing is impossible, to which the “brain” of the washing machine will respond by turning on the signal lock indicator. The fact is that starting a heating element with an empty tank will quickly lead to fire of the first and damage to the second.
• Is the door closed tightly? Tightness is one of the main conditions for the safe operation of a washing machine. When the hatch is not completely closed, a leak is possible, threatening both the room and the equipment itself. The protective system is activated and the corresponding light comes on. The situation can be corrected simply: open the door, check if there are any objects stuck between it and the body, and press until it clicks.

• Were there any power outages? Indesit machines are characterized by weak electronics, and minor surges in the power supply can also lead to a software failure in the board. Most often, rebooting the system helps clear the error. We disconnect the washing machine from the power supply, wait 10-20 minutes, start it, select the “Drain and Spin” mode and evaluate the behavior of the machine. If the situation repeats itself, then the matter is more serious than a single “glitch”.

Most often, in order for the lock light to go out, it is enough to eliminate one of the above reasons. If nothing from the list helps, it’s time to bring in the “heavy artillery.” The tactics are the same - we move from simple and fast to complex and labor-intensive.

Ariston

When the key blinks in Ariston cars, you need to check:

• Is the child lock option turned on? Maybe someone accidentally pressed the buttons or they forgot to turn off the function;
• Operation of the control module. You should unplug the machine and turn it on again after 10 minutes.

Sometimes there are situations when, while the key indicator is blinking, there is no other indication on the Ariston display. Most likely, there is a breakdown and you should check the machine for possible faults indicated in the instructions.

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.

Siemens including iq500

In Siemens machines, in order to prevent accidental damage to the functions they contain, there is a locking option. To turn it off or on, you need to hold down the “Start/Pause” key for about five seconds. The key icon will light up.

If the Siemens iq500 machine malfunctions, it may remain locked until the next cycle starts. Disconnecting from the network in this case will not help open the hatch.

Description of the situation

Often, the user is faced with a situation in which the indicator light blinks, but the washing process does not start. Or the work process has started, the rinsing stage begins, but the unit randomly changes the washing process and selects an inappropriate temperature mode. However, if the device is disconnected from the power supply and then turned back on, the situation does not change.

Starting the washing machine

Note that this situation often occurs when operating washing machines of the following brands:

• Indesit.
• Samsung.
• Bosch.
• LG.

But one should not assume that this is due to the poor quality of these machines. It’s just that in units of other brands this type of breakdown is displayed on the display using a letter code.

Problems with the washing machine lock indicator

Samsung

Samsung cars have a situation where all programs work normally, but the sunroof is blocked and after the consumer tries to turn on some mode, the key or lock icon starts to light continuously.

Typically, after washing, after two to three minutes, the lock should unlock on its own, and the message “END” appears on the Samsung display. If after this the key blinks, then even disconnecting the washing machine from the network does not help.

In this case you need:

• check the heating element (heating element) for penetration into the housing. Perhaps there is a current leak and therefore the blocking cannot be removed.
• try turning the plug over in the socket - sometimes this simple manipulation helps to remove it.

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.

Possible reasons

In automatic washing machines, all work is controlled by special programs. And if the door of such a device simply stops opening, that is, it is blocked, then there is a reason for this.

But there is no need to panic, even if the device is full of water and things. And don’t frantically search for the phone number of a repair specialist.

First, you need to determine a list of possible reasons that could lead to such a malfunction.

Most often, the door of a Samsung washing machine gets blocked due to just a few factors.

• Standard lock option. It is activated when the machine starts working. There is absolutely no need to take any action here. Once the cycle is completed, the door will also unlock automatically. If the wash is already finished and the door still does not open, you should wait a few minutes. Sometimes a Samsung washing machine will unlock the doors within 3 minutes after washing.
• Drain hose clogged. This problem occurs quite often. This happens because the sensor for determining the water level in the drum does not work correctly. What to do in this situation will be discussed below.
• A program failure can also cause the door to lock. This can happen due to a power outage or power surge, overload of the weight of the clothes being washed, or a sudden shutdown of the water supply.
• The child lock program has been activated.
• The lock block is faulty. This could happen due to the long service life of the washing machine itself or the opening/closing of the door itself too abruptly.

As you can see, there are not so many reasons why the door of a Samsung automatic machine can lock on its own. In any case, you can solve the problem yourself if you identify it correctly and strictly follow all the advice.

It is important to remember that you should not make extra efforts by simply trying to open the hatch by force. This will only aggravate the situation and can lead to an even more serious breakdown, which you will no longer be able to solve on your own.

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

AE

The error indicates an automatic shutdown of the equipment as a result of a failure in the water supply system, or a malfunction of the main board. The first thing to do is to reboot the equipment, completely disconnecting it from power for 10-15 minutes.

Then check the water drain pan. This problem is especially relevant for washing machines that have Aquastop leak protection installed on board.

It is necessary to check all hoses for physical damage, and also tighten the clamps if they are loose. Then get rid of the water in the pan. If the leak remains, then after the first wash the container will fill with liquid.

How to unlock a Samsung washing machine?

Automatic washing machines have become indispensable assistants for every person, regardless of gender. People are already so accustomed to their regular, problem-free use that even the slightest breakdown, including a blocked door, becomes a tragedy on a global scale. But most often you can solve the problem yourself. Let's look at the main ways to open a locked door on a Samsung machine.

The lights are flashing, but the car does not turn on

The Indesit washing machine, like any other equipment, executes various operating programs through the control unit. The electronic module is the brain of the machine, which is a printed circuit board with transistors and microcircuits located on it. If all the LED lights are flashing and the machine does not turn on, the control unit may be faulty.

This can happen when water gets on the board and the contacts oxidize, as well as due to damage to the capacitors. For a person who understands microcircuits and is good with a soldering iron, fixing such a breakdown will not be difficult. If you were unable to repair the board on your own, you will have to replace the entire control unit.

The machine will not turn on if the heating element is burnt out. The heating device is one of the most important parts of the washing machine. Without it, water heating and automatic drying are impossible. It is necessary to check the serviceability of the heating element using a multimeter, and if necessary, replace the device with a new one.

The main driving force of the washing machine is the electric motor. It is this device that is responsible for rotating the drum, and if it breaks, the device will stop working and all the indicators will flash. Fortunately, electric motors rarely break down. Some manufacturers guarantee ten years of trouble-free operation of direct drive motors. Therefore, with such a malfunction, it is better to immediately contact a service center, where they will carry out high-quality repairs or install a new electric motor.

One of the common malfunctions when all indicators flash simultaneously is the formation of a blockage in the drain pump, which leads to damage to the pump. In this case, it is necessary to clean the pump impeller of hair, wool, and fabric lint, and replace the pump.

If the LED indicators flash when you turn on the washing machine, do not be too upset. After all, a breakdown may turn out to be absolutely frivolous and not require large financial investments.

Major breakdowns

Let us repeat once again - in such a technically complex Indesit device there are things that can break and it is not always possible to cope with breakdowns on your own. But again, repairs do not always end in the workshop. Perhaps such strange behavior of the device as:

• the device began to work unstably;
• the detector lights on the control panel light up in a chaotic manner;
• if the display shows errors whose names begin with F;
• there are traces of leaks;
• there is a strong smell of burning wiring or smoke appears.

If this is noticed, then it’s time to pay serious attention to your home assistant and call a specialist for an examination. And the probable causes of breakdowns can be seen from the table

Ten often causes problems with the washing machine

How to open the door after washing?

In all cases, without exception, it is worth solving the problem only at the moment when the program activated on the machine is finished. If this is not possible, for example, as in the case of a clogged drain hose, then proceed as follows:

• turn off the machine;
• set the “Drain” or “Spin” mode;
• wait until it finishes working, then try to open the door again.

If this does not help, then you need to carefully inspect the hose itself and clear it of any blockage.

If the reason was the activation of the washing machine, then you can do it differently.

• Wait until the wash cycle is complete, wait a few minutes if necessary, and then try to open the door again.
• Disconnect devices from power supply. Wait about half an hour and try to open the hatch. But this trick does not work in all models of cars.

In cases where the operation of an automatic machine of this brand has just been completed, and the door still does not open, you need to wait a couple of minutes. If the situation repeats, then it is necessary to completely disconnect the device from the power supply and leave it alone for 1 hour. And only after this time should the hatch be opened.

When all means have already been tried, but it was still not possible to open the door, most likely the lock has failed, or the handle itself has simply broken.

In these cases, there are two options:

• call a specialist to your home;
• make a simple device with your own hands.

In the second case, you need to do the following:

• we prepare a cord, the length of which is a quarter of a meter longer than the circumference of the hatch, with a diameter of less than 5 mm;
• then you need to insert it into the crack between the door and the machine itself;
• slowly but forcefully tighten the cord and pull it towards you.

This option makes it possible to open the hatch in almost all cases of blocking. But you should understand that after the door is opened, it is necessary to replace either the handle on the hatch or the lock itself. Although professionals recommend changing both of these parts at the same time.

How can you drain the water immediately?

This is done manually, and the water is drained through a filter into some container. This hose is located at the front of the car, under the hatch, but it is hidden from view by the bottom panel. You need to remove it and you will see a hose that is closed with a stopper and lies in a special socket, rolled up. Take it out, remove the plug and drain the water into a substitute container.

If there is no hose, then there is a plug anyway. Of course, it’s much more convenient with a hose, but without it, water gets on the floor, so you need to lay out a rag in advance.

And, of course, after such manipulation the program gets lost and will have to be set again. Therefore, use this method only in cases where it is absolutely necessary. Let's say that a valuable item is found in the drum, or something that can fade greatly and thereby ruin the color of the rest of the laundry. Or, a really scary case: a pet got into the drum and you turned on the wash...

In any case, in order to remove a coin from the wash, it’s not worth doing all of the above.

Engine

If the washing machine motor is faulty, water may get into the drum. It is necessary to check the following motor elements:

• wiring;
• slats;
• brushes.

When there is standing water in the drum, it is first drained through a surge filter and the equipment is disconnected from the electrical network. Certain steps must be taken to remove the engine:

• The screws are unscrewed from the panel at the back.
• The panel is removed (you can see the motor under the tank).
• The wiring is disconnected.
• The fasteners are unscrewed and the engine is pulled out.

If the brushes are worn out, they are replaced. The lamellas are also changed or turned on a lathe. The wiring is checked and replaced if necessary.

Repair of hinges and UBL

There is no need to change the UBL right away. First, it is recommended to inspect the door lock, or rather, the tongue on it. If the latch has moved or broken, it should be repaired. The door hinges, which become bent due to children hanging on the hatch and wet clothes hanging on it, could also be damaged. Due to the weight, the door sags, does not close tightly or jams. In this case, only replacement will help. The loops are replaced as follows.

1. We disconnect the machine from communications.
2. Open the door, use pliers to loosen the outer clamp and insert the cuff into the drum.
3. Disconnect the wiring from the door UBL.
4. We find the technical hatch in the lower right corner and unscrew the bolt holding the front panel of the machine.
5. Loosen the two screws securing the top cover of the machine.
6. Remove the detergent tray from the machine.
7. In the hole vacated after the tray we find two self-tapping screws and remove them with a screwdriver.
8. We remove a few more screws around the perimeter of the dashboard and carefully unhook the last one from the latches.
9. Unscrew the bolts holding the end of the machine and remove the front panel.
10. We unscrew the plastic casing behind which the door hinges “hide”, and then remove the hinges themselves.
11. We purchase new hinges and put them in place of the old ones.
12. We assemble the machine in reverse order.

Once the tongue and loops are checked, turn on the machine and see whether the lock light blinks or not. If the situation repeats, then pay attention to the hatch locking device. Replacing a faulty UBL is easy: you just need to buy an original part and follow the simple instructions.

A new UBL is selected according to the serial number of the Indesit machine, which is indicated in the technical data sheet of the washing machine or on the inside of the hatch door on a special marking.

When the door is jammed and will not open, you will have to unlock the system manually. Remove the top cover of the machine, feel for the lock with your hand and slide the latch to open the door. As soon as the hatch opens, you can begin replacing the UBL.