You've probably noticed the door lock icon (either a key or a lock) illuminated on your washing machine's display. If your model doesn't have a display, the door lock indicator light will be on or flashing. Does this mean something is wrong with your machine?
Don't worry, this is how it should be when the hatch is blocked, but only if everything is working normally and there are no problems with washing.
When should you start to worry about the flashing light?
- the washing machine is blinking, but the door lock does not want to open;
- all the washing machine indicators (or one of them) are flashing, and the washing mode does not start;
- The washing machine is blinking and frozen in the middle of the program.
Next, we will try to figure out what you can do on your own if you notice the symptoms described above.
So what needs to be checked?
If the key or lock on your washing machine is flashing and the machine is not working properly, then:
- Check if you accidentally
activated the child safety function; in this mode, all control buttons are locked, and in order to open the machine, you need to remove the lock. If you don't remember how to do this, check your machine's manual or search for a description of your model online; - Try unplugging the washing machine and waiting for about ten minutes. Then plug it back in and check. Sometimes the control board malfunctions, and the system can simply freeze, just like a smartphone or laptop.
All lights/several lights on the washing machine are flashing or an error number is displayed on the display.
If the door lock indicator is on, the display shows a code, or the washing machine is flashing all the buttons, try to figure out what the error is. It's possible nothing serious has happened, and you simply overloaded the washing machine or forgot to turn on the water supply. Error codes are listed in the "Errors" section of the machine's manual. You can also refer to the articles "Washing Machine Indicators Are Flashing" and "Washing Machine Errors."
The lock indicator is on, but the machine doesn't wash.
Typically, this behavior indicates a malfunction. Be sure to follow all the steps described above; you might be able to resolve the issue yourself.
Common faults with blinking indicator lights
Below we've compiled the most common reasons why your washing machine's lock light flashes or stays on:
| Malfunction | What broke? | Cost of repairs including the price of spare parts* |
| The lock indicator on the display is lit, but the hatch won't open or close. Or, the indicators are flashing, and the display shows an error code. | The electronic module responsible for locking the hatch broke. Solution: Replace the unit
|
3400 – 4700 RUR |
| The hatch door is locked and the lock indicator light is flashing. | The door is broken.
It is necessary to partially or completely replace the lock. |
2200 – 4700 RUR |
| The hatch hinges are warped (if, for example, you leaned on the open door).
Solution: Replace the hinges |
2500 – 3900 RUR | |
| The lock indicator light flashes, and the machine either freezes mid-cycle or fails to heat water during the wash cycle. An error code may also appear on the display. | The heating element burned out.
Solution: replace the heating element |
3500 – 5900 RUR |
| The washing program doesn't start at all, or a different washing program starts instead of the one you selected. The door lock indicator flashes. | The control board or program selector is damaged.
Solution: Replace the board/selector |
Selector repair:
2200 – 4900 RUR Replacing the board: 5400 rub. (along with the new board) |
| The machine's drum doesn't rotate; there's a creaking noise, and the display may show an error. The door lock indicator is active. | The motor brushes are worn out.
Solution: Replace the brushes |
3200 – 4400 RUR |
| All the washing machine lights are flashing, or just the one that indicates the door is locked. The machine doesn't fill with water, fills with water and then immediately drains, or is stuck in the middle of a cycle with water still in the drum. | The water pressure sensor is broken.
Solution: cleaning the sensor tube or completely replacing the pressure switch. |
1500 – 3800 RUR |
*The repair price is preliminary and includes the cost of repair work and necessary spare parts (TURNKEY). The final repair cost will be determined by the technician on-site after diagnostics.
To summarize why the washing machine is blinking, we will say once again that the fact that the lock indicator is blinking does not indicate a breakdown. To figure out whether it's broken or not, pay attention to additional problems (besides the lit indicator):
- The car stopped with water: There are likely problems with the drainage system. More information can be found here: …
- Water is not collected: Most likely, the problem is with the water inlet valve. More details on this here: …
- The water is filling up, but the drum is not rotating.: Most likely, the drive belt has failed. You can read more about this here: ...
If you realize your washing machine is clearly broken, it's best to protect yourself and it by calling a qualified technician. A diagnostic will determine exactly what's wrong with your appliance.
So, if the lock on your washing machine is blinking and nothing helps, call To the Master, hewill come to you within 24 hours and fix everything. And to ensure you have no doubt about our professionalism, we provide guarantee up to 2 years for our work and spare parts used.
