Why is the lock icon on a Samsung washing machine and how can I fix it?

Operating errors, hard tap water, sudden power surges lead to the fact that sooner or later the Samsung washing machine fails.

One of the signs of a malfunctioning household appliance is a flashing or constant light on the lock indicator.

A detailed study of what to do when the lock is on or blinking will help you quickly return the washing machine to working order.

The red light is flashing - what does this mean?

The indicator in the form of a key (lock) lights up during the washing process - the washing machine is operating in normal mode and does not require repair.

At the end of the wash, after two to three minutes, the door automatically unlocks and the indicator stops flashing or lighting.

Another situation is when the key or lock lights up or flashes constantly, even when the washing process is finished and the hatch is open. In this case, the washing machine does not respond to key presses (the light continues to glow red).

Such signs indicate that a breakdown has occurred and the washing machine requires detailed diagnostics and repair.

What to do first?

Before calling a technician or attempting to repair the washing machine yourself, You need to check if the Child Lock function is activated (this is a special mode that blocks all buttons of the device during the washing process).

If, after rebooting the Samsung washing machine, the lock indicator continues to blink, then the following steps must be taken:

• disconnect the household appliance from the power supply;
• check the lock for foreign objects and debris (clean if necessary);
• restart your Samsung washing machine.

In a situation where, after the manipulations have been carried out, the lock indicator continues to light or blink, it is necessary to carry out more detailed diagnostics or seek help from a service technician.

What breakdowns can occur and how to fix them?

There may be several reasons why the lock image on a Samsung washing machine is lit or blinking.

The hatch lock is out of order

It is the hatch lock that transmits the signal to the system module that the hatch door is closed and you can start the washing process. A malfunction of this element results in the system not receiving a signal about a closed door and blocking any processes in the washing machine.

The solution to the problem is to replace the hatch lock.

Algorithm of actions:

1. Open the washing machine door.
2. Using a Phillips screwdriver, unscrew the bolts securing the door lock.
3. Remove the outer clamp. To do this, carefully pry the part off with a screwdriver.
4. By placing your hand between the body and the cuff, you take out the hatch blocking device and disconnect it from the general wiring system.
5. To finally verify the malfunction of this element, it is tested using a multimeter.
6. The faulty UBL is replaced with a new one.Installation of a new element (it is important that the device matches the model of the washing machine) is carried out in the reverse order of the dismantling process.

In order not to make a mistake when connecting a new lock, before dismantling the old element, it is necessary to photograph all connections.

The fluid pressure sensor is faulty

The situation when the lock indicator on a Samsung washing machine is on or flashes and at the same time the machine does not draw or constantly draws and drains water indicates that The water level sensor (pressure switch) has failed.

The thing is that water, filling the tank, increases the air pressure in the pressure switch tube. As soon as the pressure reaches the desired level, the contact closes and the sensor sends a signal to the module system to stop the water supply and start washing.

To remove the old sensor and install a new one, it is necessary to carry out a number of manipulations:

• Unscrew the fixing screws from the back wall and remove the top cover of the washing machine;
• On the front panel on the right side, find the pressure switch (looks like a washer);
• Unscrew the mounting screws and disconnect the connectors;
• Use pliers to loosen the clamps and remove the pressure switch;
• Having verified that the sensor is faulty (a multimeter will come to the rescue), it is replaced with a new one;
• all actions are carried out in reverse order.

If you don’t have a multimeter at hand, you can test the pressure switch using a tube commensurate with the diameter of the sensor hose. The tube is placed to the fitting and they begin to blow slowly.

If the relay responds to pressure, you will hear two characteristic clicks. If no sounds are heard, the sensor requires replacement.

The heating element burned out

The lock indicator flashes and the washing machine freezes during the washing process - most likely the heating element has burned out.

To dismantle, test and, if necessary, replace this element with a new one, the following steps must be taken:

1. Remove the drain filter and drain the residual water from the tank.
2. We remove the powder receptacle and unscrew the bolts securing the front panel.
3. Using a thin screwdriver, remove the clamp. We wrap the rubber cuff inside the drum.
4. We dismantle the panel covering the garbage filter. It is behind it that the bolts that secure the front panel are located (they need to be unscrewed).
5. Behind the front panel, under the tank, there is a heating element. By testing the part with a multimeter, you can verify that it is faulty.

Replacing a burnt-out heating element takes place in the following sequence:

• Unscrew the fixing nut in the center of the shank;
• gently hit the pin with a hammer so that it falls in;
• the part is pryed off with a screwdriver and removed from its place;
• to remove the heating element from the groove, it must be carefully pulled by the contacts;
• the seal on the new part is lubricated with grease and a new heating element is installed instead of the old one;
• mount the temperature sensors in their original place and connect the wiring.

Before installing a new heating element, it would be a good idea to clean the socket from which the old element was removed. Over time, dust, scale and dirt can accumulate in it, which significantly reduces the service life of the heating element. Read more about purchasing and replacing heating elements here.

The video will tell you how to replace the heating element in a Samsung washing machine:

Calling a specialist: where to find and how much will it cost?

When independent diagnostics and repairs do not lead to the desired result, then professional craftsmen will come to the rescue. There are several ways to call a specialist to your home:

1. The easiest way is to use word of mouth. Relatives, acquaintances, neighbors - everyone can recommend a technician who once repaired a washing machine in their home.
2. Call a service center specialist. This method has one significant advantage - all work is documented. If any controversial issues arise, this document will become proof of completed (or not completed) work.

In order not to encounter scammers, and to save not only money, but also household appliances, It is very important to take into account the following points:

• an honest craftsman will never take money until the repair is completed (an exception may be a deposit for the purchase of an expensive part);
• a professional will always listen to the client, focusing on the brand of household appliances, duration and features of operation;
• an experienced technician never names the final cost of repairs without preliminary diagnostics (the amount may vary depending on the prices of new components, as well as the complexity of the work).

All about repairing Samsung washing machines - in this section.

Conclusion

The constant blinking of the lock indicator on a Samsung washing machine is not a reason to panic. Carefully studying the information about what could have caused this problem will allow you to quickly return the washing machine to work with your own hands.