How Do You Override The Door Lock On A Maytag Washer?

We use our appliances every day.

Since they are machines that make our work easier, we always need their help in our day-to-day tasks.

We use stoves instead of burning wood, fridges instead of iceboxes, dryers instead of hanging our clothes one by one in clothespins, the possibilities are endless. In a way, we rely on our appliances for our comfort and convenience.

Due to our complete reliance on these amazing technological advancements, they must be reliable enough for us to use them for a long time. In the past, most appliances are highly dangerous to use, which is why manufacturers now prioritize adding controls that will keep their products in tiptop condition. Modern appliances come with features to keep us safe and allow us to avoid injury or accidents.

The problem with the extra bells and whistles

One of the leading brands when it comes to appliances is Maytag. When it comes to their washers, most newer models have security features for our safety, such as their lid lock. But what happens when we need to override its door lock features? Is this possible? Or are we stuck with less control over appliances that they cause us problems instead?

Since Maytag washers can automatically lock their lids, it can be difficult when we need to open them when they are malfunctioning. It is also possible that our washer may have a stuck faulty or rusty door lid. In these cases, overriding our washer’s door lock may be our only option.

Best ways to override your Maytag washer’s door lock

You will need the following:

  • A thin magnet
  • A flathead screwdriver
  • A Phillips head screwdriver
  • Duct Tape

Step 1: Unplug your washer from the outlet

Since we are working with appliances that may cause electrocution, make sure to unplug your washer first. If you were using your washer before, wait for at least an hour to cool the system completely.

Step 2: Drain the water from your washer

Although this step is optional, draining water from your washer is highly recommended to make overriding safer. Also, you may want to shut off your water supply or remove the water connection from your washer.

Step 3: Open the top panel of your washer

Read your washer’s manual and familiarize yourself with its parts before starting the overriding process. After reading your manual, remove the top panel of your washer using your screwdrivers and then lift the panel up.

Step 4: Locate your washer’s lid lock switch

The lid lock switch is the security feature that keeps your washer safe by preventing accidents. It is made of plastic that is usually gray or black in color.

Step 5: Place a magnet on top of the switch

Find the perfect spot in which the lid lock meets the top of your washer. Place the attractive side of the magnet down on the switch and secure them with tape. This tricks your washer by letting it think that its lid is shut. Therefore, when you open the door when it is running, the washer will continue to run and spin.

Step 6: Replace the top panel of your washer

Return the top panel of your washer and be sure to put the screws back properly.

Step 7: Test run your washer

Try running your washer and see if it is already working. If not, try rearranging the placement of your magnet.

If the magnet trick does not work, you will need to cut some wires off. Prepare your screwdrivers, electrical tape, and scissors or wire cutter.

Step 1: Do the steps 1 to 4 above

Step 2: Cut the wires

Read your washer’s manual. Depending on the model of your Maytag, you may see three or four wires.

  • For models with three wires: Cut the first and third wire
  • For models with four wires: Cut the first and fourth wire

Doing this will remove the lock feature in your washer.

Step 3: Strip and twist

Use your wire stripes to remove the insulation of the wires you cut and twist them together. Secure the exposed wires with electrical tape.

Step 4: Replace the top panel of your washer

Step 5: Test run your washer

Should you try overriding your washer's lock?

Before you try overriding your washer’s door lock, you must have a specific reason as to why you are doing this in the first place.

Common reasons why you need to override the security feature of your washer

1.     The door does not stay closed

Did you notice that your washer’s door does not close completely? This can be a frustrating issue, as your washer may not start until the lid is completely shut.

The main cause of this problem is a loose gasket or a dirty door seal. Try wiping our washer’s gasket with warm soapy water before trying to override the system. In many cases, you may be able to shut the lid when the debris is no longer blocking your washer’s door. If doing this does not solve the issue, your door lock may be faulty and may need replacement. Overriding the door lock will allow you to do your laundry while waiting for a repairman.

2.     The door would not open

Is your washer’s lock completely closed and is simply not opening? Try pressing the pause and then the start button of your machine. This is what will happen when your washer thinks that your garments are too light. If this does not work, try pausing your washer twice. Usually, this will unlock the lid of your washer.

If none of these tips work, removing the top panel of your washer may be your only option. Call a repair service to avoid electrocution when doing it yourself. Overriding the stuck door to fix the issue is also possible.

3.     There is an error code on your washer’s display

Since modern appliances are so “smart”, they can display error codes to let you know the issues in your washer. Often, washers will just display random error codes even if you are sure that there is no problem with it. If you encounter this, try resetting your washer first.

Most Maytag models can be reset by unplugging the washer for at least 5 minutes. However, only do this if your washer is empty to avoid problems.

4.     Your laundry cycle is already complete

Is your washer’s door still shut even after your laundry is complete? In some models, a display that shows how many minutes are left until you finish your cycle may be inaccurate. If you are in a rush, this can be a problem.

Before trying to override your washer’s door lock, you may want to check your machine’s drain pump first. This usually happens when you have a blocked drain pump that needs cleaning or replacement.

Think twice before bypassing your washer’s door lock

Safety features such as lid locks are important and included in a Maytag washer for a reason. They will mainly help by:

  • Preventing damage and malfunction to your appliances
  • Keeping your family safe, especially for toddlers and children
  • Preventing short circuits and fires

Overriding must only be an option if there is nothing else you can do to fix your problem. Also, bypassing your washer will definitely void your warranty. If your washer is currently unusable or defective, make sure to call a professional repairman to fix your appliance properly.