I have exactly the the model (FTW445GES1) showing the same problem. Also when I press the door, the wash machine starts to work. Today a repair man came and quoted $270 to replace the door lock assembly. I could not decide whether it was a good idea to pay for the amount. I am now contemplating whether to have it repaired or buy a new one.
I would appreciate what happened to your wash machine afterwards. Has it been repaired and how much was the cost?
SK
That seems expensive. Almost half the price of a new machine. The assembly costs about $70 but it might be just the catch.
If I couldn't fix it myself I would go for a new one.
Installing that switch is a real bear. An average homeowner would look in there and say it's impossible, and they'd be almost right.
Q (ex appliance tech)
Rich256 wrote:
But it could be just the latch. If pushing on the door closes it the problem must be mechanical.
I think what I would do is check out the wiring and bypass it. Just remember not to open the door when it is running.
I expect it is not much more than a switch controlled by a signal from the motor or timer.
The door lock assembly for your washer (or one like it) is $70 here:
--Gene
As I recall there is a micro switch or maybe two, and a wax motor. You could indeed bypass it. You can access the switch/lock from the bottom access panel or by removing the top. You'll need to wedge something between the drum and the front panel in order to get your hands in there. It's a good idea to wear long sleeves to prevent cuts by the sharp sheet metal. There is a wiring diagram on the tech sheet which is located in an envelope glued to the side of the washer behind the lower panel.
Q
SK,
The $270 quote sounds a bit too high. I hope it was a free estimate, and you did not have to pay for the initial diagnostics. The door has two components:
Bhoot Nath.
Hello Q:
There are two parts to the door latch:
As an ex-appliance tech, please tell me if the following rate for labor is fair/reasonable: $45 for the first 15 minutes, and $10 each additional 15 minutes. Also, how much time you think an average repairman would take? Got any recommendation in mid-peninsula and/or east bay of the SF Bay Area (Fremont, Milpitas, Palo Alto, Mountain View)?
One repairman was supposed to fix my machine last Friday, but on Thursday, his truck's axle broke :( So he called to reschedule -- let's hope it gets fixed this week.
Bhoot Nath.
Thanks for the information. I think I have figured out how to fix or manage to use the wash machine before it is fully fixed. The door catch looks intact. When the door is closed (locked), the upper portion of the door catch goes into the upper hole of the door lock assembly, pressing the lever upwards which turns on the power for motor. Also when the lever is pressed upwards, the lower portion of the door catch is engaged in the lower hole of the door lock assembly, which prevents the door from getting loose during the wash cycles. My washmachine's lever has been drooped slightly downward and the upper protruding portion of door catch can not push the lever upwards, instead it pushes the lever forwards. I am in the middle of reshaping the door catch using Dremel grinder so that it has right angle with respect to the lever. I already tried once, but I grinded the catch wrongly. I have ordered another door catch.
In the meantime, we are using the washmachine by inserting three quarter conins at the bottom of the door to press the lever upwards. It works great, even thou primitive.
I will inform you in some days whether it has been fully fixed or we are still using quarters to make it work. Also I will be intetrested what is the progress at your side. SK
HomeOwnersHub website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.