Washing machine hatch locking device - how to replace the door lock?
Nowadays, there are no automatic washing machines produced that do not have a door lock. This device is necessary in order to protect the user and prevent him from opening the hatch while the washing program is running. The closed hatch door is automatically locked in the locked position using the UBL.
This happens when you have set the required mode, closed the door and pressed the start button. Just before the water starts pouring in. And continue until the entire washing program is completed. And sometimes a couple of minutes longer. The closed hatch door presses the cuff of the washing machine tank and ensures a tight seal.
For washing machines, both mechanical locking devices and more modern UBLs equipped with a temperature sensor are used.
UBL with temperature sensor
When electricity is supplied, the UBL locks the hatch in the closed position. It closes the contacts of the switching device and signals that the wash can be started. A special lever mechanically secures the lock. This lasts the entire wash cycle.
And at the moment when electricity stops supplying to the locking device, you need to wait about 2-3 minutes. The latch then retracts and allows the door to be opened.
How does the locking device work?
A resistor is involved in the operation of the UBL. Its resistance increases as its heating increases. This effect causes the two plates that are located in the lock to change their shape. This produces a displacement of the lever.The lever closes the contacts of the switching device.
At the same time, the latch connected to the contact plate moves, creating a fixation of the hatch door. The entire process occurs within a few seconds after the electricity is applied. When the power supply is interrupted, the temperature sensor cools down. Cooling takes 1 to 3 minutes. After which the plates take their normal shape. The contact is no longer closed and latching is terminated.
Why does the locking device break?
- Firstly, the records can simply wear out over time.
- Secondly, they can be destroyed if voltage surges occur during operation of the machine.
If the UBL breaks, it is usually due to the fact that the plates do not take their normal shape and remain in a curved position. If the washing machine hatch remains locked in the locked position for more than 3-4 minutes, it means that the locking device may be faulty. If your UBL does not allow you to open the machine after finishing washing, then you simply have no choice. You just need to replace the device.
It is somewhat more difficult to say unequivocally that it was the UBL that failed in those moments when it does not lock the hatch in the closed position after you have set the program and pressed start washing. Until the lock locks the door, washing will not start.
In such a situation, there are several possible faults. Let's discuss the two most common of them:
- The first is a breakdown of the washing machine lock itself or its wiring.
- The second is a breakdown of the electronics module.
If you remove the UBL from the machine, it is quite difficult to check its functionality. To do this, you need to connect power to it in a certain way.And if after 5 seconds you hear a click, then the UBL is functioning normally.
In principle, UBL is quite inexpensive. And you can buy it if you suspect a breakdown. It is sold in specialized stores or in organizations involved in the repair of large household appliances.
Replacing the door lock yourself
To replace the UBL ourselves, we need to open the hatch. If you are unlucky and it is locked in the closed position, then you need to do the following:
- Remove the upper part of the housing (cover).
- After this, tilt the machine so that it remains standing on two legs and the upper rear part of the body rests against the wall. This will tilt the center of gravity back. And the tank will move slightly away from the front part.
- Then you need to stick your hand through the top and reach the UBL.
- Now all you have to do is find the fixing element and move it to the side.
- All! The hatch can be opened.
Now let’s move on specifically to replacing the blocking. Our hatch is open. What's next?
- At this point we need to remove the cuff from the front wall. To do this, you need to loosen the clamp that supports it in this position. Clamps are different. In order to remove one of them we will need pliers. For others, you can use a screwdriver or pliers.
- Now we need to remove the cuff from the front wall so that we can get to the locking device.
- Then unscrew the two screws that are located on the outside. Where the lock hook enters the UBL. They then hold the lock in the required position.
- All. The lock is no longer secured. And it can be reached through the hole between the cuff and the body.
- Then disconnect the wires from the non-working UBL. And connect a new working lock.
- Return the UBL to its position and secure it with 2 screws.
- Put on the cuff and secure it with a clamp.
- Return the cover to its place. That's all! All that remains is to do a test wash.
And for those who prefer not to read, but to watch, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the video about replacing the UBL yourself. It will also show you how to remove and disassemble the hatch to replace the handle. Let's see!
Interesting:
14 reader comments
Thank you! Informative, accessible. Maybe I didn’t search well, but I didn’t find more information like yours on any site. Well done!
There is no explanation on how to get to and remove the UBL, for example, from the “vertical” Elecrolux EWT 136641? There, after removing the control panel and side walls, I encountered a situation: the top cover of the machine serves as a support for the front wall behind which is the UBL. And the wall itself is connected by springs of a hanging tank. Should I remove the tank? There's a dead end here.
In the end, how do you remove the UBL from the vertical? Unhook the springs? How do you unhook them? They're strong!
Thank you, the information was very useful.
Thanks for the information, I went to remove the cover.
In the middle of washing, the Indesit wiue 10 washing machine writes that the door is not closed and stops washing.
Ariston. There are no mounting bolts, how does it hold up?
The machine does not start working, but the door lock flashes. Although there was a click and the door was closed. What is the problem?
Where can I buy UBL for the Brandt WDB 1001 machine?
Tell me, is it possible to remove the rubber band from the Zanussi ZVO 181 washing machine to clean it without completely disassembling the machine?
Where can I get the plug for the door lock? He was completely burned out. Shorted out along the way!
How to remove the UBL without mounting screws on the Ariston SMA? Someone tell me.
Unscrew the screws on the upper frame of the hatch, remove the frame and you can remove the UBL. But if it’s hard to get there, then remove the 2 front springs.
There was a click many times, but the water did not pour. I was able to check the hoses with the connection and the filter. Then I managed to reach UBL from above using your video. I couldn't take it off. It is fastened with some strange bolts. The screwdrivers didn't fit. In general, he reached out, stuck his finger into the UBL, clicked the plate and carefully closed the hatch. There was a click. That's all. But suddenly water began to fill. Earned it. Thanks for the help!