Washer Door or Lid Won't Lock
The door is not detected as closed and locked. The 15 codes below are the ones whose manufacturer wording describes this condition. Open a code for the checks and the escalation advice listed for it.
Which error codes can cause this problem?
Codes are grouped by brand. Each one links to its own page with the full checklist and the manufacturer source.
Samsung
- D5Door error - the door is not detected as closed and locked.
- DC3Add Door error - the Add Door is not detected as closed and locked.
- DDCAdd Door error - the Add Door is not detected as closed and locked.
- DEDoor error - the door is not detected as closed and locked.
- DE2Door error - the door is not detected as closed and locked.
LG
- DEThe washer door is not closed properly - often because laundry is caught between the door and the rubber door gasket.
- DE2The door is closed but not locked. May occur when the load is too heavy, items are caught between the door and the rubber gasket, or the door latch is bent or broken.
- DLDoor lock error: the door locking mechanism is not functioning properly - the door is closed but the washer will not operate.
Bosch
Whirlpool
- DLOLid lock will not lock / lid lock failure.
- F22Front door lock issue: the washer cannot lock the door.
- F5E1Door switch fault: the door must be completely closed with nothing blocking the door switch.
- F5E2The washer cannot engage the lid lock, possibly because of an obstruction in the lid lock area.
- F5E3Door lock fault; the official page directs a control power-cycle reset.
- LDLLid lock will not lock (lid lock failure).
What to check first
These are the checks the manufacturer support page lists for each code. Brands word their checks differently, so they are shown per code.
Shared by several codes:
- Check that the latch is securely fixed, that laundry or other items are not caught in the door, and that the door is closed and secured correctly. Samsung D5, Samsung DE2
- Check that the Add Door latch is securely fixed, that laundry or other items are not caught in the Add Door, and that the Add Door is closed and secured correctly. Samsung DC3, Samsung DDC
- Check for items directly under the lid and for detergent buildup around the lid lock mechanism. Whirlpool DLO, Whirlpool LDL
Samsung D5 — 1 check
- Check that the latch is securely fixed, that laundry or other items are not caught in the door, and that the door is closed and secured correctly.
Samsung DC3 — 1 check
- Check that the Add Door latch is securely fixed, that laundry or other items are not caught in the Add Door, and that the Add Door is closed and secured correctly.
Samsung DDC — 1 check
- Check that the Add Door latch is securely fixed, that laundry or other items are not caught in the Add Door, and that the Add Door is closed and secured correctly.
Samsung DE — 3 checks
- Check that the door is fully closed and that nothing is trapped in the door;
- check the appliance manual for optimum loading;
- see the child lock FAQ if relevant.
Samsung DE2 — 1 check
- Check that the latch is securely fixed, that laundry or other items are not caught in the door, and that the door is closed and secured correctly.
LG DE — 2 checks
- Open and re-close the door, removing anything caught in the gasket;
- reset the washer by powering off, unplugging (or tripping the breaker), holding START/PAUSE for 5 seconds while powerless, then restoring power.
LG DE2 — 1 check
- Check the door area for anything preventing it from closing securely, open and re-close the door, then reset the washer (power off, unplug, hold START/PAUSE for 5 seconds, restore power).
LG DL — 2 checks
- Check for and remove foreign objects obstructing the locking mechanism on the right side of the door;
- avoid using the washer in a humid environment or ventilate the room.
Bosch E16 — 3 checks
- Open and close the door again and press the start/reload (play/pause) button;
- remove some clothing items if needed and push the door closed;
- alternatively switch the machine off and on, set the programme and start again.
Whirlpool DLO — 1 check
- Check for items directly under the lid and for detergent buildup around the lid lock mechanism.
Whirlpool F22 — 3 checks
- Make sure the door is completely shut with no clothing or shipping material blocking the latch;
- clean detergent/softener buildup around the door lock;
- avoid very large loads.
Whirlpool F5E1 — 1 check
- Close the door fully and remove anything (clothing, shipping material) blocking the door switch.
Whirlpool F5E2 — 2 checks
- Check the lid lock area and remove any objects;
- verify no clothing is in the way.
Whirlpool F5E3 — 1 check
- Power-cycle the washer (unplug or disconnect power for 5 minutes), then restart the cycle.
Whirlpool LDL — 1 check
- Check for items directly under the lid and for detergent buildup around the lid lock mechanism.
Common causes
Conditions the manufacturer support pages name for these codes.
- The door or lid not being closed or latched correctly LG DE2, Whirlpool DLO, Whirlpool F22, Whirlpool LDL
- Buildup or debris around the door latch or lock Whirlpool DLO, Whirlpool F22, Whirlpool LDL
- An unbalanced or overloaded load LG DE2
When to call a professional
What the manufacturer support pages say about escalating each code.
- If the code cannot be corrected, or if there is damage to the door or latch, request service. Samsung D5, Samsung DE, Samsung DE2
- If the lid still will not lock, service is needed. Whirlpool DLO, Whirlpool F5E2, Whirlpool LDL
- If the code cannot be corrected, or if there is damage to the Add Door or latch, request service. Samsung DC3, Samsung DDC
- If dE persists despite there being no obstructions, request service as a detailed inspection is required. LG DE
- If the dE2/E30 error code persists, request service. LG DE2
- If the locking mechanism is damaged or the dL error continues, request service for a detailed inspection. LG DL
- If the door still will not lock, service is needed. Whirlpool F22
- If the code returns after these checks, schedule service with a qualified technician. Whirlpool F5E1
- If the code returns after a reset, schedule service. Whirlpool F5E3
The support page for Bosch E16 does not add separate escalation advice.
Regional differences
These codes are described separately for the United States and the United Kingdom.
Samsung DDC
United States: Add Door error - the Add Door is not detected as closed and locked.
United Kingdom: The Add Door was opened without pressing Start/Pause.
Samsung DE2
United States: Door error - the door is not detected as closed and locked.
United Kingdom: On/Off switch error.
LG DE
United States: The washer door is not closed properly - often because laundry is caught between the door and the rubber door gasket.
United Kingdom: Door error: occurs when the washing machine door is open.
Official sources
- Samsung washing machine information and error codes
- LG Front Load Washer - Error Code List(New)
- [LG Top Load Washer] Error Code List
- Bosch Washer Error Codes
- dLO - Error Code
- F22 - Front Load Washer
- F5E1 - Error Code
- F5E2 - Error Code
- F5E3 - Error Code
- LdL - Error Code
Every explanation on this page follows the manufacturer support page for the code it comes from.
If you see water on the floor, smell burning, or the official page says to call service, stop and contact the manufacturer or a qualified technician.