What should I do if my washing machine door won't lock?

When a front-load residential washing machine door refuses to latch and lock shut, preventing the cycle from starting, the issue is typically caused by a jammed door hook, a broken door interlock switch assembly, or an obstruction in the latch opening. First, inspect the plastic latch hook on the door to ensure it is not bent or loose. Second, check the strike hole on the front panel for trapped lint, coins, or debris. Third, perform a hard power reset by unplugging the unit for two minutes. You can troubleshoot door locks easily using a multimeter to test electrical continuity across the switch terminals. You can verify that your corrective action is successful when clearing latch obstructions or replacing a faulty door lock assembly allows the door to click shut securely and initiates the wash cycle.