How to replace the door switch on an LG washing machine

Is your LG washer door refusing to lock or stopping mid-cycle? Don’t let a faulty door switch keep you from clean clothes! Dive into our step-by-step guide with a how-to video just below, and learn how to replace the switch in no time.

Looking for the right part? Enter your appliance model number below to find the exact match and get your appliance running like new again!

The door switch on an LG washer locks the washer’s door during use and communicates the door’s status to the main control board. If the door switch is faulty, it can prevent the washer from starting or cause it to stop mid-cycle. This repair is relatively quick and easy, and with the right tools and instructions, you should be able to complete it in no time. Let’s get started and have your washer up and running smoothly again!

You can find a replacement door switch EBF61315802 here. If you need other replacement parts for your LG washer, just enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to find them. It’s that easy! Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Watch here: How To: LG/Kenmore Door Switch EBF61315802

The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. We recommend consulting your manufacturer’s documentation or contact us with any questions.

What does the door switch do?

When you start a wash cycle, the door switch engages, locking the door to prevent it from accidentally opening while the washer is in operation. This safety feature prevents any potential hazards that may arise from an open door while the drum is spinning.

The door switch communicates with the main control board, relaying information about the door’s position. This information is used for the washer to initiate or continue a cycle. If the door switch is faulty, the washer may not start at all or may stop working midway through a cycle.

Is the door switch bad?

Testing the door switch with a multimeter is a great idea before replacing it unnecessarily. Here’s a guide on how to test it:

1. Make sure that the washer is completely disconnected from the power source to avoid any risk of electric shock.
2. Set your multimeter to the resistance or continuity testing mode. Refer to the user manual of your multimeter for specific instructions on how to set it to the appropriate mode.
3. Take the two multimeter probes, one red and one black, and insert them into the corresponding ports on your multimeter. The red probe should be inserted into the port labeled “COM” or “Common,” while the black probe should be inserted into the port labeled “Ω” or “Ohms.”
4. Touch the metal tips of the multimeter probes together to check that the multimeter is working correctly. The reading on the multimeter should show near-zero resistance or indicate continuity.
5. With the door switch disconnected from the washer, touch one multimeter probe to each of the switch’s terminals. The terminals are the metal contact points where the wires connect to the switch.
6. Observe the multimeter reading. If the door switch is functioning correctly, the multimeter should display a reading close to zero resistance or indicate continuity. This indicates that the circuit is complete and the switch is working as intended.
7. If the multimeter shows infinite resistance or does not indicate continuity, it suggests that the door switch is faulty and needs to be replaced.
8. Manually activate the switch and test again. It should read open or closed depending on the position it is in. 

Tools needed

• Flathead screwdriver
• Phillips screwdriver
• Locking pliers

Safety precautions

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before attempting any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of injury from electric shock.
• Turn off the water supply at the outlet before beginning repairs to any appliance parts that hold water. Have towels ready for any residual water in the system when removing parts. 
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts, pinching hazards and debris.
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
• Take your time and don’t rush while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access the interior parts.
• Clear your workspace of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with bare wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check your user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions for your part or appliance. 
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause injury.
• Wear safety glasses when working with chemicals, dust or cleaning large debris to prevent injury. 
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time for any heating parts to cool down before working on it. 

Replacement steps

Step 1

1. Open the door of the washer and locate the door boot seal clamp. It is a circular clamp holding the boot seal in place around the door opening.
2. Use the flat screwdriver to carefully pry off the door boot seal clamp, releasing it from the groove. Set the clamp aside for later use.
3. Look at the right side of the opening where the door switch is located. Tuck the boot seal inward to create more space to work.
4. Using the Phillips screwdriver, remove the two screws that secure the door switch in place. Keep the screws in a safe place for reassembly.
5. Reach inside the opening and firmly pull out the old door switch from its position.
6. Locate the wire plug connected to the old door switch. Press the locking tab on the plug and disconnect it from the switch. Set the old switch aside.

Step 2

1. Take the new door switch and connect it to the wire harness plug. Insert the plug into the corresponding slot on the switch until it clicks and locks into place.
2. Reach inside the opening and check if the wire harness is properly positioned within the wire clamp. If the clamp is loose or detached, press it back in firmly.
3. Align the new door switch with the cutout on the washer and secure it in place using the two Phillips screws that were previously removed.

Step 3

1. Take the boot seal and position it over the door frame lip, ensuring that it is correctly aligned.
2. Make sure that the boot seal is evenly installed all around the door opening.

Step 4

1. Place the door boot seal clamp into the groove around the boot seal with the spring positioned at six o’clock.
2. Start from the top and the left side of the clamp, and press it into the groove. The spring should snap into place.
3. Use vise grip pliers to hold the end of the spring securely. Insert a flat blade screwdriver at approximately three o’clock, creating tension on the spring.
4. Pull on the spring while rotating the clamp, ensuring that it is fully installed all the way around the boot seal.
5. Release the vise grip pliers and that it is securely attached to the boot seal.
6. Pull firmly on the boot seal to make sure it stays securely in place.

Step 5

1. Close the door of the washer.
2. Plug the washer back into the power source.
3. Turn on the washer and run a test cycle to make sure that the new door switch functions properly.

Additional information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the door switch on your LG washer. 

If you still need some replacement parts, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. We offer over two million parts and most orders arrive in two business days. If you need some help with finding the right part or placing an order, you can contact our team at 1 (877) 477-7278.

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