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Unveil the secret: how to unlock your speed queen washer’s true potential

Rob is a seasoned home improvement writer with over 15 years of experience researching and recommending products for the home. Prior to starting Nurturing Homeaid, he wrote extensively for This Old House magazine and has been featured as a home expert on several TV and radio programs. An avid DIY-er,...

What To Know

  • A power outage can cause the washer to lock, even if it was not running at the time.
  • If the washer remains locked after the cycle, try pressing the “Door Lock” button to release the lock.
  • If the washer remains locked after it has stopped, try pressing the “Door Lock” button to release the lock.

If you’re facing a locked Speed Queen washer, don’t panic! Unlocking it is a straightforward process that you can easily handle yourself. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you step-by-step through the various methods to unlock your Speed Queen washer, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free laundry experience.

Why is My Speed Queen Washer Locked?

There are several reasons why your Speed Queen washer may be locked:

  • Door safety lock: This lock engages automatically when the washer is in operation to prevent accidental opening.
  • Cycle lock: The washer may lock during certain cycles, such as the spin cycle, to prevent injury or damage.
  • Child lock: This optional feature can be activated to prevent children from accidentally starting or stopping the washer.
  • Power outage: A power outage can cause the washer to lock, even if it was not running at the time.

How to Unlock Speed Queen Washer without Power

In the event of a power outage, you can unlock your Speed Queen washer manually:

1. Locate the emergency release lever: It’s usually a small, red or orange lever located near the bottom of the washer.
2. Pull the lever: Firmly pull the lever towards you to release the door lock.
3. Open the door: Once the door is unlocked, it should swing open easily.

How to Unlock Speed Queen Washer with Power

If your washer has power but is still locked, follow these steps:

1. Press the “Pause/Cancel” button: This button will stop the current cycle and unlock the door.
2. Wait a few minutes: Allow the washer to cool down for a few minutes before attempting to open the door.
3. Open the door: Once the washer has cooled, the door should unlock automatically. If not, try pressing the “Door Lock” button to release the lock.

How to Unlock Speed Queen Washer with Child Lock

If the child lock feature is activated, you can disable it by:

1. Locate the child lock button: It’s usually located on the washer’s control panel.
2. Hold down the button: Press and hold the child lock button for several seconds, typically 3-5 seconds.
3. Release the button: Once the child lock is disabled, the door should unlock.

How to Unlock Speed Queen Washer with Cycle Lock

During certain cycles, such as the spin cycle, the washer will automatically lock to prevent injury or damage. To unlock the washer:

1. Wait for the cycle to finish: The washer will unlock automatically once the cycle is complete.
2. Press the “Door Lock” button: If the washer remains locked after the cycle, try pressing the “Door Lock” button to release the lock.

How to Unlock Speed Queen Washer with Door Safety Lock

The door safety lock engages automatically when the washer is in operation. To unlock it:

1. Wait for the washer to stop: The washer will unlock automatically once it has stopped running.
2. Press the “Door Lock” button: If the washer remains locked after it has stopped, try pressing the “Door Lock” button to release the lock.

Tips for Preventing Washer Lockouts

  • Keep the washer door closed: Always close the washer door securely after loading or unloading laundry.
  • Disable the child lock: If you don’t have young children, disable the child lock feature to prevent accidental lockouts.
  • Check for power outages: If the power goes out, manually unlock the washer using the emergency release lever.
  • Contact customer support: If you’re unable to unlock your washer using the methods described above, contact Speed Queen customer support for assistance.

FAQ

Q: Why is my Speed Queen washer door locked even after the cycle is finished?
A: The washer may remain locked if the door safety lock is engaged. Wait a few minutes for the washer to cool down and try pressing the “Door Lock” button.

Q: How do I unlock my Speed Queen washer if the emergency release lever is missing?
A: If the emergency release lever is missing, you can contact Speed Queen customer support for assistance. They may be able to provide you with alternative unlocking methods.

Q: Can I unlock my Speed Queen washer with a screwdriver?
A: It’s generally not recommended to use a screwdriver to unlock your washer, as it could damage the appliance. Use the methods described in this guide instead.

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Rob Sanders

Rob is a seasoned home improvement writer with over 15 years of experience researching and recommending products for the home. Prior to starting Nurturing Homeaid, he wrote extensively for This Old House magazine and has been featured as a home expert on several TV and radio programs. An avid DIY-er, Rob takes pride in testing out the latest tools and gadgets to see how they can make home projects easier. When it comes to heating systems, he's evaluated over 50 different furnace and boiler models over the years. Rob founded Nurturing Homeaid with his business partner Jim in 2020 to provide homeowners with genuine product recommendations they can trust. In his free time, Rob enjoys remodeling old homes with his family and traveling to visit architectural landmarks across the country. He holds a bachelor's degree in Journalism from Syracuse University.
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