Given all the talk on here lately about these, I think it's time for some useful information on this subject.

These machines have two different types of door catch/lock:



This is Frigidaire part number 131279000, and was fitted up until about 2001 - they were originally white, but subsequently changed to black (apparently a different grade of plastic). Its matching door lock is 131269401, which I will go into in a little more detail shortly.


This is Frigidaire part number 131763300, fitted on the newer models. Its matching door lock is 131763200.




Now, this is where it gets interesting. The "old" door lock 131269401 is no longer manufactured.
If you try to order it, you'll get Frigidaire part number 131888900...






This is a conversion kit for older machines. Follow the instructions that come with it and you'll be OK. It includes the new style catch 131763300. Note that the instructions tell you to pull the rubber boot back slightly for installation - it is possible to fit the new lock without doing this.

Some older machines may have already had this kit fitted (I did several), but parts lists either with the machine or online may still point to the old style parts. Visually check what type you have before ordering. Bear in mind that you MUST change the lower counterweight, even though it's a PITA - the new style lock is "fatter" than the old one, and the counterweight is slimmed down to accommodate it.

One other word - the plastic door catches are NOT interchangable. If you change the lock, you MUST change the catch. Similarly, only use the old-style catch with the original lock. It is possible to get the new catch into the old lock, but getting it back out is another matter altogether......

Here endeth today's lesson

Good Lesson Mad Mac!

I will make it as Important!

Jake

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Hi

Can you tell me what to do when the door locks and will not open? I shut it last night, ran a load and it will not open, I ran a final spin to try again, I unpluged and still I am not having any luck.. Thank you

Dr. Kildrum

Hi,

Well, after or during you haveused choice cuss words at it, Get a hammer, pry bar, and a 6 pack, and your set to go!!!

Just kidding, but sometimes you feel like thats what you wanna do!

Yesterday i had a Maytag front loader with the door locked and would not open, But on the Maytag tech. sheets, there is a series of codes that you have to follow to isolate the door latch assembly, and energize/de-energize it, which i got it opened after i did that, but i had to order a new latch assembly to solve the problem.

But on the Frigidaire/Kenmore front loaders, there is not a series of codes to do that. The only way that i know is just pull hard, the door strike will probably break, but its only a $5.00 part. Then you would need a new door latch assembly, due to its malfunction in not letting the door unlock after the power/cycle is off.

Jake

__________________
Appliance Repair School 1987-1988
Star Appliance Tech. 2 yrs. 1988-1990
Wards Appliance Tech. 11 yrs. 1990-2001
Sears Appliance Tech. 4 yrs. 2001-Oct. 2005
Jake's Appliance Repair Nov. 2005-present

If you need more repair advice help on your appliance, click Here

Look-Up & Order Parts

Shop Home Appliances

I have a Frigidaire Gallery Line Front loader washer model #FWT647GH with a door lock problem. You describe "old" and "new" versions using the different door locks. If my unit has a white latch, is it definitely the older model and, thus, needing the conversion kit?

Not necessarily. Only sure way is to check the profile of the two catches as shown above.

Mad Mac wrote: ...or by looking it up by models number.

BTW. "FWT647GH" does NOT look to be a complete model number.

JFYI

Dan O.
Appliance411.com
The Appliance Information Site
=D~~~~~~

It is the white one, as pictured in this thread. So, I should be able to simply install the new version latch , right?

Dan O. wrote: Generally sound advice Dan, but I'd refer you to what I said above about parts lists possibly still pointing to the old latch when the machine has been "retrofitted" with the new one.

BMSD, if the profile of yours matches the white one, then you need the new latch to match it.

Mad Mac wroteYou're right, my mistake. :?

Dan O.