hotpoint wd420 door handle broke?

I know this was a while ago, but for anyone else:

I'm no expert, so follow these instructions at your own risk. I haven't had a problem, but if you break the machine or get electrocuted, don't blame me.

Disconnect the machine from the mains, and leave it for a few minutes.

At the top of the back of the machine, there are two screws holding the top lid of the machine. Undo them.

Lift the back of the lid up slightly, taking care not to break the clips at either side.

Whack the front of the lid quite hard, with the heel of your hand, so as to push the lid backwards along the machine. This should eventually release it, so you can pull it right off. It might take a few whacks.

The locking mechanism is inside the front of the machine, behind the door handle. It's a white plastic box attached to the inside wall.

You'll see a small metal hook just poking out of the plastic.

Use some kind of tool to slide the hook sideways. If you're standing in front of the machine, looking at it, it needs to be moved leftwards.

It takes a fair bit of effort, but it should eventually ping sideways and release the door.

Open the door, and take a look at the door handle's mechanism. Mine had broken, and that's why the machine wouldn't open.

David
September 2010