FixByModel
E42

Frigidaire E42: Door stays locked after cycle

The door remained locked after the wash cycle finished. Often it is simply water still in the drum, but a worn latch or wiring fault can also keep the lock engaged.

DIY fix

By the FixByModel editorial team · Verified 2026-09 · Researched against manufacturer support & repair references (below)

Most likely causes

  1. Water still in the drum preventing the safety unlock
  2. Worn wax motor or microswitch in the door-lock assembly
  3. Damaged wiring to the door lock
  4. Faulty control board
Before you start — unplug the appliance and turn off the water supply. You'll be working near water and electrical parts, and drained water can be hot. If a step involves the pump, wiring, or opening the cabinet and you're unsure, stop and call a qualified technician.

Step-by-step fix

1Run drain and spinStart a drain and spin cycle to empty any remaining water, which often releases the lock.
2Reset powerUnplug the washer for a minute, then restore power to let the lock reset.
3Manual releaseIf it stays locked, use the emergency release tab behind the lower kickplate to open the door.
4Replace the latchIf the lock keeps sticking, replace the door-lock assembly; call a technician if the board is suspect.

Still showing E42?

If you’ve worked through every step and E42 keeps returning, an internal part likely needs testing and replacement. That’s a job for a qualified appliance technician, who can measure the suspect part against the service-manual spec before replacing it.

Which models this applies to

Frigidaire washing machines. Front-load models (Affinity, Gallery, Professional)

FAQ

What does Frigidaire E42 mean?

Door stays locked after cycle. The door remained locked after the wash cycle finished. Often it is simply water still in the drum, but a worn latch or wiring fault can also keep the lock engaged.

What causes Frigidaire E42?

The most likely cause is water still in the drum preventing the safety unlock. Other causes include Worn wax motor or microswitch in the door-lock assembly; Damaged wiring to the door lock; Faulty control board.

Can I fix Frigidaire E42 myself?

Usually yes. Start by working through the steps above, beginning with: start a drain and spin cycle to empty any remaining water, which often releases the lock.