A Samsung washer showing FL or 1FL tried to lock the door and could not confirm the lock. The washer stops because it will not run a cycle with a door that may open.
These steps apply to Samsung front-load and top-load washers with electronic displays and door/lid lock sensing.
Does this affect you?
FL is usually caused by the door not being fully closed, laundry pressing against the door, debris in the latch, a cracked latch, a loose connector, or a failed door-lock assembly.
Close the door firmly and reset the washer
- Open the door completely, then close it firmly until it clicks.
- Remove laundry or a sock caught in the door opening or gasket.
- Reduce an overloaded drum so clothes are not pushing against the door.
- Press Power, unplug the washer for about five minutes, then reconnect it.
- Start a cycle and watch whether the lock engages normally.
Inspect the latch and door lock assembly
If the door closes but FL returns, inspect the parts that physically meet.
- Look at the latch on the door and the strike opening on the machine.
- Clear detergent residue, lint, or debris with a dry cloth or soft brush.
- Close the door slowly and watch whether the latch lines up squarely.
- If the latch is cracked or bent, it must be replaced before the washer will lock reliably.
Unplug the washer before checking wiring or moving it. Do not work near the power cord while pulling the washer out, and do not force the door closed harder and harder; that can damage the latch or hinge.
Check for a loose connection or failed lock
- A loose door-lock connector can cause FL even when the latch looks fine.
- Reaching the connector usually requires panel removal, so many owners should stop here and call service.
- A lock assembly can fail electrically by not reporting locked even though it clicks.
- Less often, the main control board misreads a good lock signal.
If FL happened once after a power flicker or a bad door close and clears after a reset, there may be nothing else to fix. If it returns, have the door lock assembly and board signal tested.
Sources
- Samsung – Washing Machine Error Code FL / Door Lock (2025)
- Samsung – Washer Door Won’t Lock Troubleshooting (2025)
- Samsung – Washing Machine Error Code Guide (2024)