Door bolt failed to throw

Clear the door boot of a sock or shirt tail that keeps the door from drawing tight enough to catch
Ohm the lock actuator coil and expect a few hundred up to about fifteen hundred ohms, not open
Trace the lock loom back to the board hunting for a crushed or melted conductor
A motor that whirs while the bolt never travels has stripped its gear, and the lock is renewed whole
Pro Diagnostic Tip
On these Whirlpool-platform 110-prefix Kenmores the door lock throws a motorized bolt, and a whir with no clunk means the little gear inside has stripped its teeth. When that happens the bolt never travels, so the whole lock assembly gets replaced as a unit rather than trying to rebuild the gear.
Repair Difficulty
Moderate — Some Experience NeededEstimated Repair Cost
$100–$225
Parts + labor. Free diagnosis with repair.
Parts That May Need Replacement
Bearing puller set ($120), drum spider wrench ($85), multimeter ($85), and diagnostic software. Our technician arrives with $3,000+ in professional tools — your diagnostic is free.
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Kenmore error code dL indicates: Door bolt failed to throw. This is a medium-severity issue affecting your washer.
Clear the door boot of a sock or shirt tail that keeps the door from drawing tight enough to catch Then, Ohm the lock actuator coil and expect a few hundred up to about fifteen hundred ohms, not open Then, Trace the lock loom back to the board hunting for a crushed or melted conductor There are 1 more steps — see the full troubleshooting guide above. This repair typically requires professional tools and expertise.
Besides the error code on the display, common signs include: The cycle refuses to start; The panel insists the door is open with it plainly shut; A rapid clicking from the lock housing. If you notice any of these symptoms, check your washer's display panel for error code dL.
Repair costs for Kenmore dL typically range from $100 to $225 depending on the specific cause and parts needed. EasyBear offers free diagnosis when you proceed with the repair. Call (415) 795-7300 for a same-day appointment.