I have a Hotpoint first edition washing machine, after removing the door to change broken latch, I cannot put door back on because the plate inside that's needed for the hingd screw's to catch hold of has fallen down, I have looked under the machine but it's not there and I don't know where else it could of fallen, someone please help me by suggesting where might be. Thank you. Lorraine Malpass.

The door latch may have broken. You can sometimes open the door from the inside. You will know the door latch is broken if the door handle is floppy. If the door handle is not floppy - then the issue is probably with the door interlock. This is the electronic part that prevents the door from being opened during and after the wash has finished.
Either way - you'll need to get the door open.
To do this, unplug the washing machine from the mains and then move it out from where it is. Tip the washing machine to a 45 degree angle. Don't tip it over 45 degrees as you may break internal parts.
You need two people to do this - one person hold the machine at 45 degrees angle, whilst the other person puts their hand up into the machine - you should be able to feel the door catch mechanism and depending on the model, open the door that way. Sometimes the manufacturer has helpfully put a manual release inside - and sometimes they don't.
If you aren't able to open the door using that method. Get a length of strong string and poke the middle section of the string into the gap between the washer door and the machine body - to the right of the door handle. Use a flat headed screw drive to push the string into the gap, all the way around the door, so that you end up with the two ends of the string on the left hand side of the door. Now have someone put the ends of the string whilst the other person pulls the door handle. If the string is pushed in far enough it will release the door latch and the door will open. It takes a bit of persistence to get it right.
Once you have the door opened you can usually replace either the interlock mechanism or the door latch itself. Parts are easily available online from sites like espares and yourspares.

Hi.

The door latch is probably broken. Emergency opening can be done accessing the door latch from the inside of the washer assembly.

Before attempting an emergency opening, disconnect power cord and empty water inside the machine through the filter located at the bottom front side of the machine.

After removing water connect back the machine and try opening again.

If that does not work, then the machine must be disassembled. Most models have an emergency cable located on the inside of the door latch. Pulling the cable will release the latch.
The inside of the door latch is reached either from filter housing or from top of the machine. Either the filter (usually held by screws) or the top panel must be removed to access the inside of the lock mechanism.
Power must be kept off while doing maintenance. Due to the safety issues involved the door latch emergency opening and repair must be done by a trained technician.

Regards.

Ginko

Since the door is broken try to break the latch, without damaging the rest of the machine. Will need a screwdriver and drill, to remove the plastic door. Don't drill into any glass or metal.

A new door will need to be sourced.

Tilt the washer back, and you will be able to retrieve the back plate from the bottom of the washer.
To refit it, you will have remove the front of the door seal from the cabinet front.

Make sure there is no water left inside washer.
If it still will not open, then you need to remove the top cover, and release the door manually from inside at the front where the door latches in.
Can be caused by the belt being off the pulley,or a broken ****** assy.

Hi,
Never reach inside the washing machine with it connected to the mains. The door interlock is always live.
There are several reasons why a Hotpoint door could be jammed shut.
•A broken door catch or door frame where the door catch screws in (they are rubbish on many Hotpoints - always breaking) you can sometimes get the door open if you push the door firmly in as you open it
•If there is water still inside the washing machine, then the door wont open either on these Hotpoint washing machines (not on some others though) If this is the case, when you try to open the door the ****** won't try to move down at all. You can open the door usually if you drain the machine. (only applicable with door interlocks that have a rubber pressure hose attached to them)
•A faulty door interlock
•The pressure chamber can be blocked on some earlier Hotpoint washing machines which gives the same effect as having water in the machine. Basically the washer "thinks" there is water in when there isn't. This would require the washing machine being stripped down to remove and clean the pressure chamber bottle. This cause is only applicable to washing machines where a small rubber hose is connected to the door interlock. This hose allows the door mechanism to be locked and unlocked by air pressure activated by water rising inside the pressure chamber bottle attached at the other end on the tub. Gunge can block the very small aperture where the pressure hose fits to the pressure chamber bottle.
Thanks for contacting fixya.com

Remove the top cover, and release the door catch from inside the washer, you will probably need a screwdriver or similar to do do this.
You will need to replace the door catch and spring, and possibly the door lock, as it may break when you force the door open.
Please rate my solution.
Thanks.

Unplug at the mains, remove lid and door catch can be released from inside the machine.

Its a ***** of a design. Mine is a Hotpoint Aquarius 1200 WD62. If you cant get the backing plate then get someone to tilt the machine right back and you can put your hand under to get it out. Then take the top off the machine(3 screws at the back). Then slide your soap tray right out,(put it to one side) you will then see 4 screws (Which hold in the other tray that holds the soap tray) take these out, you will then need to remove this white plastic tray to get your hand down the machine to reach the place were the backing plate goes. Once u have taken the screws out slide the soap tray holder to the left or right (can't remember) it will then come loose. You will then need to slide it back to lift it out the way (No need to take the pipes off the back of it) you may need to push the whole drum back at the same time you are pushing back the soap holder (Be gentle but it will come out). The holder should then lift up out the way, you can now get your hand down to hold the back plate on whilst you get a helper to affix the door. Make sure backing plate is on the right way, the screws will only go in one way (Check which way b4 u put it down into place). Then go backwards on all steps to put machine back together. This sounds like a load of **** but it worked for me and took about 15 minutes. Good luck!!

The interlock has jammed, first try gently pushing the door frame on the latch side of the door and then hit the outer door frame with your fist, not too hard but a reasonable bang this may release the door, if this works spray a lubricant into the latch hole in the panel, open and close the door a few times before reusing, if this fails then you have to force the door open, the best way is to remove the lid and manouver the door lock from the inside, either the lock or the latck will eventually break, this is unavoidable, then replace the interlock and any other broken part.

Regards
Advisor