Have Whirlpool Duet Steam, went to "add a garment" at appropriate time. Now machine won't restart and won't unlock. Let's me select cycle, then makes a strange noise and starts blinking red lights. No error code... and no way to unlock. Soaking wet clothes are sitting in washer.

There is no output from the control panel to switch on the inlet valve, so check the inlet valve at this time of the cycle. Also check the water level pressure sensor switch.
Choose another program to confirm if not the controller seems to be suspect.

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Here is a few things to check before you do a manual opening of the door
You may have already done these steps but please try this again in this order ok?

Check to see if the "Add a Garment" light is lit on the Duet's display. The light will only be on during the first eight minutes of a washer cycle, when the function is usable.
Press the "Pause/Cancel" button once to pause the washing cycle and unlock the door.Press the Press the "Pause/Cancel" button twice to cancel the wash cycle if the "Add a Garment" light is not illuminated. THIS IS A BIGGIE HERE (Wait for the water to drain. The door unlocks once enough water has drained to enable you to safely open the washer door NOW IF THESE STILL DO NOT WORK THEN HERE IS HOW TO MANUALLY OPEN THE DOOR
UNPLUG THE MACHINE
Remove the three screws securing the lower toe panel to the washing machine. The lower toe panel is the small rectangular panel underneath the washer's front door. Pull the panel off the washer once the three screws are removed.Reach up into the front panel of the washer. Feel for the teardrop-shaped tab in the washer's door latch assembly.Pull down on the tab until you hear a click. The click is the sound of the door unlocking.

April 8 2002 DIV 26 SOURCE 110 KENMORE ELITE HE3 & HET WASHERS "ADD-A-GARMENT" INDICATOR LIGHT ON DOOR WON'T UNLOCK WHEN PAUSE/CANCEL BUTTON IS DEPRESSED.

MODELS: See additional page for Kenmore model numbers

COMPLAINT: Due to a Microcomputer Machine Control software error , the ADD-A-GARMENT feature becomes inoperative.

CORRECTION: The Microcomputer Machine Control must be replaced with a service part that has been reprogrammed to prevent ADD-A-GARMENT feature loss.

PARTS: Order electronic control listed on this service flash by model from Division 26 , Source 110 following normal ordering procedure.

MERCHANDISE CODES: WASHER Service Flash - Model Nurnbers for: Kenmore Elite HE3 & HE3t Washers: "ADD-A-GARMENT" indicator light on door won't unlock when Pause/Cancel button is depressed. Kenmore models with serial Numbers beginning with CSL23 through CSM04 11042822200 11042824200 11042826200 11042832200 11042834200 11042836200 11042922200 11042924200 11042926200 11042932200 11042934200 11042936200 Electronic conrrol p/n 8181900 Electronic control p/n 8181899



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There is no minimum load requirement - it just means you can add a garment or garments if you wish.

just a shot in the dark here but have you unplugged it and let it set for a hr or so and see it that resets everything . hope this helps.

Press and hold "end of cycle" button for 3 seconds, on the right side of panel. Wait for 2 minutes before trying the door. This is the child lock feature, do it again & it locks.

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I don't know if this is a real solution but it wokred for me. I just unplugged it for about 10 minutes and then plugged it back in. The flashing stopped and I was then able to resume normal function.

Do you have any error codes?

Does water remain in the washer after the final spin?
If water remains in the washer after the final spin, then the door will not unlock. Drain/Spin or Spin Only to remove any remaining water from the washer. The door should unlock at the end of the cycle.
Is the door locked and the Add A Garment light on?
If the Add A Garment light is on, then the washer door will unlock after the Pause/Cancel button is pressed once. Pressing the Start button will restart the washer at the same point where it left off in the cycle.
Is the door locked and the Add A Garment light off?
If the Add A Garment light is off, then the washer door will unlock after the Pause/Cancel button is pressed twice. The door will not immediately unlock while the cycle is running due to a possible high-water level in the washer, high-water temperature, tumbling or spinning. It may take up to five minutes for the washer to stop spinning and draining before the door will unlock. You will hear the door click when it unlocks.
If Pause/Cancel does not work:

1. Unplug washer or disconnect power for one minute.
2. Plug in washer or reconnect power.
3. Re-select the cycle and press Start.

NOTE: If the error remains on the display, call for service.

Does water remain in the washer after the final spin?
If water remains in the washer after the final spin, then the door will not unlock. Drain/Spin or Spin Only to remove any remaining water from the washer. The door should unlock at the end of the cycle.
Is the door locked and the Add A Garment light on?
If the Add A Garment light is on, then the washer door will unlock after the Pause/Cancel button is pressed once. Pressing the Start button will restart the washer at the same point where it left off in the cycle.
Is the door locked and the Add A Garment light off?
If the Add A Garment light is off, then the washer door will unlock after the Pause/Cancel button is pressed twice. The door will not immediately unlock while the cycle is running due to a possible high-water level in the washer, high-water temperature, tumbling or spinning. It may take up to five minutes for the washer to stop spinning and draining before the door will unlock. You will hear the door click when it unlocks.

try unplugging for a few min adn replug see igf that clears the computer, you didinbt by chance force the door open to addd a garment didi you??? if so the door lock has probalby beed compromised