Ge front loading washer door won't unlock

I had the same problem. I didn't want to spend the money or go to the trouble of replacing the whole latch assembly with the GE latch repair kit.
I found that the plastic latch piece screwed to the door had broken and one of the two latch "fingers" was stuck in one of the latch openings on the washer. I fixed the problem by removing the broken part from the washer and drilling and countersinking very small holes (1/16" I think) in the plastic latch piece on either side of the "latch finger". I then put the broken off piece back in place and drillled pilot holes for #4 sheet metal screws in the door where the latch is located. The door liner is plastic and I think I used a 1/32 inch drill bit. I reattached the broken latch piece with two 1/2 inch stainles steel #4 flat head phillips screws from Home Depot. The screws hold the broken latch piece in place as orinilally positioned.
The repair is working fine and the door now latches like it did before the latch part broke


Or: http://www.appliancepartspros.com/part_details.aspx?image=0&part_id=2045520&pn_=WH10X10002 Same part cost $200 direct from GE
Read more: http://forum.appliancepartspros.com/washer-repair/8379-ge-washer-front-loader-door-wont-stay-latched.html#ixzz1LmNUKfTN
http://forum.appliancepartspros.com

Some machines do this when the power is cut, there should be what looks like a screw heat on the front of the handle which will allow you to unlock the door and open it. If there is still water inside you will need to empty the machine first. There is usually a hatch at the bottom of the unit, open this hatch and you will find a cap to unscrew, unscrewing this cap will empty the contents of the machine onto your floor so be prepared!!!!!