If the Electrolux ELFW7637 will not start because of the door, its LED gives a message. CLOSE DOOR means the door is not closed, so close it firmly; CLEAr door means the washer detected something trapped between the door and the door gasket, and Electrolux says to press Cancel to unlock the door, remove the trapped item, close the door and restart the cycle. Electrolux's owner-support article for error code E42 covers a door lock device failure, which is a lock that cannot engage or release even with a clear door. Also confirm the Control Lock is off, because a locked control panel stops cycles running.
Differential
Likely causes of “Electrolux ELFW7637 front-load washer will not start because the door or lid will not lock”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
The door is not closed
What separates it CLOSE DOOR shows on the LED because the door is not closed
How to confirm Close it firmly and press Start, and check the LED
- 2
Something trapped in the gasket
What separates it CLEAr door shows because something is trapped in the gasket
How to confirm Press Cancel, remove the item and close the door
- 3
Control Lock is on
What separates it The control lock icon shows and no cycle runs
How to confirm Turn Control Lock off from the options, and start again
- 4
A door lock device failure
What separates it E42 shows because of a door lock device failure
How to confirm Contact Electrolux service, since a door lock device failure needs a technician
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The message that the LED shows
- Whether anything is in the gasket
- Whether Control Lock is switched on
Try in this order
0 of 5 completedRead the LED
ReversibleRead the LED, which will show CLOSE DOOR, CLEAr door or an E code, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Close the door
ReversibleClose the door firmly, until it latches, and then press Start, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Clear the gasket
ReversibleClear the gasket, and remove any trapped item from the door seal, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Check Control Lock
ReversibleCheck Control Lock, by scrolling to the option and pressing Select to unlock, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Call service for E42
ReversibleCall service for E42, and have the model and the serial number ready, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Control Lock
- To lock the controls between cycles scroll to the control lock option and press Select; the control lock icon shows on the LED display. To unlock scroll to the option again and press Select. Electrolux says it reduces the likelihood of accidental operation by children, and that washer cycles will not run when control lock is activated, so a washer that does nothing may simply be locked.
- Touch screen consoles
- On the touch screen style console Electrolux says the action of pressing Start/Pause may not be recognized unless you press with a bare fingertip. Gloves, wet fingers or a film of cleaner can make the console seem dead. The light next to Start/Pause flashes when the unit is paused; press Start/Pause to continue the cycle.
- Door area care
- Dry around the door opening, the gasket and the door glass so that the sealing area stays clean and the door closes fully. Lint and residue trapped in the gasket fold are a common reason the washer reads the door as not closed or reports something trapped, so wipe the fold with a dry towel at the end of each wash and check for small items such as socks or hairpins before closing the door.
- Parts for this problem on the ELFW7637 (RepairClinic, 2026-09-20)
- door lock switch, part number 5304514774, at $79.94; handle, assembly, drawer, w/ overlay, part number 5304529889, at $84.43; door boot seal, part number 140004669044, at $100.68.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit the ELFW7537 front-load washer, EFLS627 front-load washer, EFLS617 front-load washer, EFLW317 front-load washer.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If E42 appears, contact Electrolux service with the model and serial number
- !If the hinge or latch is damaged, stop using the washer
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Electrolux's own owner-support article titles.
Parts and list prices as shown on RepairClinic's parts search for this model number on 2026-09-20.
Exact questions
Common questions
What does CLOSE DOOR mean?+
The door is open; the unit will not operate with the door open.
Will Control Lock stop a cycle?+
Yes; cycles will not run while control lock is activated.
Where is the model number?+
On the serial plate; Electrolux's manual asks you to record it.
Can lint stop the door closing?+
Yes; dry the gasket and clear the fold.
Who repairs it?+
An authorized Electrolux service technician repairs it.
How do I stop mildew at the gasket?+
Wipe the gasket fold at the end of each wash, and use door stand ventilation for a few hours.
How do I press the touch controls?+
Press Start or Pause with a bare fingertip, since the touch console may not read a fingernail.