How to Replace AGM73610701 Magnetic Door Plunger on LG Kenmore Washer — Step-by-Step

Your LG washer won't start, and the door won't fully close. You push it shut, hear a soft click, but the cycle never begins. Maybe it leaks water around the door seal during the wash. That magnetic door plunger inside the latch assembly isn't holding anymore, and it's keeping your washer from recognizing the door is secure.

The AGM73610701 magnetic door plunger is the small metal component inside your washer's door lock mechanism that signals the control board when the door is properly closed. When it fails, you'll get error codes or the washer simply won't start — even though everything else works fine.

What You Need Before Starting

This is one of the simpler washer repairs you'll tackle. Here's what to grab:

• Phillips head screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver (for prying clips)
• Work gloves (optional, but the metal edges can be sharp)
• Towel (to catch any residual water)

Estimated Time: 15-20 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Safety First

Unplug your washer completely before starting. Even though this is a mechanical part, the door lock assembly connects to electrical components. Also, open the door and let the drum air out for a few minutes — if you just ran a cycle, there might be hot water residue around the door seal.

Step 1: Access the Door Lock Assembly

Open the washer door fully. You'll see the rubber door boot (the big flexible seal). Pull the front edge of this boot back gently to expose the door lock mechanism underneath — it's usually at the 6 o'clock position on the door opening. You don't need to remove the entire boot, just fold it back enough to see the plastic housing with wires attached.

Step 2: Remove the Door Lock Housing

Look for two or three Phillips screws holding the door lock assembly in place. Remove these screws and keep them somewhere safe. Gently pull the assembly toward you — it'll slide out a couple inches. You'll see a wire harness connected to the back. Press the tab on the connector and unplug it. Now the entire assembly is free.

Step 3: Disassemble the Lock Housing

Place the lock assembly on your work surface. You'll notice it's two halves clipped together. Use your flathead screwdriver to carefully pry the clips apart — there are usually three or four around the perimeter. Once open, you'll see the internal components: a small motor mechanism, some springs, and the magnetic plunger itself. It's a cylindrical metal piece about the size of your pinky finger.

Step 4: Replace the Magnetic Plunger

Remove the old plunger by pulling it straight out of its housing. It might be stuck if there's detergent buildup — wiggle it gently. Drop your new AGM73610701 plunger into the same slot. Make sure it moves freely up and down — that's critical. If it sticks, wipe the housing with a damp cloth to remove any soap residue.

Step 5: Reassemble and Test

Snap the two halves of the door lock housing back together. You should hear definite clicks when the clips engage. Reconnect the wire harness — push it in until you hear it click. Slide the assembly back into the washer door frame and reinstall the screws. Tuck the door boot back into position.

Plug your washer back in and close the door. You should hear a solid click and possibly a small whirring sound as the lock engages. Start a rinse cycle to test — the door should lock within a few seconds and the cycle should begin normally.

Testing After Installation

Run a quick rinse and spin cycle with nothing in the drum. Listen for the door lock engaging — it should happen within 5-10 seconds of starting the cycle. Watch for leaks around the door seal during the fill stage. If water seeps out, the plunger might not be fully engaging, which means you need to check that it's seated properly and moves freely inside the housing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this fix my "dE" or "LE" error code on my LG washer?

Possibly. The "dE" error specifically means door error, and if the magnetic plunger isn't registering that the door is closed, you'll get that code. However, if the entire door lock mechanism motor has failed, you'll need to replace the complete assembly (AGM73610701 is just the plunger component). Try the plunger first since it's $15.99 versus $60+ for the full assembly.

Do I need to replace the entire door lock or just the plunger?

If your door closes but the washer doesn't recognize it's closed, just the plunger is usually the culprit. If the door won't physically latch at all, or you hear grinding noises when it tries to lock, you likely need the full door lock assembly replacement. The plunger is the wear component that fails most often.

How do I know if the plunger is bad versus the door strike?

Close the door and listen. If you hear a click but the washer still says the door is open, that's the plunger. If there's no click at all, inspect the strike plate on the door itself — that's the piece the lock grabs. It might be cracked or worn. The strike is part number 4027ED3002A if you need it, but in most cases with won't-start issues on models like the WM3270CW or WM2650HRA, it's this magnetic plunger that's worn out.