How to Replace MFG63099101 Washer Door Lock Strike on LG Kenmore — Step-by-Step

Your LG washer door won't close all the way. You push it, hear a click, but the control panel won't start the cycle. The culprit? That little plastic strike plate on the door frame has cracked or broken off completely. One frustrated repair tech even told a customer they couldn't get the part and it was backordered — which turned out to be completely wrong. The MFG63099101 door lock strike is readily available and takes about 20 minutes to swap out yourself.

What You Need Before Starting

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

• Phillips head screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver (for prying if needed)
• Your replacement MFG63099101 strike

Repair Time: 15-30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy

This repair works for dozens of LG front-load washers including the WM3050CW, WM3170CW, WM3500CW, WM3700HVA, and WM3770HWA models.

Safety First

Unplug your washer before starting. The door lock assembly connects to electrical components, and while you're only replacing the strike plate, you don't want the machine trying to lock while your hands are near the mechanism. Takes five seconds to pull the plug — worth it.

Step 1: Open the Door and Locate the Strike

Open your washer door completely. Look at the door frame (not the door itself) where the locking mechanism catches. You'll see a small plastic piece — that's your door strike. On most LG models, it's held in with one or two screws. If yours broke off completely, you might just see the screw holes.

Step 2: Remove the Old Strike Plate

Use your Phillips screwdriver to remove the mounting screws. Sometimes the plastic breaks but leaves pieces behind. Use your flathead screwdriver to carefully pry out any remaining fragments. Clean the mounting area with a dry cloth — you want a smooth surface for the new strike.

Step 3: Install the New MFG63099101 Strike

Position your new strike plate in the mounting holes. The curved side should face into the washer, matching where the door lock's tongue will catch it. Start both screws by hand, then tighten them firmly with your screwdriver. Don't overtighten — these go into plastic housing and you can strip them out.

Step 4: Test the Door Latch

Before you plug everything back in, close the door slowly and listen. You should hear a solid click as the lock engages with your new strike. Open and close it five times. Each time should feel identical — smooth close, firm click, no wiggling.

Step 5: Run a Test Cycle

Plug your washer back in. Close the door and start a rinse cycle. The control panel should recognize the closed door immediately and let you start. If you see a door error code, open and close the door again — sometimes it needs one more full latch to reset the sensor.

Testing After Installation

Run a complete wash cycle to be sure. The door should stay locked throughout the entire cycle, especially during the high-speed spin. Check halfway through — give the door a gentle tug. It shouldn't budge. If it opens or feels loose, your strike might not be positioned quite right. Recheck that the curved side faces inward and the screws are snug.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this fix a "door error" message on my LG washer?

Yes, if the error is caused by a broken strike preventing proper latching. If your strike looks intact but you're still getting door errors, the problem might be the actual door lock assembly on the other side, not the strike plate.

Do I need to remove the front panel or door boot to replace this?

Nope. That's what makes this repair so quick. The strike plate mounts right on the visible door frame. You literally open the door, see it, and replace it. No disassembly required.

My door closes but won't start — is this the right part?

Check if the door actually latches or just closes. Push the door and listen for a click. If there's no click or the door doesn't feel locked, your strike is likely broken. If it clicks but still won't start, you might need the door lock assembly itself (the part that catches the strike), not just the strike plate.