Zanussi washing machine door interlock

[Observer]

URGENT - PLEASE HELP IF POSSIBLE

We have a Zannussi FJ1093 washing machine. It is quite old (8 years maybe) but we have kept it covered under a breakdown insurance policy.

The door interlock mechanism has broken so we can't open the door at the end of a cycle. The handle feels 'wrong' as though something is broken inside. Called for service but no availability until 31 December when we are away on holiday. Desperately need to get something sorted before then.

How can I get access to the drum to remove clothes in there?

Also is there a way of bypassing the interlock mewchanism so we can continue to use machine until it can be repaired.

 

[Observer]

URGENT - PLEASE HELP IF POSSIBLE

We have a Zannussi FJ1093 washing machine. It is quite old (8 years maybe) but we have kept it covered under a breakdown insurance policy.

The door interlock mechanism has broken so we can't open the door at the end of a cycle. The handle feels 'wrong' as though something is broken inside. Called for service but no availability until 31 December when we are away on holiday. Desperately need to get something sorted before then.

How can I get access to the drum to remove clothes in there?

Also is there a way of bypassing the interlock mewchanism so we can continue to use machine until it can be repaired.

Found this thread and tried the lenghth of string solution. It worked a treat to bypass the interlock. The plastic catch is broken so I need a replacement.

Fantastic resource this forum. Many thanks to Snowflake99.