Whirlpool Dryer Loc (Lc) Code: Control Lock Is On (How to Unlock)
What the code means
Whirlpool says the Loc code means the Control Lock has been enabled, and while the control is locked the dryer will not start or operate. Control Lock is a child-safety and anti-bump feature meant to stop accidental changes to cycles or options during a load. Depending on the model, the display shows "Loc" or "Lc" (Whirlpool's HybridCare heat-pump dryers and some front-load models use either), and some models light a lock icon instead. Whirlpool's owner's manuals also note that Control Lock may switch itself on when the dryer recovers from a power failure, which is why Loc sometimes appears after an outage even though nobody touched the panel. Unlocking takes a 3-second press and hold on the right key.
Likely causes
- Control Lock was turned on, often by accident, by holding the lock key (or the dual-function key it shares) for 3 seconds
- The dryer came back from a power outage or a tripped breaker, which can enable Control Lock on some models
- On models where Control Lock shares a key with Damp Dry Signal, Steam or another option, a long press on that option locked the controls
- Less often, a stuck or damaged key on the touchpad keeps the controls from responding, so the lock can't be released
Safe DIY checks
Unplug the appliance or switch off its breaker before opening panels.
- Find the Control Lock key. It may be its own button or a second function of another key (Whirlpool lists Damp Dry Signal and Steam on dryers); look for a lock icon or the words "Control Lock" or "hold 3 sec" near a button.
- Press and hold that button itself, not the printed text below it, for 3 seconds. The display counts down 3-2-1, and when Control Lock is off, Loc or Lc clears.
- Check your owner's manual for your exact model if you can't find the key; the Control Lock section names the button to hold.
- If Loc won't clear, do a power reset: unplug the dryer (or turn off its breaker) for up to 5 minutes, restore power, and try the 3-second hold again. Expect Loc to show after the reset, since restoring power can turn the lock on.
- Make sure the keys aren't stuck: press each one and check it moves and returns normally, and wipe the panel with a barely damp cloth and dry it.
- To lock the controls again later (for example, with small children around), hold the same key for 3 seconds.
🛠 When to call a pro
- If no key responds and Loc won't clear after a power reset, the touchpad (keypad) or user interface board is likely faulty and needs to be replaced; order the part by your dryer's full model number.
- An appliance technician can confirm whether the fault is in the keypad, the wiring to it, or the control board before parts are swapped.
Parts that commonly fix it
Always match the part number to your exact model.
Touchpad / user interface board
Only if Loc won't clear and keys don't respond after a power reset. Match it to the model number on your dryer's tag.
Search eBay →Sources
- Whirlpool Product Help: Loc - Error Code - Dryer (Control Lock enabled, dryer will not start or operate, hold 3 seconds, 3-2-1 countdown, dual-function key, press the button not the text)
- Whirlpool Product Help: Loc or Lc - Error Code - HybridCare Dryer (Lc variant, display clears when Control Lock is disabled)
- Whirlpool dryer Quick Start Guide W11795894 (Control Lock or Damp Dry Signal key, Loc display, may be enabled when recovering from a power failure)
- Whirlpool & Maytag 27" front-load dryer service manual W11169659 (Control Lock on Control Lock, Damp Dry Signal or Steam key depending on model; lock icon on some models)
- PartSelect: LoC Code for Whirlpool and Maytag Appliances (power reset up to 5 minutes; touchpad replacement if the dryer still doesn't respond)
Last reviewed 2026-10-23. Always confirm against the manual for your exact model number.