What causes Whirlpool Washer LOC / LC?

Control Lock was turned on, often by accident, by holding the lock key (or the button it shares) for 3 seconds. On models where Control Lock is a second function of Extra Rinse, Steam, Pet Pro or another option, a long press on that option locked the controls. Someone (often a child) locked the controls on purpose and the lock was never turned off. Less often, a stuck or damaged key on the touchpad keeps the controls from responding, so the lock can't be released.

How do I fix Whirlpool Washer LOC / LC?

Find the Control Lock key. It may be its own button or share a button with another option; look for a lock icon, the words "Control Lock," or "hold 3 sec for Control Lock" printed near a button. On some Whirlpool front loaders it's Extra Rinse. Press and hold that button itself, not the printed text below it, for 3 seconds. The display counts down 3, 2, 1, and LOC or LC clears when the lock is off. If you're not sure which button it is, check the Control Lock section of the owner's manual for your exact model (Whirlpool's manuals page searches by model number). If the lock won't release, reset the control the way Whirlpool describes: unplug the washer (or turn off its breaker) for 5 minutes, restore power, and try the 3-second hold again. Make sure no key is stuck: press each one and check it moves and returns normally, then 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 should I call a pro for Whirlpool Washer LOC / LC?

No button responds and LOC won't clear even after a 5-minute power reset; the touchpad (keypad) or user interface board is likely faulty and needs testing or replacement. The washer shows a different code once the lock is off, such as F5 E2 (door lock) or another F# E# code; troubleshoot that code instead. An appliance technician can confirm whether the problem is the keypad, its wiring, or the main control before parts are swapped. Whirlpool's service line is 1-866-698-2538.

Code: LOC / LC🧺 Whirlpool Washer

Whirlpool Washer LOC (LC) Code: Control Lock Is On (How to Unlock)

Q: What does Whirlpool Washer LOC / LC mean?

LOC (or LC on some models) on a Whirlpool washer isn't a fault. Whirlpool says it means the Control Lock is on, so the buttons won't respond and a new cycle won't start. Press and hold the Control Lock key for 3 seconds until the display counts down and clears. On many front loaders Control Lock shares a button with another option, such as Extra Rinse, Steam or Pet Pro. Whirlpool's product help calls LoC or LC "no error": it shows up when the Control Lock has been activated and someone presses buttons, as a reminder that the lock needs to be turned off before the controls will work. Control Lock is meant to stop unwanted changes or operations, such as a child pressing buttons mid-cycle. Whirlpool's owner's manual for current front-load washers (W11339718) says the same thing in its troubleshooting table: "Loc - Control is locked. This is not an error code but just an indication that the control is locked," and it lists Control Lock first under "Washer won't start." While the lock is on, Whirlpool notes you can still touch Start to pause a running cycle or touch Power to turn the washer off, but other buttons are ignored. The lock may have its own key, or it may be a second function of another key, which is why it often gets turned on by accident with a long press. On Whirlpool top-load washers with touch controls, a lit Control Lock light means the same thing: the controls won't respond until the lock is turned off. This is the washer version of the code; for dryers, see our Whirlpool dryer Loc page.

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Based on 5 manufacturer & service sources

What the code means

Whirlpool's product help calls LoC or LC "no error": it shows up when the Control Lock has been activated and someone presses buttons, as a reminder that the lock needs to be turned off before the controls will work. Control Lock is meant to stop unwanted changes or operations, such as a child pressing buttons mid-cycle. Whirlpool's owner's manual for current front-load washers (W11339718) says the same thing in its troubleshooting table: "Loc - Control is locked. This is not an error code but just an indication that the control is locked," and it lists Control Lock first under "Washer won't start." While the lock is on, Whirlpool notes you can still touch Start to pause a running cycle or touch Power to turn the washer off, but other buttons are ignored. The lock may have its own key, or it may be a second function of another key, which is why it often gets turned on by accident with a long press. On Whirlpool top-load washers with touch controls, a lit Control Lock light means the same thing: the controls won't respond until the lock is turned off. This is the washer version of the code; for dryers, see our Whirlpool dryer Loc page.

Likely causes

Control Lock was turned on, often by accident, by holding the lock key (or the button it shares) for 3 seconds
On models where Control Lock is a second function of Extra Rinse, Steam, Pet Pro or another option, a long press on that option locked the controls
Someone (often a child) locked the controls on purpose and the lock was never turned off
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

⚠ Before you start

Unplug the appliance (or switch off its breaker) and shut off the water supply valves before removing panels or disconnecting hoses. Keep towels handy for residual water.

Find the Control Lock key. It may be its own button or share a button with another option; look for a lock icon, the words "Control Lock," or "hold 3 sec for Control Lock" printed near a button. On some Whirlpool front loaders it's Extra Rinse.
Press and hold that button itself, not the printed text below it, for 3 seconds. The display counts down 3, 2, 1, and LOC or LC clears when the lock is off.
If you're not sure which button it is, check the Control Lock section of the owner's manual for your exact model (Whirlpool's manuals page searches by model number).
If the lock won't release, reset the control the way Whirlpool describes: unplug the washer (or turn off its breaker) for 5 minutes, restore power, and try the 3-second hold again.
Make sure no key is stuck: press each one and check it moves and returns normally, then 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

No button responds and LOC won't clear even after a 5-minute power reset; the touchpad (keypad) or user interface board is likely faulty and needs testing or replacement.
The washer shows a different code once the lock is off, such as F5 E2 (door lock) or another F# E# code; troubleshoot that code instead.
An appliance technician can confirm whether the problem is the keypad, its wiring, or the main control before parts are swapped. Whirlpool's service line is 1-866-698-2538.

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 5-minute power reset. Match it to the model number on your washer's tag.

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Sources

Last reviewed 2026-10-25. Always confirm against the manual for your exact model number.

Whirlpool Washer LOC (LC) Code: Control Lock Is On (How to Unlock)

What the code means

Likely causes

Safe DIY checks

🛠 When to call a pro

Parts that commonly fix it

Touchpad / user interface board

Related codes

Sources