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Whirlpool Washing Machine Error Code LOC

Reviewed by the ApplianceErrors Editorial Team · Verified against manufacturer service documentation · Last verified: June 10, 2026
✓ Low Severity 🔧 Easy DIY Also shown as: LC, Control Lock

Control lock active — all buttons disabled

The most common cause of the LOC error on a Whirlpool washing machine is control Lock enabled accidentally (button held) (~80% of cases); start with: disable control lock.

💰 DIY cost: $0–$0 👨‍🔧 Pro cost: $0–$0
Whirlpool Washing Machine error code LOC on the display panel
How the LOC code appears on a Whirlpool washing machine display

What Does Error Code LOC Mean on a Whirlpool Washing Machine?

Control lock active — all buttons disabled.

LOC (sometimes shown as LC) indicates the Control Lock, or child lock, is active. This is a user feature, not a fault. When enabled, the control board disables every button except Power to prevent accidental setting changes or a child starting a cycle. Because it is intentional, no error is logged and no cycle interruption occurs. It is distinct from keypad or user-interface fault codes, which point to a stuck button or failed control board rather than a deliberately engaged lock.

Models affected: Whirlpool top-load and front-load washers with an electronic control panel and a Control Lock feature; the code appears across most recent digital-display models.
What owners report: Owners commonly report LOC appearing after cleaning the panel or when a button was held down by accident, and the washer simply won't respond to any press. The usual quick win is holding the Control Lock (or End of Cycle) button for about three seconds. If it returns immediately, a stuck or moisture-fouled key may be the culprit.

What Causes Error Code LOC?

Here are the most common causes in order of frequency. Start with the most likely cause before moving to the next:

  1. 1
    Control Lock enabled accidentally (button held) 80% of cases
  2. 2
    Stuck or moisture-fouled keypad 20% of cases

How to Fix Whirlpool Washing Machine Error Code LOC

🔧 Easy DIY Est. time: 10–20 min
⚡ Safety first: Unplug the appliance before opening any panels or touching internal components.
  1. 1

    Disable control lock

    Press and hold the Control Lock button for 3 seconds. On some models, hold the End of Cycle button for 3 seconds.

  2. 2

    Check your manual

    If the above doesn't work, consult your model's manual for the specific button combination.

How to Reset Error Code LOC

Hold the Control Lock button for 3 seconds to unlock.

Note: If the error returns after resetting, the underlying issue has not been resolved. Work through the fix steps above.

Full Whirlpool washer reset guide → Enter diagnostic mode →

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When to Call a Professional

LOC is not a fault. No service required.

Average professional repair cost for this issue: $0–$0

Same Code on Other Brands

Error code LOC appears on these other brands too. See every brand that shows LOC →

Maytag logo
Maytag Oven LOC
Control lock active — keypad intentionally locked

Find Replacement Parts

Use these links to find the exact replacement parts for your Whirlpool Washing Machine:

🔩
Search PartSelect
Whirlpool Washing Machine repair parts
🔧
Search RepairClinic
Step-by-step video guides

External links — ApplianceErrors.com is not affiliated with these retailers.

More Whirlpool Washing Machine Error Codes

F8E1 Low water fill detected — water inlet problem F9E1 Drain failure — cycle paused, water not draining F5E2 Door lock failure — latch cannot engage F1E1 Main control board failure SUD Excessive suds detected — too much detergent F0E2 Dispenser cannot dispense detergent or additive

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep using my Whirlpool Washing Machine when error LOC appears? +
Usually yes — LOC is a low-severity control-panel notice that rarely stops the washing machine from working, but clearing the underlying cause prevents it from escalating.
What most commonly causes LOC on a Whirlpool Washing Machine? +
Across reported Whirlpool washing machine repairs, the most frequent is control Lock enabled accidentally (button held) (80% of cases) then stuck or moisture-fouled keypad (20%). Check them in that order before replacing any parts.
LOC keeps coming back after a reset — what should I check next? +
A reset only clears the stored LOC fault; if it returns, the control-panel problem is still present. Move on to the physical checks — disable control lock, then check your manual — since the code will reappear until the root cause is resolved. This is a beginner-friendly job needing only basic hand tools.
How much does it cost to fix Whirlpool Washing Machine error LOC? +
A DIY repair typically runs $0–$0 in parts, versus $0–$0 for a professional service call. Expect the work to take about 10–20 minutes.
Which Whirlpool Washing Machine models show error LOC? +
LOC is documented on Whirlpool top-load and front-load washers with an electronic control panel and a Control Lock feature; the code appears across most recent digital-display models.. Other units sharing the same control platform can display it too, so the fixes here generally transfer across the series.

Sources & References

Content verified against manufacturer service documentation. Last verified: June 10, 2026.

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