What to do now
Look for the Control Lock control on the washer and use the model-specific button or hold action described by Whirlpool.
Error code
Whirlpool Front Load Washer Error LOC / LC: Meaning, Safe Checks and Official Source
Control Lock is active, so the washer controls may not respond normally. Look for the Control Lock control on the washer and use the model-specific button or hold action described by Whirlpool. Do not keep running the appliance if the code returns or a safety sign appears.
Applies to: Whirlpool front-load washer support article scope.Confidence HIGHLast verified 2026-07-25
Applies to
- Whirlpool front-load washers covered by the cited Product Help article
- Displayed LOC / LC code in that front-load scope
Region: United States. This page does not generalize the code to every Whirlpool washer.
What the code means
The washer is indicating that the control panel is locked. On some older models, Whirlpool says the button that activates Control Lock must be identified from the owner manual.
Confirmed: Whirlpool documents LOC or LC for front-load washers as Control Lock being activated. Pelledor keeps this page limited to control-lock state checks, not control-board diagnosis.
Can you keep using it?
Only after safe supply checks and only if the code clears.
When to stop
Stop using the controls and check the owner manual if the correct Control Lock button is unclear or the panel behaves erratically.
When to call a professional
Contact service if the control lock cannot be cleared with the documented model control or if buttons do not respond after power is stable.
Safe checks
- Check whether the display shows LOC or LC before assuming a fault.
- Touch the Control Lock button if the model has one.
- On older models, use the owner manual to identify the button that activates Control Lock.
Confirmed by the manufacturer
- Control Lock has been activated.
- Some models require pressing and holding the relevant button.
- Older models may use a different button for the same lock feature.
Commonly associated with this fault
- A locked control panel can look like an unresponsive washer even when no component failure has been shown.
Not confirmed for this exact model
- A failed console or control board is not confirmed by Whirlpool from LOC or LC alone.
Reset instructions
No reset procedure is published here because the current source does not document one for this scope.
Do not keep forcing controls if the lock indication remains after following the model-specific Control Lock instruction.
Information to collect before calling service
Record the exact displayed code, model label, whether the Control Lock button exists, and whether press-and-hold behavior changed the display.
Official source
For Whirlpool front-load washers, LOC or LC is documented as Control Lock being activated, with Whirlpool directing users to the Control Lock button or the owner manual on older models.
- Source
- Whirlpool Product Help (A)
- Section
- Front-load article table
- Last checked
- 2026-07-21