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Appliance Error Codes

What Does LOC Error Mean on Whirlpool WFW5620HW?

Error LOC on Whirlpool WFW5620HW: Control lock is active — all control panel inputs are disabled. Follow the troubleshooting steps below to diagnose and fix this washer issue. The LOC error code (also displayed as LC or a lock padlock icon) on your Whirlpool WFW5620HW washer indicates the Control Lock feature is active. Control Lock disables all button inputs to prevent accidental cycle starts or changes — it is commonly used to prevent children from operating the washer unsupervised. This is not an error or hardware fault. Deactivating Control Lock takes about 3 seconds. ## What Does LOC Mean? The WFW5620HW Control Lock is a software feature that disables the control panel buttons when activated. The washer can still complete any cycle that is already running when Control Lock is activated — only new button inputs are ignored. Control Lock is activated and deactivated by pressing and holding a specific button (or button combination) for 3 seconds. The exact button varies by model — on the WFW9620HC it is typically the Control Lock button; on models without a dedicated button, it may be a button combination like Temp + Extra Rinse simultaneously. LOC can sometimes be activated accidentally when a damp cloth is used to wipe the control panel, or if a child presses and holds buttons. If the washer suddenly stops responding to any button input, LOC is the first thing to check. ## Possible Causes 1. Control Lock button pressed and held for 3 seconds either deliberately or accidentally 2. Damp cloth used on the control panel during cleaning activating the hold sequence 3. Child interaction with the control panel ## Troubleshooting Steps | Step | Action | Expected Result | |------|--------|-----------------| | 1 | Look for the LOC or LC text on the display, or a padlock icon; this confirms Control Lock is active | Control Lock activation is confirmed | | 2 | On the WFW5620HW: press and hold the Control Lock button (marked with a padlock icon) for 3 seconds until the display clears the LOC indicator | LOC is deactivated — control panel responds to button presses | | 3 | If there is no dedicated Control Lock button on your model, consult the owner’s manual for the specific button or button combination that activates and deactivates Control Lock; common alternatives include pressing and holding End of Cycle Signal for 3 seconds | Control Lock is deactivated using the model-specific method | | 4 | Test the control panel by pressing POWER ON or START — the panel should respond normally after deactivating Control Lock | Washer responds normally to button input | Control Lock is a child safety feature, not a fault condition. No repair is needed. If Control Lock cannot be deactivated by the standard procedure, perform a power reset by unplugging for 1 minute. ## When to Call a Technician Contact Whirlpool authorized service if: - LOC cannot be cleared by the standard hold procedure and a power reset also does not clear it — the control panel or software has a fault Professional repair costs for LOC issues typically range from $0 to $0 depending on the specific component and your service region. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Why does my Whirlpool WFW9620HC say LOC and not respond to any buttons? LOC means Control Lock is active. The washer is designed to ignore all button inputs when LOC is on. Press and hold the Control Lock button (the padlock icon button) for 3 seconds to turn it off. If you cannot find a dedicated Control Lock button, check your owner’s manual — on some WFW series models, Control Lock is activated by holding a different button such as the Delay button or a specific function button for 3 seconds.

Can the Control Lock activate by itself? Control Lock requires a 3-second hold to activate, so it should not activate from a brief accidental touch. However, a wet cloth used to clean the control panel can hold contact with the button long enough to trigger the 3-second hold. If LOC appears after you cleaned the panel, this is almost certainly the cause.

Section titled “Can the Control Lock activate by itself? Control Lock requires a 3-second hold to activate, so it should not activate from a brief accidental touch. However, a wet cloth used to clean the control panel can hold contact with the button long enough to trigger the 3-second hold. If LOC appears after you cleaned the panel, this is almost certainly the cause.”

Does the LOC feature stop a running cycle on my Whirlpool washer? No. Control Lock only prevents new button inputs. If the washer is already running a cycle when LOC is activated, the cycle will complete normally. The door lock, drain, and spin all operate as programmed. LOC simply means you cannot change settings or start a new cycle until it is deactivated.

Section titled “Does the LOC feature stop a running cycle on my Whirlpool washer? No. Control Lock only prevents new button inputs. If the washer is already running a cycle when LOC is activated, the cycle will complete normally. The door lock, drain, and spin all operate as programmed. LOC simply means you cannot change settings or start a new cycle until it is deactivated.”

How do I prevent accidental Control Lock activation on my Whirlpool washer? You cannot disable the Control Lock feature entirely on most Whirlpool models — it is a built-in safety function. However, since it requires a 3-second hold to activate, you can prevent accidental activation by wiping the control panel with a dry cloth rather than a wet one, and by reminding children not to hold down buttons. Reference: Whirlpool official support documentation (whirlpool.com/owners-center) and authorized service guides ### Is it safe to keep using my Whirlpool WFW5620HW with error LOC? If error LOC does not indicate an immediate safety hazard such as a gas leak, electrical short, or water flooding, you can continue limited use while monitoring the appliance. However, running the washer with an active error code increases the risk of further damage. Address the underlying issue as soon as possible. For high-severity errors, disconnect the appliance and contact a qualified technician. ### How much does it cost to fix error LOC on a Whirlpool WFW5620HW? Repair costs for error LOC on the Whirlpool WFW5620HW washer depend on the root cause. DIY fixes such as cleaning filters, resetting the unit, or reconnecting loose wires cost nothing beyond basic tools. If a component replacement is needed, parts and labor from a certified technician are the main expenses. Contact a Whirlpool-authorized service provider for an accurate estimate based on your specific situation. ### What does error code LOC mean on a Whirlpool washer? Error code LOC on Whirlpool washer models indicates Control lock is active — all control panel inputs are disabled. This error is detected by the appliance’s internal diagnostic system and displayed to alert the user that attention is needed. Refer to the troubleshooting steps above for guidance on resolving this issue.

Section titled “How do I prevent accidental Control Lock activation on my Whirlpool washer? You cannot disable the Control Lock feature entirely on most Whirlpool models — it is a built-in safety function. However, since it requires a 3-second hold to activate, you can prevent accidental activation by wiping the control panel with a dry cloth rather than a wet one, and by reminding children not to hold down buttons. Reference: Whirlpool official support documentation (whirlpool.com/owners-center) and authorized service guides ### Is it safe to keep using my Whirlpool WFW5620HW with error LOC? If error LOC does not indicate an immediate safety hazard such as a gas leak, electrical short, or water flooding, you can continue limited use while monitoring the appliance. However, running the washer with an active error code increases the risk of further damage. Address the underlying issue as soon as possible. For high-severity errors, disconnect the appliance and contact a qualified technician. ### How much does it cost to fix error LOC on a Whirlpool WFW5620HW? Repair costs for error LOC on the Whirlpool WFW5620HW washer depend on the root cause. DIY fixes such as cleaning filters, resetting the unit, or reconnecting loose wires cost nothing beyond basic tools. If a component replacement is needed, parts and labor from a certified technician are the main expenses. Contact a Whirlpool-authorized service provider for an accurate estimate based on your specific situation. ### What does error code LOC mean on a Whirlpool washer? Error code LOC on Whirlpool washer models indicates Control lock is active — all control panel inputs are disabled. This error is detected by the appliance’s internal diagnostic system and displayed to alert the user that attention is needed. Refer to the troubleshooting steps above for guidance on resolving this issue.”