Whirlpool Dryer Loc Error — Control Lock Unlock Fix

What it means

Whirlpool dryer Loc isn't a fault — it's a status display.
Whirlpool's exact wording: 'The Loc Error code indicates that the Control Lock has been enabled. When the control is locked, the dryer will not start or operate.'
The fix is built into the panel: a Control Lock button held for 3 seconds.

Affected Models

Whirlpool WED4815 / WED4850 / WED5000 series electric dryers
Whirlpool WED7120 / WED8120 / WED9620 Cabrio series
Whirlpool WGD4815 / WGD5000 / WGD7120 series gas dryers
Whirlpool Compact Heat Pump dryers (WHD862, WHD560)
Same F+E codes appear on Maytag, KitchenAid, and Amana dryers (shared platform)

Common Causes

Control Lock turned on intentionally and forgotten about
Control Lock accidentally toggled by holding a button too long
Toddler pressed the Control Lock button (often the most accessible one on the panel)
Control Lock state survived a power cycle (it does by design)
Confusion with model-specific button location — Control Lock may be a secondary function on another key

How to Fix It

Find the Control Lock key.

Look on the panel for a key with a small padlock icon, often combined with another function label like End-of-Cycle Signal or Steam.
Whirlpool: 'the control lock may be a standalone button or combined with another function like End-of-Cycle Signal or Steam.'
It's usually on the right side of the panel.
Press and hold for 3 seconds.

Whirlpool's exact step: 'Press and hold the Control Lock Key for 3 seconds to unlock the machine. You will notice the machine count down from 3-2-1.'
You'll see the digits 3, then 2, then 1 in the display — release after the countdown finishes and Loc disappears.
Confirm the panel responds.

Try pressing any cycle button (Normal, Quick Dry, etc.).
If it responds normally, the lock is off.
If Loc reappears or the buttons still don't respond, your model uses a different combination — check the owner manual.
Consult the owner manual for chord combinations.

Some Whirlpool dryers use a chord combination instead of a dedicated key — typically Cycle Signal + End-of-Cycle, or Temp + Dryness — held together for 3 seconds.
The model number is on the inside of the door frame.
Whirlpool's online manuals page has the PDF for every recent model.

When to Call a Professional

Loc never needs service — it's a feature, not a fault.
If the Control Lock key doesn't unlock the dryer, check your specific model's owner manual; the button location varies and on some models it's a secondary function on a different key.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Control Lock stay on after I unplug the dryer?

By design.
If unplugging the dryer cleared Control Lock, a curious child could defeat the safety feature by flipping a wall switch.
Whirlpool stores the Control Lock state in non-volatile memory so it survives power-offs.
The only way to clear Loc is the Control Lock key (or chord combination) — exactly as the safety feature intends.