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ErrBase

Whirlpool Dishwasher Control Lock: How to Turn It Off

Quick Answer

Whirlpool dishwasher Control Lock disables all control panel buttons to prevent accidental cycle changes or starts. It is engaged and disengaged by holding Start/Pause for 3 seconds. A lock icon or 'LOC' will display when active.

Whirlpool dishwasher Control Lock disables all control panel buttons to prevent accidental cycle changes or starts. It is engaged and disengaged by holding Start/Pause for 3 seconds. A lock icon or 'LOC' will display when active. This is one of the most common reasons a Whirlpool dishwasher appears to be broken - the panel looks on but nothing responds. No repair is needed.

WhirlpoolDishwasherSeverity: low98% DIY Success
Time to Fix
1–5 min
Difficulty
beginner
Parts Cost
—
Tools Needed
None

What Does the CONTROL-LOCK Code Mean?

Control Lock disables the panel. Hold Start/Pause for 3 seconds to toggle it off. A lock icon on the display confirms it is engaged. This is the most common cause of an apparently unresponsive Whirlpool dishwasher panel.

Most Likely Causes

Based on aggregated repair data, here is the probability breakdown for this error code:

Control Lock button held accidentally by child or cleaning40%
Lock activated during a cleaning wipe-down of the panel36%
Panel locked intentionally but owner forgot24%

Symptoms You May Notice

  • All buttons unresponsive to presses
  • Lock icon or 'LOC' visible on display
  • Dishwasher powers on but no cycle can be started
  • Start button does not respond even after 3-second press

Can you reset a Whirlpool dishwasher to clear the CONTROL-LOCK code?

Hold Start/Pause for 3 seconds to toggle Control Lock. If that does not clear it, try unplugging for 60 seconds - this forces the control board to reset all states including lock.

Diagnostic Checklist

Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.

1

Look at the control panel for a lock icon

Look at the control panel for a lock icon, a padlock symbol, or 'LOC' on the display. If visible, Control Lock is engaged. Hold the Start/Pause button for 3 full seconds until the lock indicator clears.

2

On some Whirlpool models

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a hard reset (unplugging) turn off Control Lock?
Yes. Unplugging the dishwasher for 60 seconds forces a complete control board reset including clearing the Control Lock state. This is a reliable fallback if holding Start/Pause does not clear it.
How do I prevent Control Lock from being activated accidentally?
Control Lock requires a 3-second hold to activate - brief button presses do not engage it. If it is activating regularly, the most likely cause is someone (often a child) leaning on or repeatedly pressing the panel buttons.

Related Whirlpool Dishwasher Error Codes

Code: NOT-STARTINGWhirlpool Dishwasher Not Starting: Power, Door, and Control Panel FixesCode: RESETHow to Reset a Whirlpool Dishwasher: Every Method That Works

Same Fix Works on These Brands

Whirlpool shares the same hardware platform with these brands. The diagnosis and repair steps are identical.

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Models Known to Experience CONTROL-LOCK Errors

This repair applies to most Whirlpool dishwashers with this error code. Common model numbers include:

WDT780SAEM, WDF550SAHZ, WDT730PAHZ, WDT750SAHZ, WDT970SAHZ, WDF518SAHM, WDT720PADE

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 14, 2026