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Error code reference

Kenmore Dryer Error Code LOC

Displayed when the control lock feature is activated, preventing accidental start or stop of the dryer.

Kenmore codesKenmore dryer codes

Displayed when the control lock feature is activated, preventing accidental start or stop of the dryer.

First step from the service manual

Press Options and Select at the same time and hold for 10 seconds to remove the control lock.

The complete diagnostic procedure includes additional test steps, resistance specifications, wiring diagram references, and component test points.

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What LOC means on a Kenmore dryer

The LOC code on a Kenmore dryer indicates that the control lock feature has been intentionally or accidentally activated. This feature is a software-level lock built into the dryer's electronic control board that disables all button inputs on the control panel. When active, pressing any button on the panel will have no effect and the LOC display will appear, confirming the lock is engaged. No components are damaged or malfunctioning when this code appears.

The control lock is a standard safety feature designed to prevent unintended operation. It is particularly useful in households with children, or to prevent the dryer from being interrupted mid-cycle. The feature is toggled through a specific button combination on the control panel, and it is not unusual for it to be triggered accidentally when leaning against the control panel or wiping it down during cleaning.

To deactivate the control lock, press and hold the Options and Select buttons simultaneously for 10 seconds. Once the lock is released, the LOC indicator will clear and the control panel will resume normal operation. No tools, replacement parts, or service calls are required to resolve this condition. If the LOC code reappears repeatedly without the user activating it, there may be a stuck or shorted button on the control panel worth inspecting.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of LOC

  1. 01

    Accidental button activation

    Wiring / connection

    The control lock can be triggered unintentionally by leaning against the panel or pressing buttons while cleaning the dryer's surface. This is the most common reason the LOC code appears without the user deliberately enabling it.

  2. 02

    Deliberate child lock activation

    Wiring / connection

    A household member may have intentionally enabled the control lock to prevent children or others from operating the dryer. Check with others in the household before assuming a fault.

  3. 03

    Stuck or shorted control panel button

    Part replacement

    If the LOC code returns shortly after being cleared, a button on the control panel may be stuck in a depressed position or shorted internally, causing the lock combination to register repeatedly.

  4. 04

    Control board glitch

    Wiring / connection

    In rare cases, a temporary error in the electronic control board can cause the control lock state to be retained or incorrectly triggered. A power cycle by unplugging the dryer for a few minutes may help clear this condition.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about LOC

What does LOC mean on a Kenmore dryer?
LOC on a Kenmore dryer means the control lock feature is active. This is a built-in function that disables the control panel buttons to prevent accidental operation. It is not an error or malfunction. You can clear it by pressing and holding the Options and Select buttons simultaneously for 10 seconds.
How do I fix the LOC code on my Kenmore dryer?
Press and hold the Options and Select buttons at the same time for 10 seconds. The LOC indicator should turn off and the control panel will become fully responsive again. No tools or parts are needed. If the code comes back on its own, inspect the control panel for any buttons that appear stuck or damaged.
Is the LOC code on a Kenmore dryer a safety concern?
No, the LOC code is not a safety concern. It is a built-in safety feature designed to prevent unintended starts or stops. The dryer is not malfunctioning when this code is displayed. Simply deactivate the control lock using the button combination described in your dryer's documentation.
Will resetting the dryer clear the LOC code?
Unplugging the dryer and restoring power may clear the LOC code in some cases, but the correct and intended method is to press and hold Options and Select simultaneously for 10 seconds. A power reset alone is not guaranteed to disable the control lock, as the feature is stored in the control board's memory.
How much does it cost to fix a LOC code on a Kenmore dryer?
In most cases, clearing the LOC code costs nothing because it only requires pressing a button combination on the control panel. If the code is caused by a stuck or damaged button on the control panel, a replacement control panel or keypad may be needed, which can range from roughly $50 to $200 or more depending on the model, plus any labor costs if a technician is involved.

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