What is the control lock on a Whirlpool washer? The control lock on your Whirlpool washing machines will stop the spinning and prevent you from using any of the other features on your machine.
Although the lock is practical when you need to control your children from touching the pads, there are disadvantages, like all things with advantages.
Imagine doing your laundry on your whirlpool washing machine, and the control lock comes up; imagine how frustrating it could be.
Yes, it can be frustrating when you have clothes to wash, but there are ways to unlock it if you have access to the appliance key.
This guide will show you how to unlock the control lock on your Whirlpool washer and get back to doing laundry.
Unlocking the control lock on a whirlpool washer isn’t so difficult. You can do it yourself just by locating where the button for the lock is on the control panel, then hold down the button for like three seconds till you discover the icon for the control lock icon disappears. Then you can go back to doing your laundry.
Steps on Unlocking the Control Lock On a Whirlpool Washer
When you discover that you cannot use the buttons of your whirlpool washing machine while doing your laundry, you immediately want to fix the issue to avoid wasting your time and get on with your chore.
You find out that the locked status light is on; the next thing is to fix it. Listed below are steps to follow when unlocking the control lock on your whirlpool washing machine;
- Disconnect the power supply from your whirlpool washing machine
- Open Up the Lid
- Remove Electronic Control Module
- Test Your Washing Machine
#1. Disconnect the Power Supply From Your Whirlpool Washing Machine
You’ll need to disconnect your washer from its power supply before you can unlock your control lock on your whirlpool washer.
Unplug it from any wall outlets and unplug any other accessories in use. If you have an electrical outlet with a pull-chain, make sure you pull it out so that there is no power.
Suppose that after unplugging, you find the control lock enabled; push and hold your control lock button for 3 secs. It will reset your washer, and you’ll be able to reaccess it.
Related: How To Find Age Of Whirlpool Appliances
#2. Open Up the Lid
Before you can get inside and unlock that control lock, you’ll need to open up your washer. There should be screws holding it in place if it’s an older model.
Unscrew them and pull off any panels blocking access to internal components.
Locate where your lid latch is; some models have one at each side of the machine, while others have a single latch at the top or bottom of one side panel.
If your machine doesn’t have screws holding it together, it probably has plastic latches. Pry them off using a small flathead screwdriver or similar tool.
Next, remove any covers blocking access to internal components and try and pry them open at each corner of your washer. You should be able to get inside in short order.
You open the top panel, where your control lock sits, so once you have access, look for it there; it is pretty straightforward.
A light should be visible on your control panel, and you should see an icon of a padlock in its center.
When that locked status light shows, your machine is locked, and you’ll need to unlock it before using it.
#3. Remove Electronic Control Module
First, switch off your washer and empty it of any clothing. Next, hold the control lock buttons on your washer for 10 seconds.
Your control lock status light should dim or flash in three seconds.
After that, restart your washer and remove the electronic control module lid by unscrewing two Phillips screws with a screwdriver.
Next, unhook or remove any wires and connections from your electronic control module to find your control lock feature.
Next, remove two Phillips screws with a screwdriver and pull out your electronic control module.
Avoid touching any exposed electronics while executing these steps, as they are particularly susceptible to static energy and may harm you.
After removing the electronic control module, note its serial number if you need to replace it.
After removing the electronic control module and identifying the hold cycle signal, wipe out any dust or other particles causing issues with your washer.
You can use water or rubbing alcohol while cleaning; avoid using anything sharp (like metal).
After cleaning off any dust or particles, re-lock your control lock feature. Next, reconnect all of its cables and connections.
Then screw it into your washer with two Phillips screws. Finally, restart your washer and test it.
If not, you may need to repair your washer or replace the electronic control module.
The whole process should take no more than ten minutes. Follow these procedures if you ever need to unlock the control lock of your Whirlpool washer.
Take pictures of your steps for future reference if you encounter problems with your washer.
#4. Test Your Washing Machine
Insert your towel and clothes into your washer and add detergent. Turn on the select hold cycle by pressing the control panel.
Press and turn the control lock to the off position when the selected hold cycle begins.
If your washing machine has an advanced control panel, you can use some of its settings to soften your clothes.
For example, choose to Rinse and Spin Only or Speed Wash in your preferred temperature setting. You should also be able to select one of these options when you do laundry by hand.
You can now use your whirlpool washing machine after unlocking the control lock.
Conclusion
In conclusion, activating the control lock button on your Whirlpool washing machine is not an issue.
You can quickly rectify that by following the procedures listed above, and in no time, you can get back to doing your laundry.
In addition, it won’t take you more than a few minutes to unlock your whirlpool washer yourself.
