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Maytag Washer LOC or LC Code: Meaning, Causes and How to Unlock It

Technically Reviewed by Oleg Chudnovski on September 14, 2026 | Written by Spark Service PRO Editorial Contributors

If your Maytag washer displays the LOC or LC code, it usually means the Control Lock feature is activated. Depending on the Maytag washer model, the display may show LOC or LC, temporarily preventing you from using the controls. In most cases, this does not indicate a washer malfunction.

Below, we explain what the Maytag LOC and LC codes mean, why they appear, how to unlock your washing machine, and what to do if the code will not go away.

From our service experience, many Maytag washer LOC or LC calls do not require a repair at all. Customers sometimes mistake Control Lock for a malfunction, but in many cases, holding the correct button for just a few seconds unlocks the washer. Before scheduling a technician, we always recommend trying the Control Lock procedure first,- Oleg Chudnovski, CEO, Spark Service PRO

When Does the Maytag LOC or LC Code Appear?

The LOC or LC code on a Maytag washing machine typically appears when the Control Lock feature is activated. This feature locks the washer's control panel to prevent accidental setting changes or unintended button presses during operation.

You may see LOC or LC on the display when trying to start a new wash cycle, change settings, or use the control panel while Control Lock is enabled. The exact code displayed, LOC or LC, may vary depending on your Maytag washer model.

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What Controls the LOC or LC Function on a Maytag Washer?

The LOC or LC message is usually related to the washer's Control Lock function rather than a failed component. Two parts of the control system are involved:

1. Control Panel: The control panel includes the Control Lock function, which temporarily turns off the washer controls to prevent accidental changes to cycle settings.
2. User Interface: The buttons or touch controls allow you to activate and deactivate Control Lock. When the feature is enabled, the washer may display LOC or LC and ignore most control inputs until you unlock the panel.

If the LOC or LC message remains on the display after you properly disable Control Lock, the issue may involve the user interface or electronic controls and may require further troubleshooting.

How to Clear the LOC or LC Code on a Maytag Washer

In most cases, clearing the LOC or LC code requires turning off Control Lock. Follow these steps to unlock your Maytag washer:

Step 1: Confirm That Control Lock Is Activated

If LOC or LC appears on the washer display and the control panel isn't responding normally, Control Lock is likely enabled.

Step 2: Turn Off Control Lock

Press and hold the Control Lock button for about 3 seconds, or until the Control Lock indicator turns off and the LOC or LC message disappears.

Some Maytag washers do not have a dedicated Control Lock button. On these models, Control Lock may be a secondary function of another button. Check the labels on the control panel or refer to your Maytag washer owner's manual for model-specific instructions.

Step 3: Test the Washer Controls

After unlocking the control panel, select a wash cycle or change a setting to confirm the controls respond normally. If the LOC or LC code is gone, you should be able to operate the washer as usual.

Step 4: Reset the Maytag Washer if LOC or LC Will Not Go Away

If the LOC or LC code remains on the display, turn off the washer and disconnect it from power for about 5 minutes. Plug the washing machine back in, turn it on, and try disabling Control Lock again.

Step 5: Consider Professional Washer Repair

If your Maytag washer remains stuck on LOC or LC after you have correctly disabled Control Lock and reset the machine, the issue may be the user interface, control panel, or electronic controls.
In this case, further diagnosis may be necessary. Spark Service PRO technicians provide professional Maytag washer repair in Toronto and throughout the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and can diagnose the problem if basic troubleshooting does not resolve it.

Maytag Washer LOC or LC Code: Quick Troubleshooting Guide

Table 1 summarizes the most common LOC and LC situations, their likely meanings, and the recommended troubleshooting steps for Maytag washers

Why Choose Spark Service PRO for Maytag Washer Repair?

The LOC or LC code on a Maytag washer usually means that the Control Lock feature is activated, not that your washing machine has a serious malfunction. In most cases, you can clear the code by disabling Control Lock using the appropriate button or button combination for your Maytag washer model.

However, if the LOC or LC code won't clear after unlocking the controls and resetting the washer, you may have an issue with the control panel, user interface, or electronic controls. At this point, professional diagnosis may be the safest and most effective solution.

Spark Service PRO provides professional Maytag washer repair in Toronto and throughout the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Our experienced appliance technicians diagnose Maytag washing machine problems, identify the underlying cause, and provide reliable repair solutions. We service Maytag and other major appliance brands, use quality replacement parts when required, and back eligible repairs with a warranty.

If basic troubleshooting doesn't clear the LOC or LC code, contact Spark Service PRO for same-day repair at 647-503-6655 to schedule a professional Maytag washer diagnosis and any washing machine appliance repair.