Door latch switch
Common interlock fault part on appliance no-start errors.
Here’s the good news right up front: the LOC error on a Frigidaire washer is almost never actually an error. It’s a feature — the Control Lock — that someone activated, intentionally or by accident. Your machine is working perfectly. It’s just waiting for you to deactivate the lock.
Quick Reference Table
| Code | Meaning | Severity | DIY? |
|---|---|---|---|
| LOC | Control Lock is active | None | Yes (30 seconds) |
What Is Control Lock?
Control Lock (sometimes called Child Lock) disables the control panel buttons so the washer can’t be accidentally started, stopped, or reprogrammed. It’s designed for homes with young children who like pressing buttons, or to prevent settings from being changed mid-cycle.
When LOC is active, pressing any button does nothing — which can feel alarming if you didn’t know the feature existed.
How to Deactivate LOC
Method 1 — Hold the Lock Button (Most Models)
- Look for a button labeled Control Lock, Lock, or a padlock icon. On many Frigidaire washers, it’s the Extra Rinse or End of Cycle Signal button.
- Press and hold that button for 3 seconds.
- The LOC indicator should disappear from the display.
- Test by pressing another button — the machine should respond normally.
Method 2 — Power Cycle
- Press the Power button to turn the machine off.
- Wait 30 seconds.
- Press Power again to turn it on.
- On some models this clears the lock; on others it doesn’t — try Method 1 first.
Method 3 — Check Your Model’s Manual
If neither method works, the button combination varies by model. Look for the padlock symbol on your control panel — the button labeled beneath or above it is your unlock button. Hold it for 3–5 seconds.
You can also find your model’s manual on the Frigidaire website by entering your model number (found on the label inside the door frame).
How Did LOC Get Activated?
- Accidental button press — many users activate LOC by leaning against the machine or pressing the wrong button.
- Power surge — some models set Control Lock as a default state after an unexpected power interruption.
- Child or pet — the feature exists for this reason.
- Previous user — if this is a newly purchased used machine, the prior owner may have left it locked.
If LOC Won’t Deactivate
If you’ve held the correct button for 3–5 seconds and LOC remains active, try these:
- Unplug the washer for 5 minutes — a full power-down can sometimes clear a stuck lock state.
- Check for a faulty control board — in rare cases, the lock relay on the control board gets stuck in the locked position. Symptoms include no response even after the power cycle.
- Run a factory reset — on some Frigidaire models, pressing and holding Spin Speed + Soil Level simultaneously for 6 seconds initiates a control reset. Check your specific model’s manual for the exact combination.
Parts you may need (rare cases):
- Frigidaire Washer Control Board Replacement
- Frigidaire Washer Control Panel
- Appliance Repair Manual for Frigidaire
- Multimeter for Board Testing
Preventing Accidental LOC Activation
If LOC keeps getting accidentally activated, consider placing a small piece of labeling tape over the lock button (not covering it permanently — just as a tactile reminder). Alternatively, if you don’t use the feature, check whether your model allows disabling it permanently via the settings menu.