Amana washing machines come in both top and front-loading models, and both types share many error codes. For example, let’s suppose you’re seeing the LOC code flashing on the display. In that case, this guide is going to explain to you what that code means.
The LOC code on an Amana Washer is not an error. Instead, the code means that the Control Lock feature has been activated. When that happens, all of the washer’s controls will be disabled to prevent unwanted use of the machine and prevent any changes to the current wash cycle. You can activate or deactivate the Control Lock by pressing and holding the Control Lock button for 3 seconds.
In this guide, we’ll dive into what the LOC code means and how you can activate or deactivate the Control Lock feature as needed.
What The LOC Code Means On An Amana Washer?
When you see the LOC code displayed on your Amana washer, don’t worry! It’s not an error code at all. Instead, the code means that the Control Lock on your washer is activated.
The Control Lock deactivates all of the washer’s other controls. As a result, you will see the LOC code flashing on the display whenever you try to change any settings.
What Is The Purpose Of Control Lock On Washing Machines?
The Control Lock feature must be manually activated and deactivated on your Amana washing machine. The feature serves two purposes:
Firstly, it ensures that there will be no unwanted operation of your washing machine, which is especially dangerous for young children. For instance, households with children will likely want to prevent them from unknowingly turning on and operating the washing machine. With the Control Lock activated, this will not be a problem.
Secondly, the Control Lock feature also ensures that none of your current settings can be changed. So, if you have input custom settings for your wash cycle, you won’t have to worry about anyone accidentally or deliberately making changes to them.
How To Deactivate The Control Lock On An Amana Washer?
As mentioned earlier, the Control Lock feature on Amana washers must be manually activated and deactivated. So, if you’re seeing the LOC code and want to deactivate it, here’s what you’ll have to do:
- First, press and hold the Control Lock button for 3 seconds.
- If that doesn’t work, please refer to your user manual for steps that are unique to your particular Amana washer model.
Once the Control Lock feature is deactivated, you can then change the washer’s settings in any way you’d like.
How To Activate or Reactivate The Control Lock On An Amana Washer?
Bear in mind that the Control Lock feature will only work while the appliance is undergoing a wash cycle. So, when the cycle has begun, and you’d like to activate the Control Lock feature, you can do so by following these steps:
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- Locate and identify the Control Lock button. On some Amana washers, that is a standalone button. Other models will have it as a dual-function key, which means it will be paired with another button like Steam or Extra Rinse.
- Next, once you’ve identified the Control Lock button on your washer, press and hold it for 3 seconds. As you’re holding the Control Lock button, you should see a 3-2-1 countdown followed by LOC or LC on the washer’s display.
If that does not work, press the Power button first before you press and hold the Control Lock button for 3 seconds.
As long as the Control Lock feature is activated, none of the other buttons on the control panel will work. That will prevent any unwanted operation of the washer or unwanted changes to your wash cycle settings.
Alternate Codes
The Control Lock code can present itself as either LOC or LC, depending on the exact Amana washer model that you have.
Remember: neither one of those codes are an error at all. They only flash to let you know that the Control Lock feature is currently active.
How To Clear The LOC or LC Code?
As mentioned earlier, the LOC or LC codes on an Amana washer are not error codes at all. Instead, those codes are triggered when you press a button while the Control Lock feature is activated.
Therefore, you only need to deactivate the Control Lock feature to clear the LOC or LC code. To do that, press and hold the Control Lock button for 3 seconds. Once the feature is deactivated, you can then change your washer’s settings without the LOC or LC code flashing on the display.
How To Reset An Amana Washer?
The process to reset an Amana washing machine is very straightforward. All you have to do is cycle the washer’s power. In simple terms, that means shutting the machine off and turning it back on again.
Here are the exact steps you can follow to reset your Amana washing machine:
- Firstly, disconnect the Amana washing machine’s power supply completely. That means you must remove its plug from the wall socket. However, if it’s hardwired, you must switch off the dedicated circuit breaker at your home’s main electrical box.
- Next, leave the washer alone for at least 1 minute. The reason for this step is to allow the washer to discharge any remaining electrical charge inside.
- After that time, your washing machine will be reset. When all the power inside has had a chance to discharge, the memory and settings of the washer will be cleared as well.
Resetting your Amana washer is an excellent way to clear any errors or glitches that the washer might be experiencing. So, once you’ve performed the reset, you can then reconnect the washer’s power supply and go back to using it as you usually would.
How To Test An Amana Washer After Fixing It?
After resolving any of your washer’s issues or repairing any faulty parts, it would be an excellent idea to test the appliance and ensure that it’s in good working order. One of the best ways to do this is to run a complete wash cycle from start to finish.
In doing so, you’ll be able to see whether or not the machine performs as it should. More importantly, if there are any issues, you’ll be able to see which wash cycle stage is affected (e.g. when the machine is filling, spinning, draining, etc.).
Read: Washing Machine Not Filling Enough With Water? Here Is Why
Read: 5 Ways To Fix Washing Machine That Won’t Spin
Read: 6 Reasons Why Washing Machine Not Draining
Suppose you want to save time while performing this test. In that case, you can do so by selecting the shortest wash program available on your Amana washer. An excellent example would be the Rinse ; Spin cycle which takes a lot less time than other regular wash programs.
Alternatively, you can also test your washer by entering its diagnostic mode.
How To Enter Diagnostic Mode On An Amana Washer?
The diagnostic mode on your Amana washer is the Test Mode, especially on the user manual or other official documentation. When you activate this mode, the machine will automatically test its functions and features one at a time to identify if there are any problems.
When a problem is detected, the washer will show the corresponding error code on its display. However, no error codes will be displayed if the test goes smoothly without detecting any problems.
To enter the Test Mode, you will have to turn the cycle selector knob according to a particular sequence. You can do so by following these steps:
- Firstly, turn it clockwise one time and wait half a second.
- Next, turn the knob clockwise again one time and wait for another half-second.
- Then, turn the knob clockwise a third time and wait for another half-second.
- After that, turn the knob counter-clockwise (left) one time and wait half a second.
- Following that, turn the knob clockwise again and wait for another half-second.
- Turn the knob in either direction until you see that the “Wash, Rinse, and Done” LED has turned on.
- Lastly, press the Start button to begin the test mode.
At this point, you’ll see and hear the washer run through all of its tests automatically.
My washer does not have an error code panel.