Whirlpool GEW9250 Electric Dryer Logo
Posted on Jan 10, 2011
Answered by a Fixya Expert

Trustworthy Expert Solutions

At Fixya.com, our trusted experts are meticulously vetted and possess extensive experience in their respective fields. Backed by a community of knowledgeable professionals, our platform ensures that the solutions provided are thoroughly researched and validated.

View Our Top Experts

Control locked light is on front panel dryer locked up need to know how to get unlocked

1 Answer

Anonymous

Level 3:

An expert who has achieved level 3 by getting 1000 points

All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.

MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.

Director Badge:

Uploaded 100 video answers.

  • Master 1,751 Answers
  • Posted on Jan 10, 2011
Anonymous
Master
Level 3:

An expert who has achieved level 3 by getting 1000 points

All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.

MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.

Director Badge:

Uploaded 100 video answers.

Joined: Oct 22, 2009
Answers
1751
Questions
2
Helped
358948
Points
4943

The following link explains how to unlock the control panel on a Whirlpool Duet:

http://www.fixya.com/support/r2469429-kenmore_elite_amp_whirlpool_duet

This is a designed safety feature of the washer that allows the consumer to lock the control panel to prevent small children from manipulating the controls. It can be inadvertently locked by leaning on the control panel, or during power outages. The instructions are printed on the front panel of the washer and are included in the owner's manual.

If the washer door remains locked, you can use the manual release to open the door. The following link explains how:

http://www.fixya.com/support/r622155-kenmore_elite_whirlpool_duet_door_jammed

If these steps do not provide you with a solution, you may have a more serious problem than simple operator intervention. Please let me know if you require additional assistance. I hope this helps you.

Add Your Answer

×

Uploading: 0%

my-video-file.mp4

Complete. Click "Add" to insert your video. Add

×

Loading...
Loading...

Related Questions:

0helpful
1answer

My dryer will not come on. The time and lighting is on and then the control lock light is on.

Check to make sure you don't have the control panel inadvertently locked. If you are referring to a Whirlpool Duet, Kenmore Elite, or Maytag Epic series washer or dryer, the control lock is a built-in safety feature that enables the consumer to lock the control panel to prevent children from manipulating the controls and accidentally starting the appliance.

With the lock on, the control panel is disabled and you cannot use any of the controls, except the button to unlock it. It can inadvertently be set following a power outage, leaning against the control panel, or pressing and holding the wrong button. This is usually not an indication of a malfunction.

The following link explains how to lock/unlock this feature:

http://www.fixya.com/support/r3608801-control_panel_lock


These instructions are also printed on the front panel of the appliance and in the owner's manual.

If this does not correct your problem, then you may have a more significant problem other than a simple operator control button issue (such as an operator console problem or main control board issue).
NOTE: Each one of these washers come with a technical data sheet inside.

To access, you will need to remove the lower toe panel under the door. The access screws are located under the bottom front edge of the panel. You may have to prop the two front feet of the washer up for better access ( a 2x4 works well for this). With the screws removed, the panel should drop down, then come off. If the tech sheet isn't directly behind the panel, it will be affixed to one of the interior cabinet walls.

The tech sheet lists all error code definitions, troubleshooting data, diagnostics procedures and wiring diagrams. I mention the tech sheet because you may need it to troubleshoot if you cannot get the control panel to unlock.

Read through the information provided and if you have questions, please post back and let me know. I hope you find this information helpful.
0helpful
1answer

The light next to the "controls locked" is lit and

If you are referring to the Control Lock on a Whirlpool Duet, Kenmore Elite, or Maytag Epic series front loader washer or dryer, this is actually a safety feature that enables the consumer to lock the control panel to prevent children from manipulating the controls and accidentally starting the appliance.

With the lock on, the control panel is disabled and you cannot use any of the controls, except the button to unlock it. It can inadvertently be set following a power outage, leaning against the control panel, or pressing and holding the wrong button. This is usually not an indication of a malfunction.

The following link explains how to lock/unlock this feature:

http://www.fixya.com/support/r3608801-control_panel_lock


These instructions are also printed on the front panel of the appliance and in the owner's manual.

If this does not correct your problem, then you may have a more significant problem other than a simple operator control button issue (such as an operator console problem or main control board issue).
NOTE: Each one of these appliances come with a technical data sheet inside.

For Washers: To access, you will need to remove the lower toe panel under the door. The access screws are located under the bottom front edge of the panel. You may have to prop the two front feet of the washer up for better access ( a 2x4 works well for this). With the screws removed, the panel should drop down, then come off. If the tech sheet isn't directly behind the panel, it will be affixed to one of the interior cabinet walls.

For Dryers: To access, locate and remove the three screws that hold the top panel in place in the rear of the dryer. With the screws removed, the panel will slide back, then lift off. The technical data sheet should be located along one of the interior cabinet walls.


The tech sheet lists all error code definitions, troubleshooting data, diagnostics procedures and wiring diagrams. I mention the tech sheet because you may need it to troubleshoot if you cannot get the control panel to unlock.

Read through the information provided and if you have questions, please post back and let me know. I hope you find this information helpful.
3helpful
1answer

The dryer light says " control locked". How do we unlock it? I don't even know how that happened..

The Control Lock is actually a safety feature that enables the consumer to lock the control panel to prevent children from manipulating the controls and accidentally starting the appliance.

With the lock on, the control panel is disabled and you cannot use any of the controls, except the button to unlock it. It can inadvertently be set following a power outage, leaning against the control panel, or pressing and holding the wrong button. This is usually not an indication of a malfunction.

If this is a Whirlpool manufactured appliance (such as Kenmore Elite, Maytag Epic or Whirlpool Duet), the following link explains how to lock/unlock this feature:

http://www.fixya.com/support/r3608801-control_panel_lock


These instructions are also printed on the front panel of the appliance and in the owner's manual.

If this does not correct your problem, then you may have a more significant problem other than a simple operator control button issue (such as an operator console problem or main control board issue). Please post back and let me know if you need further assistance.
0helpful
1answer

Dryer stuck on control locked

The Control Lock is actually a safety feature that enables the consumer to lock the control panel to prevent small children from manipulating the controls and accidentally starting the appliance. This can usually be reset and does not require a technician.

With the lock on, the control panel is disabled and you cannot use any of the controls, except the button to unlock it. It can inadvertently be set following a power outage, leaning against the control panel, or pressing and holding the wrong button. This is usually not an indication of a malfunction.

If this is a Whirlpool manufactured front loader (such as Kenmore Elite), the following link explains how to lock/unlock this feature:

http://www.fixya.com/support/r3608801-control_panel_lock


These instructions are also printed on the front panel of the appliance and in the owner's manual.

If this does not correct your problem, then you may have a more serious problem than a simple operator control button issue (such as an operator console problem or main control board issue). Please post back and let me know if you need further assistance.
0helpful
1answer

CONTROL LOCKED LIGHT ON (WASHER AND DRYER)

The Control Lock is actually a safety feature that enables the consumer to lock the control panel to prevent small children from manipulating the controls and accidentally starting the appliance.

With the lock on, the control panel is disabled and you cannot use any of the controls, except the button to unlock it. It can inadvertently be set following a power outage, by leaning against the control panel, or from playing with the control buttons. This is usually not an indication of a washer malfunction.

If this is a Whirlpool Duet series, the following link explains how to lock/unlock this feature:

http://www.fixya.com/support/r3608801-control_panel_lock


These instructions are printed on the front panel of the appliance and in the owner's manual.

If this does not correct your problem, then you may have a more serious problem than a simple operator control issue (such as an operator console problem or main control board issue). If you need further assistance, please post back and let me know. I hope you find this information helpful.
0helpful
1answer

Contol Lock

The Control Lock is actually a safety feature that enables the consumer to lock the control panel to prevent small children from manipulating the controls and accidentally starting the appliance.

With the lock on, the control panel is disabled and you cannot use any of the controls, except the button to unlock it. It can inadvertently be set following a power outage, or by leaning against the control panel and is usually not an indication of a washer malfunction.

If this is a Whirlpool Duet series, the following link explains how to lock/unlock this feature:

http://www.fixya.com/support/r3608801-control_panel_lock


These instructions are printed on the front panel of the appliance and in the owner's manual.

If this does not correct your problem, then you may have a more serious problem than a simple operator control issue (such as an operator console problem or main control board issue). If you need further assistance, please post back and let me know. I hope this corrects the problem for you.
0helpful
1answer

Have gew9250 dryer only light on is control locked how do i unlock

The Control Lock is a safety feature that allows the consumer to lock the control panel to prevent small children from manipulating the controls. It can inadvertently be set following a power outage, or by leaning against the control panel. The following link explains how to turn the feature on/off:

http://www.fixya.com/support/r2469429-kenmore_elite_amp_whirlpool_duet

These instructions are printed on the front panel of the appliance and in the owner's manual. If this does not correct your problem, then you may have a more serious problem than a simple operator control issue. If you need further assistance, please let me know. I hope this corrects the problem for you.
0helpful
1answer

Light on reads control panel locked - how do I unlock it?

This advise is for Kenmore Elite and Whirlpool Duet front loader washers and dryers with a Control Lock problem.

This may or may not be an indication of a serious problem. In the majority of the cases, this is a simple operator error. Nearly all these model appliances have some sort of Control Lock feature on the front panel now. This is a designed safety feature that is used to prevent small children from manipulating the controls. The controls can be easily locked or unlocked by pressing and holding the following button on the front panel:

Whirlpool Duet Washer - Press and hold the END OF CYCLE SIGNAL button for 3 seconds.

Whirlpool Duet Dryer - Press and hold the END OF CYCLE SIGNAL button for 3 seconds.

Kenmore Elite Washer - Press and hold the DRAIN/SPIN button for 3 seconds.

Kenmore Elite Dryer - Press and hold the AUTO DRY LEVEL button for 3 seconds.

These instructions may not be all inclusive for all Kenmore and Whirlpool models, but they are the most common. Chances are, if you have a Control Lock feature, the instructions will be printed on the front panel adjacent to the button that is required to lock or unlock the controls.

NOTE: These instructions may also work for newer model Maytag, Hotpoint, Admiral and Fridgidaire model front loaders as well. Refer to your owner's manual or front panel for instructions pertaining to your sepcific model.

If the Control Lock feature will not lock or unlock the appliance, unplugging the unit for AT LEAST 30 minutes is recommended in order to reset the main control board. In many cases this is all that is required to correct momentary glitches.

Thanks for using FixYa - a 4 THUMBS rating is appreciated for answering your FREE question.
5helpful
2answers

The Dryer says "Control Locked"

Try pressing an holding the "End of Cycle Signal" button on the front panel in for 3 seconds. This button is used to lock/unlock the control panel to keep small children from manipulating the controls when the dryer is not in use. A designed safety feature. If this does not work for you, please post back and let me know. I hope this helps you.
Not finding what you are looking for?

82 views

Ask a Question

Usually answered in minutes!

Top Whirlpool Dryers Experts

Virgil Watts

Level 2 Expert

267 Answers

Ronny Bennett Sr.
Ronny Bennett Sr.

Level 3 Expert

6988 Answers

Brad Brown

Level 3 Expert

19187 Answers

Are you a Whirlpool Dryer Expert? Answer questions, earn points and help others

Answer questions

Manuals & User Guides

Loading...