What Does Control Lock on a Kenmore Duet Washer & Dryer Mean?

Use

• Holding the control lock button on the control panel for three to five seconds enables or disables the lock setting, and displays an illuminated light above or next to "Control Lock" to indicate whether the setting is on or off. Newer models of the Kenmore laundry appliance displays a lock icon next to the control lock button to indicate it is enabled.

Purpose

• Once enabled, the control panel ignores touch commands that are pressed on its front display until the control lock setting is disabled. The control lock can be set while the washer or dryer is in use, or when the appliance is inactive to prevent children from accidentally turning on the machine.

Troubleshooting

• In the event of a power failure during an active control lock you may need to reset your washer's control panel by unplugging the appliance's power cord for at least one minute to reset the controls. Once reset, the control lock is disabled and all previous settings are erased and the appliance's door can be opened to access clothing.

Exceptions

• Although the cycle modifier buttons are disabled the "Pause/Cancel" and "Start" buttons remain unaffected by the control lock. These buttons remain unaffected in the event the current cycle needs to be interrupted in case of emergency. Pressing "Pause/Cancel" twice cancels the current cleaning load, and requires unlocking the control lock to select new cycle options.