Kenmore Elite 45986 Front Load Washer Logo
Oscie Dugan Posted on Jul 19, 2007
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 Panel I get an error message on my Kenmore Elite HE3 Quietpak 2 which says control panel locked. I tried unplugging the washer. I tried pressing stop and pause several times...nothing happens. I cannot wash any clothes. I would appreciate any help anyone can give.

  • 3 more comments 
  • scrapinmama Dec 11, 2007

    THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

    I held the button down and it worked. I was so worried about a repair bill right before Christmas and all the clothes that needed to be washed. Thanks again, you have saved the day....

  • mfb4156 Feb 24, 2008

    I have a whirpool Duet Electric Dryer - "control Locked" light is lit. Normal procedure to hold down the "end of cycel signal" button for 3 seconds does not work




    I recall a couple of buttons that could be held down to reset?


    help?

  • keeshee Jul 13, 2008

    On a Kenmore Elite HE3 Dryer, the 'Control Locked' light came on today
    and will not go out. I have tried holding down the Auto Dry Level
    button for 3 seconds (many seconds, actually), as well as the
    Pause/Cancel button and also unplugged the unit for about 45
    minutes. No luck so far. Any further suggestions?

  • Anonymous Jul 14, 2008

    On my Kenmore Elite HE3 Dryer, the 'Control Locked' light came on today and will not go out. I have tried holding down the Auto Dry Level button for 3 seconds (many seconds, actually), as well as the Pause/Cancel button, and the Start button and also unplugged the unit for about 45 minutes. No luck so far. Any further suggestions?

  • Roselia1423 Sep 07, 2008

    Washer is HE3 front loader, Light on Control Locked. Unplugged, no other buttons work if pushed. Door does open, unsure what to do. mj

×

4 Answers

Anonymous

Level 3:

An expert who has achieved level 3 by getting 1000 points

Superstar:

An expert that got 20 achievements.

All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.

MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.

  • Master 5,911 Answers
  • Posted on Jul 19, 2007
Anonymous
Master
Level 3:

An expert who has achieved level 3 by getting 1000 points

Superstar:

An expert that got 20 achievements.

All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.

MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.

Joined: Sep 29, 2006
Answers
5911
Questions
6
Helped
2734553
Points
22413

I believe the DRAIN/SPIN button on the Kenmore Elite HE3 will clear a locked control panel if you hold the button in for 3 seconds. This is actually a safety feature to keep small children from playing with the buttons and allows the consumer to lock the control panel. I hope that's all the problem you have and that it is not a control panel failure. Let me know if this helps. PS The matching Kenmore Elite Dryer uses the AUTO DRY LEVEL button for the same feature.

  • Anonymous Jul 24, 2007

    Have you tried holding in the DRAIN/SPIN button in for three seconds to clear the lock condition? It's printed clearly on the control panel. If not, what have you attempted so far? Let me know, so I may give you better advice.

  • Anonymous Jun 07, 2013

    Worked great - helps to read the instructions printed on the actual panel - but I had to read your post first! Thanks

×

Anonymous

Level 1:

An expert who has achieved level 1.

  • Contributor 2 Answers
  • Posted on Apr 11, 2010
Anonymous
Contributor
Level 1:

An expert who has achieved level 1.

Joined: Apr 11, 2010
Answers
2
Questions
0
Helped
1537
Points
5

FYI after I used the tip above to get the panel unlocked on my mine, I took the lower panel off to figure out the draining problem. If you unscrew the large white cover (about 3'4" opens by hand) in the lower center you will get access to the pre-pump screen. BEWARE: you may get a bunch of water if yours is backed up. In there a found one baby sock and looking up the drain tube I found another. Now works good as new.

Ad

Anonymous

Level 1:

An expert who has achieved level 1.

  • Contributor 1 Answer
  • Posted on Jul 15, 2008
Anonymous
Contributor
Level 1:

An expert who has achieved level 1.

Joined: Jul 15, 2008
Answers
1
Questions
0
Helped
1343
Points
1

Did not work for me. what about unplugging it -- will it reset?

A

Anonymous

I have encountered the same problem and now I can use my washer again. Yay!!

Thank you.

Add Your Answer

×

Uploading: 0%

my-video-file.mp4

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

×

Loading...
Loading...

Related Questions:

0helpful
1answer

Kenmore elite he3t quietpak 4----F25 ERROR CODE...WHAT NOW??

The F25 error code is a motor tachometer error. To determine the problem you will have to remove the top cover and the front access panel. On some models, the rear panel will have to be taken off for easier access to the motor control. Now with the washer-unplugged remove the each plug one at a time and make sure the pins in the connector are not bent then re-seat them on the board. Now retest the washer. If the washer still fails, you will need a meter to ohm the motor.
0helpful
1answer

Controls locked light

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.

The controls can be easily locked or unlocked by pressing and holding the following button on the front panel:

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.

Check below link for detailed explanations
http://www.fixya.com/support/r3608801-control_panel_lock
Courtesy JSROCK
0helpful
1answer

I have a kenmore elite smartwash quietpak 9 HE4t. The control locked light is on. I have tried unplugging for an hour and plugging back in, door is unlocked but no buttons work. What can I DO

The following link explains how to correct a Control Lock problem on a Kenmore Elite:

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

Some front panel features differ between models, but the instructions should be listed on the front panel of the washer, and are located in the operator/owner's manual. If these preliminary measures do not work, you may have a mnore serious problem.

If you have any questions, please let me know. I hope this helps you.
2helpful
1answer

Kenmore HE3 front load washer the control lock is on and I don't

Look close at the panel.... it will tell you what button to hold in for 3-5 seconds

Good Luck!
0helpful
1answer

Control lire

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.
17helpful
1answer

Kenmore Elite HE4t Washer Control lock lit, door locked

121 MINUTES USUALLY DRAIN CYCLE PLZ REMOVE 3 BOTTOM PANEL SCREWS 7 MM SCREWS, TO OPEN DOOR SLIDE RIGHT HAND TOWARDS DOOR LOCK ,THERE WILL BE A SMALL LEVER TOO PULL DOWN ,NOW ITS OPEN,,, SINCE U HAVE BOTTOM PANEL OFF PUMP IS RIGHT IN FRONT REMOVE PLASTIC HOUSING CLOCKWISE ,,,REMEMEBER HOLD 3 GALLONS OF WATER STILL ,HAVE BUCKET READY ,NOW CLEAN OUT PUMP AND DEBRIS ,, CLOSE IT UP SHOULD BE FINE NO MORE PROBLEMS ,,,,,
0helpful
1answer

Kenmore HE3 stops in middle of cycle, flashes F-11.

F/11 Serial Communication Error
Communication between the Central Control Unit (CCU) and the Motor Control Unit (MCU) cannot be sent correctly.
  • Check Wire Harness connectors to the MCU, the motor, and Central Control Unit (CCU)
  • Check the Drive system for any worn or failed components
  • Check MCU
  • Check CCU
  • Check Motor
  • Check Wire Harness
0helpful
1answer

Control Panel

check your owners manuel should tell you how to un lock controls wont be an obvious button as its a safety feature
0helpful
4answers

Kenmore Elite Front Load Washer...F02 and SUD not draining!!!!

Probably something caught in pump. Remove lower panel if this one has it and you will see the pump. Loosen the round cover in middle to access clean-out.
Not finding what you are looking for?

1,353 views

Ask a Question

Usually answered in minutes!

Top Kenmore Washing Machines Experts

Alexander

Level 2 Expert

171 Answers

Cindy Wells

Level 3 Expert

6688 Answers

vince

Level 3 Expert

2530 Answers

Are you a Kenmore Washing Machine Expert? Answer questions, earn points and help others

Answer questions

Manuals & User Guides

Loading...