On most ovens, dishwashers and washers, you turn off the control lock by pressing and holding the button marked with a padlock icon (or labeled Lock, Control Lock or Child Lock) for about three seconds, until the lock indicator goes out. If the panel ignores every button press, check for a lock light before assuming the appliance is broken.
Time: about 5 minutes · Difficulty: Easy · You'll need: your appliance manual or model number, a few minutes of patience
Before you start
- •Look for a small padlock symbol or a "Lock" light on the display. That's the sign the controls are locked, not dead.
- •The control lock is different from a door lock. Ovens lock the door during self-clean, and washers lock the door during a cycle for safety. Never force a locked door.
- •Know where the breaker for the appliance is, in case you need a power reset later.
Steps
Step 1 — Find the lock button
Read the labels under or beside each button. The lock is often a secondary function printed in small type, sometimes with "hold 3 sec" next to it.
Step 2 — Press and hold
Press and hold that button for about three seconds. Many panels beep or show the lock light turning off when it releases.
Step 3 — Try two-button combinations
On some models, especially washers, the lock uses two buttons pressed at the same time. Your manual will name the pair if that's the case.
Step 4 — Test a simple function
Press a basic button, such as a timer or cycle select, to confirm the panel responds.
Step 5 — Do a power reset if it's still frozen
If nothing responds at all, turn off the appliance's breaker (or unplug it), wait about a minute, and restore power. This clears many temporary control glitches.
Step 6 — Set the clock and settings
After a power reset, you may need to reset the clock or certain preferences.
Didn't fix it?
If the panel stays unresponsive after a power reset, or some buttons work and others don't, the touch panel or control board may be failing. Fluctuating displays, random beeping or error codes also point to a control problem, and those codes vary by brand and model. For ranges and wall ovens, our oven repair technicians can test the controls. And if the panel works but the oven cavity stays dark, see how to change an oven light bulb.
How often to do this
Only when it happens, but it helps to know your lock button before you need it. Leaving the lock on is a good idea when kids are around or when you wipe the panel.
From Kevin: A locked panel is one of the most common reasons an appliance seems dead. Look for that little padlock before you assume something has failed.
Still unresponsive? Call ProFix NJ at (973) 718-9373.