On the covered GE range or wall oven platform, LOC means GE says LOC is Child Lockout, a feature on many wall oven, free-standing range and slide-in range models that prevents the oven from being turned on accidentally. It is not a fault. First, check your model's owner's manual for the lockout control.
Differential
Likely causes of “GE range or wall oven code LOC”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
Child Lockout is on
What separates it LOC shows and the oven will not turn on
How to confirm GE says Child Lockout prevents the oven from being turned on accidentally
- 2
Keys held down while cleaning
What separates it LOC appeared after the panel was wiped and the keys were pressed together
How to confirm Release the lock using the keys GE names and see whether the panel responds
- 3
A lock left on after a power interruption
What separates it LOC returns after an outage and the panel does not respond
How to confirm Release the lock again and set the clock
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The exact characters shown on the display: LOC
- Which pad turns the lockout off on your model
- Whether the control responds to other pads
Try in this order
0 of 10 completedWhat to do first
ReversibleCheck your model's owner's manual for the lockout control.
Correct only the documented fault domain
ReversibleGE says to check your individual owner's manual for specific model and usage information.
Find the method
ReversibleCheck the owner's manual for the lockout pad or combination on your model.
Release it
ReversiblePress and hold the lockout pad as the manual directs until LOC disappears.
Use the oven
ReversibleSet the oven normally once the lock is off.
Release the lockout
ReversibleUse the keys the manual names to release the lock, since a lockout is a setting and clearing it needs no repair.
Find the lockout control
ReversibleCheck the owner's manual for the control that sets Child Lockout; on many GE models you press and hold a specific key for a few seconds.
Hold the key until the display clears
ReversibleHold the lockout key as the manual says until LOC disappears, then try the oven again.
Release the lockout by the method for your model
ReversibleGE ranges use a held key to lock and unlock the controls, and the key differs between models. Look for the lock symbol on the display, then hold the key the manual names for three seconds until the symbol disappears.
Check for a stuck key
ReversibleIf the lockout comes back by itself, press each key and see whether one sticks. A key that is held down by a spill or by lint can set the lock repeatedly, and cleaning around the panel often stops it.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Displayed as
- LOC.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !Request service if the lockout will not release using the manual's method
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Where the manufacturer's article stops. The unlock method differs by model.
Exact questions
Common questions
What does LOC mean on a GE range or wall oven?+
GE says LOC is Child Lockout, a feature on many wall oven, free-standing range and slide-in range models that prevents the oven from being turned on accidentally. It is not a fault.
What does LOC mean on a GE oven?+
Child Lockout is on.
Where is the method?+
In the owner's manual for the model.
Why did LOC appear by itself?+
A key may have been pressed or held while cleaning the control panel, or a brief power loss may have restored the lock.
Does Child Lockout affect the timer?+
On many models the clock and timer still work, but check your manual for what the lock disables on your oven.
Why did the lockout turn on by itself?+
A key held for the lock time, perhaps by a cloth or a pan handle against the panel, can switch it on. A power flicker can also restore a lock that was set before.
Does the lockout stop the oven from heating?+
It stops the controls from changing settings, and on some models it also prevents the oven from starting, so release it before you cook.
Is it a fault when LOC will not clear?+
It points to a key or a membrane that is stuck or worn, and GE service can replace the control panel.
Does the cooktop lock too?+
On many ranges the lockout covers the oven only, but some models lock the cooktop as well, so read the manual.