GE Range Error Code CONTROL

CONTROL displayed alongside a lock symbol on a GE range means the control lockout feature is active. This mode disables all keypad inputs to prevent accidental oven operation. It is not a malfunction or error code. Deactivating the control lock through the designated button sequence will clear the display and restore normal operation.

The CONTROL lock display itself does not indicate a safety hazard. However, because the control lockout disables all keypad inputs, you will not be able to start, adjust, or stop the oven from the control panel while it is active. If the oven was already running when the lock was engaged, it will continue its current cycle. Deactivate the control lock before attempting any new cooking operation.

In the majority of cases, clearing the CONTROL lock requires no parts and no service call, making the cost effectively zero. If a faulty keypad or membrane switch is causing the lock to engage unintentionally, a replacement keypad or touchpad assembly typically costs in the range of $50 to $200 for parts, with additional labor costs if a technician performs the repair. Diagnosing whether the keypad is defective versus a simple user-activated lock should always be the first step before purchasing parts.

To clear the CONTROL lock display, locate the lock button or button combination on your control panel and press and hold it according to the Lock Controls instructions in the Oven Controls section of your range documentation. The lock symbol will disappear and the controls will become responsive again. If the standard procedure does not work, try cutting power to the range at the circuit breaker for a few minutes, then restore power and attempt the unlock sequence again.

A power reset by turning off the circuit breaker for several minutes may clear the control lock state if the standard unlock button procedure is not working. However, in most cases the lock state is stored in the control board memory and may persist through a brief power interruption. The correct approach is to use the designated unlock button sequence on the control panel. A longer power disconnection gives the board time to fully reset.