Kenmore Range Error Code - -

The "- -" display on a Kenmore range indicates that the oven or surface element controls are in a locked state. This occurs either automatically during a self-clean cycle or when the manual Oven Lockout feature is active. It is a status indicator, not a fault code, and the controls will not respond to input while this display is shown.

If the "- -" display is showing during a self-clean cycle, it is not safe to attempt to open the oven door or override the lock, as interior temperatures are extremely high during that process. If the display is due to the Oven Lockout feature being active, the range is safe but the controls are intentionally disabled. Simply unlock the range using the Lock key to resume normal use.

If the issue is simply the Oven Lockout feature or a self-clean cycle, there is no repair cost involved since it resolves through normal operation. If the control board has failed and is causing a permanent lockout condition, control board replacement typically costs between $150 and $400 depending on the specific model, including parts and labor. Diagnosing the root cause before ordering parts is strongly recommended to avoid unnecessary expense.

If the range is running a self-clean cycle, you must wait for the cycle to finish and for the oven to cool before the lock releases automatically. If no self-clean cycle is running, press and hold the Lock key on the control panel for 3 seconds to deactivate the Oven Lockout feature. If neither method works, try resetting the range by turning off the circuit breaker for 60 seconds and restoring power.

A power reset, performed by turning off the circuit breaker for 60 seconds and restoring power, can clear the "- -" display if it is caused by a control board glitch or a lockout state that was retained after a power interruption. However, if the lockout is due to an active self-clean cycle, the reset will not override the safety lock until the oven cools. For a manually activated Oven Lockout, using the Lock key is the correct method rather than a power reset.