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Error code reference

Kenmore Range Error Code - -

Lockout indicator

Kenmore codesKenmore range codes

Lockout indicator – the electronic surface element control or oven is in locked mode (appears during self-clean cycle or when Oven Lockout feature is active).

First step from the service manual

Wait for the self-clean cycle to complete, or press and hold the Lock key for 3 seconds to unlock.

The complete diagnostic procedure includes additional test steps, resistance specifications, wiring diagram references, and component test points.

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What - - means on a Kenmore range

The "- -" indicator on a Kenmore range is a lockout status display, not a fault or error code in the traditional sense. It appears on the control panel to signal that the electronic surface element control or oven is currently in a locked state. This condition occurs in two primary scenarios: during an active self-clean cycle, when the oven door lock engages automatically to contain the high-temperature cleaning process, or when the manual Oven Lockout feature has been deliberately activated to prevent the cooktop or oven from being operated.

During a self-clean cycle, the oven control locks out all normal cooking functions and physically engages the door latch mechanism. The "- -" display replaces the normal time or temperature readout to communicate that the control is intentionally unresponsive to user input. Temperatures inside the oven cavity during self-clean can reach well above 800 degrees Fahrenheit, making the lockout a critical safety feature. The display will persist until the oven cools to a safe temperature, at which point the lock disengages automatically.

The Oven Lockout feature, when activated manually, disables the surface elements and oven controls to prevent unintended use, which is particularly useful in households with young children. This mode is toggled by pressing and holding the Lock key for approximately 3 seconds. If the "- -" display appears unexpectedly and no self-clean cycle is in progress, the Lockout feature was likely activated unintentionally through an accidental key press or a control panel fault that mimics a lockout state.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of - -

  1. 01

    Active self-clean cycle in progress

    Wiring / connection

    The oven automatically locks itself during self-clean and shows "- -" until the cycle finishes and the oven cools down. No action is needed except waiting for the process to complete.

  2. 02

    Oven Lockout feature activated

    Wiring / connection

    The manual lockout mode may have been turned on intentionally or accidentally by holding the Lock key. Pressing and holding the Lock key for 3 seconds will deactivate this mode and restore normal control operation.

  3. 03

    Accidental key press activating lockout

    Wiring / connection

    A prolonged or unintended press on the Lock key can engage the Oven Lockout feature without the user realizing it. Reviewing which buttons were recently pressed and attempting the 3-second unlock procedure will resolve this.

  4. 04

    Control board retaining lockout state after power interruption

    Wiring / connection

    In some cases, a brief power fluctuation or outage can cause the electronic control board to retain or misread a locked state upon restoration. Cycling power to the range at the breaker for 60 seconds may clear the condition.

  5. 05

    Faulty electronic control board

    Part replacement

    If the "- -" display persists after the self-clean cycle has finished, the oven has cooled, and the unlock procedure does not respond, the electronic control board may have failed in a way that locks the controls permanently. Replacing the control board is typically required in this scenario.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about - -

What does - - mean on a Kenmore range?
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.
How do I fix the - - display and unlock my Kenmore range?
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.
Is it safe to use my Kenmore range when - - is displayed?
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.
Will resetting my Kenmore range clear the - - code?
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.
How much does it cost to repair a Kenmore range that is stuck in lockout mode?
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.

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