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Error code reference

KitchenAid Range Error Code LOC

Control Lock is active; the control panel pads are shut down to prevent unintended use of the oven.

KitchenAid codesKitchenAid range codes

Control Lock is active; the control panel pads are shut down to prevent unintended use of the oven.

First step from the service manual

Press and hold the START pad for 5 seconds to unlock and remove 'LOC' or 'CONTROL LOCKED' from the display.

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

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What LOC means on a KitchenAid range

The LOC indicator on a KitchenAid range signals that the Control Lock feature has been activated. This is a software-level lockout built into the electronic control board that disables all control panel pad inputs, preventing any cooking functions from being started, adjusted, or canceled. The display will show either 'LOC' or 'CONTROL LOCKED' while this state is active. The feature is intentional and not a fault condition, meaning no component has failed and no error has occurred in the traditional diagnostic sense.

The Control Lock function is managed entirely by the range's electronic control board, which monitors a specific pad input to toggle the lock state on or off. When activated, the board ignores all other pad presses and maintains the locked state even if the range is power cycled in some configurations. The START pad serves as the designated unlock trigger, and holding it for a continuous 5-second press sends the deactivation signal to the control board firmware.

This condition is most commonly encountered when the lock was engaged deliberately, for example to prevent children from operating the oven, or when the START pad was held down accidentally during cleaning or while items were resting on the control panel. It can also appear after a power interruption if the control board retained the locked state in non-volatile memory. In all typical cases, no parts replacement or technical repair is required to resolve the LOC display.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of LOC

  1. 01

    Control Lock intentionally activated

    Wiring / connection

    A household member pressed and held the START pad to engage the lock, often for child safety or to prevent accidental oven activation. This is the most common reason for the LOC display and requires no repair.

  2. 02

    Accidental activation during cleaning

    Wiring / connection

    Wiping down the control panel while the range is on can cause prolonged contact with the START pad, triggering the Control Lock. Checking for the LOC display after cleaning the panel is a good first step.

  3. 03

    Object resting on the control panel

    Wiring / connection

    Cookware, towels, or other items placed on or near the control panel can press and hold the START pad long enough to engage the lock. Removing the object and then unlocking resolves this immediately.

  4. 04

    Locked state retained after power interruption

    Wiring / connection

    If the range was in a locked state when power was lost, the control board may restore that locked state when power returns, depending on how the firmware manages non-volatile memory. Performing the 5-second START pad hold will clear it.

  5. 05

    Faulty or stuck START pad

    Part replacement

    In rare cases, a START pad that is physically stuck or registering a continuous press due to membrane damage can trigger the lock repeatedly or prevent the 5-second unlock sequence from working correctly. If the LOC display returns immediately after unlocking, inspect the keypad membrane for damage or debris beneath the pad.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about LOC

What does LOC mean on a KitchenAid range?
LOC on a KitchenAid range means the Control Lock feature is active, which disables all control panel buttons to prevent unintended operation. The display may show either 'LOC' or 'CONTROL LOCKED'. This is not a malfunction or appliance fault. It is a built-in safety feature that can be turned off by the user.
How do I fix the LOC code on my KitchenAid range?
Press and hold the START pad continuously for 5 seconds. The LOC or CONTROL LOCKED message should disappear from the display, and all control panel buttons will return to normal operation. If the display does not respond, verify that you are holding the correct pad and that the 5-second duration is met without releasing.
Is it safe to use my KitchenAid range when LOC is displayed?
The LOC display itself presents no safety hazard. It simply means the control panel is locked and no new cooking functions can be started or changed. Any cooking cycle that was already running when the lock was engaged will generally continue. Unlock the panel using the START pad hold procedure before attempting to operate the range.
Will resetting the power clear the LOC code on a KitchenAid range?
Power cycling the range by shutting off the circuit breaker may or may not clear the LOC display, depending on how the control board stores the lock state. The reliable method is to hold the START pad for 5 seconds with the range powered on. If the lock state is restored after every power cycle, inspect the START pad for physical damage or debris.
How much does it cost to repair a KitchenAid range showing LOC?
In the vast majority of cases, the LOC code requires no repair and no parts, so the cost is zero. If a damaged keypad membrane is causing the lock to engage repeatedly, replacement keypad or touchpad parts typically range from $50 to $200 depending on the model, plus labor costs if a technician is needed for the repair.

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