How to Unlock a GE Oven

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: October 25, 2022

The self-cleaning oven function is a time-saver and it increases the safety of oven cleaning. During the cleaning cycle and for an hour after, your oven locks to ensure you can’t touch the hot oven or breathe in the fumes. Occasionally, an oven can remain set in the lock position, even if you have flipped the lock switch. Luckily, there are several ways to unlock a GE oven.

Things You Should Know

If you've recently used your oven's self-cleaning function, the door won't unlock until the oven is completely cool.
If you haven't recently used the self-cleaning feature, shut off the breaker that controls power to the oven for 5 minutes to unlock it.
If the door is still locked, running a self-cleaning cycle and waiting for the oven to cool once it's finished might do the trick.
If nothing is working, you can manually remove the oven door.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Resetting the Oven’s Computer

1
Reset the circuit breaker. Reset the oven’s computer by switching the circuit breaker that controls the oven to "off" for five minutes. The circuit breaker might be in your garage or on the outside of your house.
- The best way to determine which switch powers your kitchen is through trial and error. Leave the kitchen light on and test each switch, one by one.
- Leave the switch off for a few moments and switch it back to “on.”
- You’ll know that the oven reset because the oven time will blink “12:00.”^{[1]
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- Many houses or apartments will label circuit breakers to avoid this process.
2
Test the cleaning setting. If the oven is still locked, press the self-cleaning button again to start the cycle. Let it go for 30 seconds, and then cancel the self-cleaning cycle. Test the door lock lever again.
- It is important to note that you must wait for the oven to cool after running the self cleaning function.
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3
Set a new cycle. Program a short self-cleaning cycle of one to two hours. Let the oven cool and try it again. If you are still not having any luck and have waited an ample amount of time (one-three hours), it’s time to cut power off the oven.
4
Remove all power from the oven. Go back to the circuit breaker that controls the oven and switch it off. Go back to the oven and test if the lock works briefly. Now move the oven out from against the wall gently. Follow the power supply that attaches to the wall and unplug the power.^{[2]
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- Unplug the oven if you plan to unlock the oven door manually.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Unlocking the Oven Manually

1
Wait it out. Make sure you have waited over an hour after the self-cleaning cycle has ended to unlock the oven. It may be too hot to handle before that time. It is not supposed to unlock until the oven is cooled.^{[3]
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2
Check the power. Cut the power to the oven by flipping the circuit breaker or unplugging the oven completely from the wall. If you already tried troubleshooting the oven, you should have attempted to remove all power from the oven.^{[4]
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- Follow the cables in the back of the oven to avoid detaching a gas cable.
3
Use a wire hanger. Unfold a wire hanger and create a hook that you can use to flip the switch. Slide the flat hook through the area between the door and the main part of GE oven. Place the hook over the latch. Pull gently to release the lock. This may take several tries.
- Be careful not to damage the oven’s finish with the wire hanger.^{[5]
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- If you continue to get an error message that your door is locked when it isn't, press cancel or off to remove the message.
4
Detach the oven door. If there are screws near the top or front that attach the oven top to the base, unscrew them and pull the oven top up. Many newer ovens will have these screws more concealed than older models. Once inside the oven, switch the lock from the inside of the oven. The lock should be in the top center of the door. You should see a clear latch that is adjustable.
- You will need a friend to help lift the heavy stovetop while you switch the lock.
- If you continue to get an error message that your door is locked when it isn't, press cancel or off to remove the message.
- Many ovens place these screws on the inside of the oven, so you’ll need try a different technique or call a specialist.^{[6]
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Community Q&A

Question

My oven is locked open and never began the cleaning cycle. Can I unlock it without unscrewing it?

Community Answer

We were able to unlock ours by pushing the button on the upper left side of the door edge. When you press it, the interior light will also come on. The oven must be cooled down in order for the door to open.
Question

When I try to use my oven it says LOC in large orange letters on the digital display screen. How do I unlock it?

Community Answer

Try pressing the 0 & 9 buttons at same time.
Question

How do I change Celsius to Fahrenheit?

Cassiereroni

Community Answer

This comes from the manual for my GE oven. To change Temperature Selection: 1) Touch the "Bake" and "Broil HiLo" pads at the same time for 3 seconds. 2) Touch the "Broil HiLo" and "Cooking Time" pads at the same time. The display will show either F (Fahrenheit) or C (Celsius). 3) Touch the "Broil Hi/Lo" and "Cooking Time" pads again at the same time. The display will show F (Fahrenheit). 4) Touch the "Start" pad. Your oven should now be in Fahrenheit when using it.

Warnings

If you’re at all uncomfortable messing with the door manually or electricity, call a repair service. You don’t need to risk damaging your appliances or yourself!

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