GE Microwave Shows "LOC": Control Panel Is Locked (How to Unlock It)

What the code means

GE owner's manuals describe Lock Controls as a way to lock the control panel so the microwave can't be accidentally started or used by children. When the panel is locked, the display shows "LOC" and the microwave ignores most button presses. GE's troubleshooting sections and its microwave drawer message list give the same fix: press and hold Cancel/Off for about 3 seconds to unlock the control panel. GE's support article on a microwave whose buttons aren't responding adds that on models with a Lock feature the display may show "L", "LOC" or the word "LOCKED", and that holding Clear/Off for 3 seconds unlocks it. Because the same 3-second hold turns the lock on, it's easy to lock the panel by accident, for example while wiping the control panel or holding Cancel to clear a program. Some GE models label the pad "Lock Controls Hold 3 Sec" right on the panel. LOC is different from GE's real fault codes such as F1/F2 (thermal sensor), F3 (a key held or shorted for more than 60 seconds, often from liquid on the panel) and F4/F5 (humidity sensor), and from FOOD (door not opened) and PF (power failure).

Likely causes

• The Lock Controls (child lock) feature was turned on on purpose to keep children from using the microwave
• Cancel/Off or Clear/Off was held for about 3 seconds by accident, which turns the lock on
• The control panel was pressed for a few seconds while being cleaned
• Rarely, a control or touch pad problem that keeps the panel from responding even after unlocking (a service issue, not the lock itself)

Safe DIY checks

1. Press and hold Cancel/Off (or Clear/Off) for about 3 seconds until LOC disappears from the display. GE says this unlocks the control panel.
2. Look for a pad labeled "Lock Controls Hold 3 Sec" on your model; on those, the lock is on the Cancel/Off pad and works the same way.
3. Hold the pad firmly with a dry finger. A wet or greasy panel can keep a touch pad from registering, and GE notes liquid on the panel can also trigger F3.
4. If unlocking doesn't work, turn off the breaker or fuse for the microwave for about 30 seconds, turn it back on, then try the 3-second hold again. GE suggests this power reset for codes that won't clear.
5. Once it's unlocked, press Cancel/Off once to clear any half-entered program before you start cooking.

Parts that commonly fix it

Always match the part number to your exact model.

Related codes

• F1 GE Microwave F1
• F3 GE Microwave F3
• F4 GE Microwave F4
• FOOD GE Microwave FOOD
• PF GE Microwave PF

All GE codes →

Sources

1. GE Appliances: Microwave Drawer - Messages and Error Codes on the Display (LOC: control panel locked; press and hold Cancel/Off about 3 seconds)
2. GE Appliances: Microwave - Is Not Making Sound (buttons not responding; L, LOC or LOCKED in display; hold Clear/Off 3 seconds)
3. GE microwave owner's manual (Lock Controls to prevent use by children; LOC appears when locked; F3, FOOD and PF messages)
4. GE Appliances: Microwave - Error, Fault or Function Codes (F1-F6, F10 fault codes for contrast; 30-second breaker reset)