LG Microwave LOC (or L) on the Display: Child Lock Is On (How to Unlock It)

What the code means

LG's owner's manuals describe Child Lock as a safety feature that locks the control panel so the oven can't be turned on while you clean it or by children without supervision. LG's manuals say to touch and hold STOP/Clear until Loc appears and a melody sounds (about 3 seconds) to lock it, and to hold STOP/Clear again until Loc disappears and a melody sounds to unlock it. While the oven is locked, Loc appears in the display whenever any key is touched, and the time of day returns about a second later if the clock is set. Older LG models show a single L instead of Loc and use the same press-and-hold on STOP/Clear. LG's help article on a keypad that isn't responding notes that some models put the lock on a different key (it names holding START/Enter for about 4 seconds until the L indicator or lock icon appears), and tells you to check the owner's manual if your STOP/Clear key has no lock marking. Because the lock is so easy to set by holding STOP/Clear a little too long, LOC often shows up after cleaning the panel or after a child plays with the keys. LOC is not an error code: it doesn't mean a part has failed. It's different from LG's F codes such as F3, which LG ties to moisture or foreign material around the touch panel.

Likely causes

• Child Lock was turned on by holding STOP/Clear (or your model's lock key) for about 3 to 4 seconds
• Someone held a key down while wiping the control panel, which set the lock by accident
• A child pressed and held the keys
• On some models the lock is on a different key, such as START/Enter, so holding STOP/Clear doesn't release it
• Rarely, a keypad that doesn't respond after unlocking, which LG says needs service

Safe DIY checks

1. Press STOP/Clear once, then press and hold STOP/Clear for about 3 to 4 seconds until LOC (or L) disappears and you hear a beep or melody.
2. If nothing changes, look for a small lock icon or the words Child Lock printed under one of the keys, often START/Enter, and hold that key for about 4 seconds instead.
3. Check that the door is fully closed with nothing caught in it. LG notes the buttons may also not work if the door isn't shut correctly.
4. If the panel still won't respond, unplug the microwave (or switch off its breaker) for 2 to 3 minutes, plug it back in and try the controls again.
5. Look up your model's Child Lock steps in the owner's manual from LG's support site if your key layout is different.
6. Don't open the case to reach the keypad. Microwaves hold a high-voltage capacitor that can stay charged even when unplugged.

Parts that commonly fix it

Always match the part number to your exact model.

Related codes

• F11 LG Microwave F11
• F3 LG Microwave F3
• F4 LG Microwave F4
• E-11 Frigidaire Microwave E-11
• F3 GE Microwave F3

All LG codes →

Sources

1. LG microwave owner's manual (Child Lock: touch and hold STOP/Clear until Loc appears or disappears and a melody sounds, about 3 seconds; Loc shows when any key is touched while locked)
2. LG microwave owner's manual, control panel features (holding STOP/Clear for 3 seconds locks the control panel; cancel by holding until Loc disappears)
3. LG microwave oven owner's manual, older models (Child Lock shows L on the display; press and hold STOP/Clear to set or cancel)
4. LG USA Support: LG Microwave - Troubleshooting the Keypad Not Responding (Child Lock may be active; START/Enter about 4 seconds on some models; unplug 2 to 3 minutes; service if still unresponsive)
5. LG USA Support: [LG DIOS lightwave oven] L or Loc is displayed and the buttons cannot be pressed (Loc or L means child lock; hold Cancel 4 seconds; check door is fully closed)