How to Unlock a GE Oven

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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.

Best Way to Unlock a GE Oven

Start by resetting the circuit breaker that your oven is connected to and see if that resets the lock. If you recently ran a cleaning cycle on your oven, then the door won't unlock until your oven cools down.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Resetting the Oven’s Computer

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  1. 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]
    • Many houses or apartments will label circuit breakers to avoid this process.
  2. 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. 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. 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]
    • Unplug the oven if you plan to unlock the oven door manually.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Unlocking the Oven Manually

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  1. 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.
  2. 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. [3]
    • Follow the cables in the back of the oven to avoid detaching a gas cable.
  3. 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. [4]
    • 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. 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 to try a different technique or call a specialist. [5]
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Community Q&A

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  • 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.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 21 Helpful 56
  • 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.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
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    Not Helpful 78 Helpful 95
  • 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.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 4 Helpful 7
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      Tips

      • Call GE Customer Service at 1-800-432-2737 if you have tried resetting the electricity, repeating the self-cleaning cycle and manually flipping the switch. They can schedule a time for a repairman to visit your home.
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      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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      References

      1. ↑ http://www.appliance411.com/faq/cleanlock.shtml
      2. ↑ http://www.appliance411.com/faq/cleanlock.shtml
      3. ↑ https://www.partselect.com/Repair/Range-Stove-Oven/Door-Will-Not-Open-After-Self-Clean/
      4. ↑ https://www.partselect.com/Repair/Range-Stove-Oven/Door-Will-Not-Open-After-Self-Clean/
      5. ↑ http://www.chowhound.com/post/viking-oven-unlock-clean-843059

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      Occasionally, your self-cleaning GE oven won’t unlock on its own after the cycle is over. Luckily, there are several ways to unlock your oven. Try resetting the oven’s computer by switching the circuit breaker that controls the oven to “off” for 5 minutes. If the oven doesn’t unlock, press the self-cleaning button again to restart the cycle. After 30 seconds, cancel the cycle and see if the door unlocked. When these quicker tips don’t work, set a short self-cleaning cycle for 1 to 2 hours, let the oven cool, and try again. To learn how to unlock your GE oven manually, keep reading!

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