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It has been a productive morning, and you have finished your chores in record time. The last thing you have to do is empty the dishwasher. You turn and notice the GE dishwasher lock light on. That’s strange. Why is my dishwasher stuck on the control lock? What could have happened? Did someone accidentally lock it?
The GE dishwasher control lock is designed to prevent people from opening the dishwasher while running. You can lock the dishwasher if you have small children that might accidentally start the appliance. You can also use it to prevent people from interrupting the dishwasher cycle while it is running.
Appliance malfunctions sometimes happen, and the GE dishwasher is no exception. You may find that your GE profile dishwasher won’t unlock. You have to open your dishwasher to get the dishes out, so how do I get my GE dishwasher out of lock mode?
The great news is you won’t have to call a plumber and tell them you can’t open your dishwasher. We will cover everything you need about the GE dishwasher lock control.
Why Is My Dishwasher Stuck on the Control Lock?
It can be very frustrating when your dishwasher isn’t working or responding! If you’ve asked, ‘how do I turn off the control lock’ on your Dishwasher, we have some answers.
The electronic lock control system controls the lock control. The door to your dishwasher is closed tightly by this electronic system. When there is a problem with this system, the door to your dishwasher will remain locked. You must reset the electronic control system to open the door.
A GE dishwasher can remain locked if there is an issue with the door handle. When opening your dishwasher, if you find that the handle is working differently, you may want to consider a new door handle. It is best to check your warranty before making any repairs yourself.
As appliances age, parts begin to break down. Another reason your GE dishwasher may be stuck in the control lock is a failing door latch. The door latch is essential for keeping the dishwasher door closed so water does not leak all over your floor. If the door latch is broken, you’ll need to replace it to get the door open.
The door hinges or the door striker may not be working correctly, and this can also cause your dishwasher’s control lock to stay on. You will need to fix or repair these to get your door open. These parts might be costly, and you might want to consider the age of your dishwasher before investing in repairs.
There may be a button that is sticking on the control panel of your dishwasher. Check the panel for food or debris and clean it. You can use a wet cloth to wipe it and then dry the panel thoroughly.
How To Get Rid of the Control Lock on My Dishwasher?
The control lock feature is included in the design of your GE dishwasher to prevent children or someone from using the dishwasher when they shouldn’t be. Not everyone will require this feature, and you may feel you can responsibly run the dishwasher without safety features.
1. Control Lock Function
Once the control lock is activated, the dishwasher cannot be used, and no little fingers will be able to stop or start the dishwasher. You can also use the control lock to prevent people from changing the cycle when the dishwasher is running.
2. Lock the Keypad
GE dishwashers with a keypad lock are very simple to use. For older models, press the lock keypad twice in three seconds. When you hear the dishwasher beep, look for a light near the lock keypad that shows that the control lock is set. For newer models, You will need to press the “Heated Dry” key for three seconds until the light comes on. Repeat this process to deactivate the control lock.
3. Releasing the Control Lock
When you want to release the control lock, you do the same process that you did for setting the lock, but you wait for the indicator light to go out.
Controls Lock Stuck in a Locked Position: How Do I Unlock Controls?
Trying to get into a locked dishwasher can be frustrating. Many people use their dishwashers daily, and any interruption can cause havoc in the kitchen. So, how do you open a locked dishwasher? You first need to know how to turn off the control lock on a GE dishwasher.
You may have activated the control lock by accident, and it is simply a matter of turning it off. Press your GE dishwasher controls; hold 3 seconds and see if the indicator light goes out. When the light goes out, you should be able to open the door.
If the light stays on, your next attack plan would be resetting your dishwasher. Is there a reset button on dishwashers that will make my life easier? Yes, GE dishwashers have a convenient “Start/Reset” button on the control panel.
How do I reset my GE dishwasher control panel?
This is probably one of the most straightforward DIY fixes you will ever do. Press this key for 5 to 10 seconds until the indicator light starts flashing. When the light stops flashing, the dishwasher has been reset. It doesn’t get any easier than that.
How do I fix the control panel on my dishwasher?
If resetting the dishwasher did not work, try unplugging it for at least one minute and then plug it back in. This will reset the control panel. If your dishwasher is still locked, you may want to consider having your control panel checked by a professional. It may need to be replaced.
If resetting the dishwasher does not fix the problem, you must consider the door mechanisms, which may have to be replaced or repaired.
How Do I Remove the Control Locked Light Which Prevents Starting?
Looking for an indicator light will let you know that the control lock feature has been activated. The easiest way to remove this light is to press the “Lock” button twice in three seconds. For newer models, you must press and hold the “Heated/Dry” button for three seconds. Once the light goes out, you know your dishwasher is no longer in the control lock mode.
How Do I Get My Dishwasher Out of Control Lock if the button Isn’t Working?
Knowing how to get your GE dishwasher out of control lock will not help you much if the buttons aren’t working. So, how do I turn off the control lock if the control panel is blank? The first thing you will need to do is to try and get the control panel working.
Unplug the dishwasher for a minute, and then plug it back in. Hopefully, the control panel has come to life, and you can use the buttons. Now you will press the “Start/Reset” button for 5 to 10 seconds until the light begins to flash.
When the light stops flashing, press the “lock” key twice in three seconds, or hold the “Heated/Dry” button for three seconds, depending on the model of your dishwasher. Once the control lock has been deactivated, you should be able to open your dishwasher and carry on with your chores.
Conclusion
Finding your GE dishwasher locked can be a great source of irritation. But, it doesn’t have to be. With many GE dishwasher models, it can be a straightforward fix. When you know what problems to look for, you can have your dishwasher open in no time. In many instances, it won’t cost you a thing to fix; it’s just a matter of pressing some buttons.
You won’t need an electrician or a plumber to fix most issues with your dishwasher. However, if your GE dishwasher control lock won’t turn off, you should consult your owner’s manual to ensure that you have the right model. Knowing the correct model type will help you research the right solution for the problem that you are experiencing. Ingenuity and information will go a long way in solving your dishwasher problems.
FAQs
There are several reasons that a dishwasher may need to be reset. For example, there may have been a power surge, or someone has pushed the power button too often. It can also indicate that your dishwasher has damaged components or a faulty control panel.
Not all dishwashers have a dedicated reset button. When your dishwasher does not have a reset button, you can reset it by unplugging it for one minute and restoring power to your appliance.
If the “Heated/Dry” key is not working, try a complete reboot by unplugging the dishwasher and then plugging it back in. This should reset your control panel, and the “Heated/Dry” button will work. Once this key is working, you can deactivate the control lock feature.
