Frigidaire Dishwasher LOC — What It Means & How to Fix It
LOC means the control lock — the child lock — is switched on, freezing the buttons so the cycle can't be changed or started until you unlock it with the Delay Start pad.
What this code means
LOC isn't a malfunction; it's the control-lock feature doing its job. With it on, the keypad ignores presses so children — or a wipe-down cloth — can't change settings or start the machine. Frigidaire ties the lock to the Delay Start button, and a small lock icon usually lights alongside the message.
LOC is the same control-lock feature across Frigidaire dishwashers, but how you toggle it splits by tub type: plastic-tub models use a press-and-hold, stainless-tub models step the Delay Start button until 'loc' appears or clears. Your model's manual confirms which applies to you.
Most likely causes
| Cause | How likely | DIY-fixable? |
|---|---|---|
| Control lock switched on intentionally | Very common | Yes — hold Delay Start |
| Lock toggled by accident while wiping the panel | Common | Yes — hold Delay Start |
| A child or curious hand holding the buttons | Occasional | Yes — hold Delay Start |
| Stuck Delay Start key holding the lock on | Less common | No — technician job |
What you can try yourself
- On plastic-tub models, press and hold DELAY START for three seconds — the lock indicator light goes out and the buttons respond again.
- On stainless-tub models, press DELAY START repeatedly until 'loc' disappears from the display window.
- If you're not sure which type you have, try the press-and-hold first; it does no harm if it isn't the right method.
- Confirm the lock icon is off and tap any button to check the panel responds before starting a cycle.
When to call a technician
- The panel stays locked after both unlock methods are tried.
- The Delay Start button feels stuck, mushy, or unresponsive.
- Other buttons stay dead even once 'loc' has cleared from the display.
Typical professional repair cost: Nothing to unlock it. If a failed keypad or control panel is holding the lock on, replacement typically runs $150–$300 with labor.
Frequently asked questions
How do I unlock my Frigidaire dishwasher control lock?
Press and hold the DELAY START button for about three seconds on plastic-tub models; on stainless-tub models, tap DELAY START until 'loc' clears from the display. The lock light goes out and the keypad works again — no tools and no power cycling needed.
Why does my Frigidaire dishwasher show LOC?
The control lock has been switched on — often on purpose as a child lock, sometimes by accident while wiping the panel. It disables the buttons until you unlock it. It's a feature, not a fault, so there's nothing to repair.
Does LOC mean the dishwasher door is locked shut?
No — it locks the control buttons, not the door. You can still open the door with LOC showing. The feature exists to stop settings being changed or a cycle being started by accident, which is why it's usually called the child lock.
Sources checked
Error meanings can vary by model. This guide was checked against the documentation above; use the manual for the model number on your own appliance when it differs.
Related Frigidaire codes
- Frigidaire Dishwasher i20 The unit didn't drain properly — Frigidaire's filters and glass trap clog like any brand's, and the drain hose and disposal connection make up the rest of the usual story.
- Frigidaire Dishwasher i40 Food soil has built up in the sump and filter to the point water can't circulate freely, and Frigidaire's own remedy is to pull the glass trap and filter and rinse them clean.
- Frigidaire Dishwasher CL The control hasn't sensed the door fully shut and latched, so it won't start the cycle — usually a door left a touch ajar, an item poking past the tub, or a strike knocked out of line.
- Frigidaire Dishwasher PF Power to the dishwasher was cut mid-cycle and it's flagging the interruption — a one-off after an outage clears with a button press, while a PF that keeps returning points at the supply.
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