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.
Related Frigidaire codes
- Frigidaire Dishwasher i10 Water isn't reaching the tub fast enough — the under-sink valve, a kinked line, or a stuck float explain most i10 errors before any part needs replacing.
- 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 i30 Water collected in the pan beneath the tub and the anti-leak response took over — the cause ranges from a one-off overflow or suds episode to a genuine seal failure.
- Frigidaire Dishwasher i60 The water isn't heating the way the cycle requires — the element, its relay, or the temperature sensor is at fault, and all of them are mains-voltage parts for a professional.
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