Frigidaire Dishwasher LOC Code — What It Means
LOC on a Frigidaire dishwasher is a control lock indication, not a fault code. It means the child lock feature is engaged, which prevents the keypad from accepting new commands. On some Frigidaire models the display shows “loc” when the lock is active. According to Frigidaire, this indicates the controls or door are locked depending on your model family. In normal use this is a feature you or someone else turned on, not a sign of a broken component.
Common Causes
- Control lock enabled intentionally Someone pressed the lock button sequence, activating the child lock feature.
- Wrong unlock sequence for your model Frigidaire uses different lock procedures across product lines, so the method that works on one model may not work on yours.
- Stuck or contaminated keypad button Residue or moisture around the DELAY START or lock button can cause the unit to stay in lock mode or misread input.
- Control board glitch holding the lock state A temporary electronic fault may keep the lock indication displayed even after you attempt the unlock sequence.
- Failed user interface or control board If the correct unlock procedure and power reset both fail, the keypad or electronic control may be malfunctioning.
Step-by-Step Fix
- Identify your exact model number and confirm the unlock method for your Frigidaire dishwasher family, since procedures vary by platform.
- Press and hold DELAY START for 3 seconds until the lock indicator or “loc” display disappears (this is the unlock sequence for most Frigidaire models, including stainless tub variants).
- Inspect the keypad area for stuck buttons, food residue, or moisture that could prevent the unlock command from registering properly.
- Cycle power at the circuit breaker or unplug the dishwasher for one minute, then restore power to clear any control glitch if the panel does not respond to the unlock sequence.
- Retest the lock and unlock commands after power restoration to verify the control responds normally.
- Check the user interface connections and inspect the electronic control board for visible damage or corrosion if LOC persists after the correct unlock procedure and reset.
- Replace the failed component (keypad or control board) only after confirming the lock input is not being falsely triggered by a physical keypad issue.
Parts Often Needed
| Part | Notes |
|---|---|
| Dishwasher User Interface / Keypad | Amazon | Required if buttons are stuck or the lock command cannot be cleared after proper unlock steps. |
| Dishwasher Electronic Control Board | Amazon | Needed if LOC persists after correct unlock sequence, power reset, and keypad inspection. |
When to Call a Pro
Call a qualified appliance technician if the LOC indication will not clear after you have performed the correct unlock sequence for your model and cycled power at the breaker. Also call if you are uncomfortable working with electrical connections or if you need help identifying which component (user interface or control board) has failed. A pro can test the control circuits and replace the faulty part without unnecessary trial and error.