My Built-In Oven's Door Locked During Cleaning

Check Child Safety Lock

• Child safety locks can be accidentally activated during cleaning, especially when the locking mechanism is located on the control panel of the oven. Typically, a certain button must be held down for several seconds to engage the child safety lock. Review the control panel and locate the child safety lock button. Once located, press the button for at least five seconds. If your oven was locked because the child safety lock was engaged, then you will typically hear a “beep” from the oven and the lock will disengage.

Self-Cleaning Cycle

• Self-cleaning cycles are common among most built-in ovens, and when activated, the oven will automatically lock its door. Typically, when activated the self-cleaning lock will keep the door tightly secured for one hour after the self-cleaning cycle has completed. After this time frame, the oven door will automatically unlock. If you accidentally engaged the self-cleaning function of the oven, quickly disengage this cycle to release the door lock.

Manually Unlocking

• There are three main locking mechanisms used in standard built-in ovens, which include solenoid controlled lock, heat sensitive lock and motorized locks. Methods for manually disengaging these locks will vary according to the oven design and manufacturer. Typically, to unlock a solenoid controlled lock and a motorized lock in a built-in oven, you must move the oven from the wall and remove the top access panel. However, if the access panel is located upfront, you may not have to move the oven. From here you can manually disengage the lock by flipping the lock switch to the “off” position. Unfortunately, if your built-in oven has a heat sensitive lock and it does not disengage after the cleaning cycle, you will have to replace the lock by contacting an appliance repair professional.

Turn Off Electricity

• Occasionally, the locking mechanisms on built-in ovens may become jammed due to a power surge or a malfunctioning part. If you have a mechanical lock, such as a lock solenoid or a motorized lock, you may disengage the lock by turning off the electricity. Locate your home’s circuit breaker and switch the breaker for the kitchen to the “off” position. Return to the kitchen and check the oven door. If the door is unlocked, open the door and leave it open. Return to the circuit breaker and flip the breaker switch to the “on” position. The locking mechanism should be reset.