If the control panel on your Frigidaire refrigerator isn’t responding or your dispenser isn’t supplying any water or ice, it’s very possible that one of the lock functions has been switched on.
While these locks are great at preventing meddling hands, they can cause equal levels of frustration and concern.
When on, these locks can prevent:
- Changes to fridge and freezer temperature settings
- Changes to water dispenser settings
- Changes to ice-maker settings
- Selection of any options available via the control panel
- The refrigerator doors from opening
There are several different locks included in your settings menu, but I’ll talk you through the functionality of each, alongside to turn it on – and crucially, off.
Frigidaire Refrigerator Full Control Lock
This is perhaps the most extreme lock, as it prevents changes to any settings (bar the lock) – but it goes one step further and completely locks your refrigerator doors.
This can be helpful if you have toddlers running around or need your content to stay extra cool while you go away for the weekend – but it can be equally frustrating when you’re in a rush and trying to grab a snack.
How to Turn On Frigidaire Refrigerator Control Lock
If you have an ‘Options’ button in the middle of your control panel, press this to get access to your settings menu for all the features and functions.
You can scroll through this using the arrow keys, and once you find the ‘Control Lock’ you can toggle this on using the (+) button.
An alternative may be where you have a ‘Padlock’ icon on the main screen, in which case you can press and hold this button for 3-5 seconds until the small red light turns on.
How to Turn Off Frigidaire Refrigerator Control Lock
If you have an ‘Options’ button in the middle of your control panel, press this to get access to your settings menu for all the features and functions.
You can scroll through this using the arrow keys, and once you find the ‘Control Lock’ you can toggle this off using the (+) button.
An alternative may be where you have a ‘Padlock’ icon on the main screen, in which case you can press and hold this button for 3-5 seconds until the small red light turns off.
If this doesn’t work, you can check your user manual. If you’ve lost it, take note of the model number and search for it here.
Frigidaire Refrigerator Dispenser Lock
If your Frigidaire refrigerator has a water dispenser or ice maker, it’s likely that it will also have a dispenser lock to turn this functionality off.
When this lock is active, pressing your dispenser button will have no effect – there will be no water or ice dispensed.
How to Turn On Frigidaire Refrigerator Dispenser Lock
If you have an ‘Options’ button in the middle of your control panel, press this to get access to your settings menu for all the features and functions.
You can scroll through this using the arrow keys, and once you find the ‘Dispenser Lock’ you can toggle this on using the (+) button.
An alternative may be where you have a ‘Padlock’ icon on the main screen, in which case you can press and hold this button for 3-5 seconds until the small red light turns on.
How to Turn Off Frigidaire Refrigerator Dispenser Lock
If you have an ‘Options’ button in the middle of your control panel, press this to get access to your settings menu for all the features and functions.
You can scroll through this using the arrow keys, and once you find the ‘Dispenser Lock’ you can toggle this off using the (+) button.
An alternative may be where you have a ‘Padlock’ icon on the main screen, in which case you can press and hold this button for 3-5 seconds until the small red light turns off.
If your model only has buttons for cubed, crushed, light on, and light off – then unfortunately, it is a model which is lacking this feature. If you’re struggling to dispense water/ice, you’ll need to undertake further troubleshooting.
If you’re still struggling, you can check your user manual.
Other Reasons Frigidaire Refrigerator Control Panel Isn’t Working
If you’ve run through the list, and none of the locks are active – but your control panel still isn’t responding, you’ll need to complete further troubleshooting to find the source of the problem.
As with mobile phones, the easiest fix for many bugs is a ‘hard reset’ which is completed by powering your refrigerator off at the mains power for 30 minutes – before turning it back on.
If this doesn’t work, it indicates there’s likely an electrical fault, either with the control panel itself or with the wiring. Unless you’re confident with electrical DIY, I’d advise contacting a professional at this point.
Related: How to Unlock Samsung Refrigerator
