You’re tapping the buttons on your range like usual, Bake, Broil, Start, but nothing happens. Maybe a few buttons work, maybe none do. The screen might still be lit up, or it might be flickering. Either way, you’re stuck. And dinner’s not getting made.

If this sounds like your situation, whether you’re in Uptown Charlotte, Matthews, Concord, or Fort Mill, you’re not the only one. At Just Call Appliance Repair, we handle dozens of calls every month for control panel issues on electric ranges, especially from busy homes with modern touchpad models.

Let’s walk through what might be going on, how you can check a few things yourself, and when it’s time to call in a pro.

Why Your Range Buttons Might Not Be Working

1. Child Lock or “LOC” Mode is On

Most newer electric ranges come with a control lock feature, often labeled “LOC,” “LOCKED,” or just a padlock symbol. It’s there to keep kids from accidentally starting the oven, but it also keeps you from doing anything unless you know how to disable it.

Fix: Hold down the “Start,” “Cancel,” or “Clock” button for 3–5 seconds. Check your user manual or search “[your model] disable control lock.”

Common with: Whirlpool, Frigidaire Gallery, LG.

2. Touchpad or Membrane Panel Failure

If pressing the buttons does absolutely nothing, or only some buttons work, the touchpad itself may be failing. Over time, the thin membrane inside can wear down from moisture, cleaning spray, or heavy use.

Tip: If only certain buttons don’t respond, the fault is likely the keypad. If none respond, the issue might be deeper.

Brands we see this with often: GE, Samsung, Electrolux.

3. Loose or Damaged Ribbon Cable

The keypad sends its signals to the control board through a flat ribbon cable. This can become loose, corroded, or heat-damaged, especially in older units or if the panel gets hot during cooking.

Symptoms: Display works, but no buttons respond. Or pressing a button causes flickering or random behavior.

Model examples: GE JB645RKSS, Samsung NE59R4321SS.

4. Control Board (ERC) Malfunction

The ERC (Electronic Range Control) is the brain of your range. If it’s damaged or has suffered a power surge, the range may light up but ignore button presses or behave erratically.

Signs: Random beeping, buttons unresponsive, clock resetting, or F1/F7 errors (on GE/Whirlpool).

Common brands with this issue: Whirlpool WFE540, GE Profile, LG LREL6325F.

5. Moisture or Cleaning Damage

Wiping down the panel with too much liquid or steam from cooking can seep into the buttons and short things out temporarily (or permanently). We’ve seen this frequently in busy kitchens in Mint Hill and SouthPark.

Fix: Unplug the unit and let it dry fully for 24 hours. If the issue persists, internal damage may have occurred.

6. Software Glitch on Smart Ranges

WiFi-enabled or smart-touch ranges can freeze or become unresponsive due to firmware bugs, especially after a power outage or update.

Fix: Try a hard reset (unplug for 10+ minutes). If that doesn’t help, a software refresh or board replacement may be needed.

Brand callouts: LG ThinQ models, Samsung SmartThings ranges.

Things to Try Before Booking a Range Repair

If you’re feeling up to it, here are a few quick checks that may solve the issue or at least narrow it down:

• Check if the child lock is on: Look for “LOC” or a padlock icon.
• Unplug the range for 10–15 minutes: This resets many smart panels.
• Try pressing different buttons: See if some work while others don’t.
• Inspect the display: Flickering or partial lighting often means a ribbon or board issue.
• Note when it fails: Did this start after a cleaning session or power outage?

If none of the control panel buttons work for range and don’t respond no matter what you try, it’s likely time for professional help.

We Repair Range Control Panels in Charlotte & Nearby Areas

Whether you’re in Pineville, Lake Norman, or Indian Trail, we’ve got you covered. Our technicians are trained to diagnose unresponsive control panels on all major electric range brands, without the guesswork.

Sometimes it’s a $20 part. Sometimes it’s the control board. Either way, we’ll find the problem, explain your options, and get your range working again without pressuring you into unnecessary replacements.

• Fully licensed and insured
• Same-day and next-day appointments
• Friendly, transparent service, always

FAQs: Range Buttons Not Working

Why won’t any of my range buttons respond?

It could be that the child lock is active, the touchpad is damaged, or the control board isn’t receiving signals from the panel. Moisture or power surges can also cause this.

Can I fix unresponsive range buttons myself?

You can try resetting the power and checking for the control lock. Beyond that, opening the unit to inspect ribbon cables or the control board is best left to a technician.

Do I need to replace the entire range?

Not usually. Most control panel issues are repairable, especially if caught early. In many cases, only one part (like the keypad or control board) needs replacement.

How much does it cost to fix a range control panel?

In Charlotte, basic keypad repairs can range from $120–$250. Control board replacement can run $200–$400, depending on brand and parts.