Brand: GE
**Model Number:**JBP78WBWW
Main Symptom: oven door locked, wont unlock
What happens & when: Trying to help a friend (honestly, not my oven). Anyway, he was running the self-clean when a fire started inside. He panicked and tried to force the locking handle open. He did not have any luck, but not it is stuck locked. The fire is out. Is there anyway to manually release the lock?
Error Code (if any):
Parts or tests already tried:
Photos / video link:
Does the locking handle move back and forth like it might have broken or is it stuck in the locked position?
He can move the handle, but it only releases about 50-75% of the way and the door loosens up, but won’t fully unlock. When he moves the handle to locked, it does tighten up all the way.
It sounds like something shifted or has been damaged and is preventing the lock from completely moving. If you are able to, a wire hanger can be used to pull the locking hook all the way to the left. This should get it to where the door can be opened.
OK, we will try that…
The latch seems to be a bit stuck. Again, latches fine, but putting it away it won’t fully open enough to open the door. Any other thoughts?
Seems like something in the locking mechanism must be broken, causing a blockage. I’m going over to his house Saturday to look at it myself, but just wanted to check and see what all could be tried.???
This is a mechanical lock that uses a hinge system with springs. It may be possible that there might be a broken piece preventing the lock arm from disengaging. The only other possibility I can think of is if the door was warped or the hinges were bent and caused the door to misalign to that extent.
Well, I had to pry the door to the right a little and got it open. He had bent the lever pretty bad. I opened it all up and bent the lever back as much as I could and it is functional now.
Thanks again..