CL code on LG dishwasher: what it means and how to clear it
Your LG dishwasher powers on, shows CL or a lock icon, and the cycle buttons may seem dead. This page explains what CL means, how to clear it from the control panel, and what a technician checks if it won't clear.
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CL means Control Lock or Child Lock is turned on, so the dishwasher is blocking most button presses. The most common cause is an accidental long press on the lock button or lock-button pair, often while wiping the panel or pressing options.
Check these first
Safe to do yourself. Unplug the appliance before you start.
- Turn the dishwasher on first
Press Power so the control is awake. LG says the lock can be turned off any time the dishwasher has power, even during a cycle.
- Look for the lock label
Check the buttons for a small padlock, CL text, Child Lock, Control Lock, or a line printed between two buttons. That mark usually points to the exact button or pair you need.
- Hold the lock control for 3 seconds
Press and hold the marked button, or the marked pair, for 3 seconds until CL or the lock icon goes out. Common LG pairs include Half Load plus Energy Saver, Rinse plus Spray, Quick plus Upper Only, Night Dry plus Delay Start, or Delicate plus Rinse Only.
- Do a breaker reset if the panel seems stuck
If CL stays on after the right hold command, turn the dishwasher breaker off for about 5 minutes. Restore power, turn the dishwasher on, then try the lock command again.
- Wipe the touch panel
Moisture, cleaner film, or food residue on the touch panel can keep a button from reading cleanly. Wipe it with a soft cloth, dry it, then hold the lock command again.
Conditions that make this more likely
Boards fail earlier in hot rooms
Electronics are rated for room temperature. In a garage or an unconditioned laundry room in summer, a control board can sit well above that for hours a day. Before replacing a board, a good technician confirms the parts it controls test good, since a shorted pump or valve can take out a new board too.
What a technician tests
Most likely part first. These are for a technician with a meter and the tech sheet, not a weekend project.
Don't see your symptom?
Describe it on the phone. The company on the other end works on these every day and will know what to ask.
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Read the fix →Common questions about appliance repair
Is CL an error code on an LG dishwasher?
Usually no. CL means Control Lock or Child Lock is active, which is a normal feature that disables cycle and option buttons.
How do I turn off the LG dishwasher code CL?
Turn the dishwasher on, then hold the button or button pair marked with Child Lock, Control Lock, CL, or a padlock for 3 seconds. If your panel has Half Load and Energy Saver marked for the lock, hold both together.
Why did CL come back after I turned the dishwasher off?
LG dishwashers can keep Child Lock active after the cycle ends or after the power button is turned off. You have to turn the lock off with the same 3-second control command.
Should I cut power to reset CL?
A breaker reset for about 5 minutes is a reasonable step if the panel seems stuck. After power is restored, you still need to use the correct Control Lock button command.
When does CL need a repair company?
Call a repair company if the marked lock command doesn't clear CL after a breaker reset, or if the panel stays blank or unresponsive. A technician may need to test the touch console, main control, or door latch signal.
Still showing the problem after the checks?
Call and describe what you tried. You'll be connected with an independent repair company near you.