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LG · Washing Machine

CL

Child Lock Activated

Severity
Low

Seeing CL on your LG Washing Machine display means the appliance self-diagnostic detected "Child Lock Activated". Before calling a technician, work through the steps in this guide — the fix is often simpler than you think.

Owner's Summary

CL is not an error — it means Child Lock is on, which disables all buttons to prevent accidental operation. Hold the Child Lock button for 3 seconds (location varies by model) to turn it off. Check your manual for the exact button on your model.

Symptoms

LG washer buttons not responding, CL showing on display

Common Causes

  • Child lock feature was activated (intentionally or accidentally)
  • Button stuck in combination that triggers child lock
  • Control panel firmware glitch

How to Fix

  1. 1 Press and hold the Child Lock button (or combination) for 3 seconds to deactivate
  2. 2 Consult the model-specific manual for the exact button combination
  3. 3 Unplug for 60 seconds and plug back in to reset
  4. 4 If lock persists after reset, test control panel board

Tools You'll Need

Screwdriver Set

These are simple, low-risk fixes most homeowners can do with tools already in a basic toolbox.

Technical Explanation

Child lock mode is stored in the PCB's non-volatile EEPROM. When active, the button input polling routine ignores all key presses except the designated unlock combination. A power cycle alone will not clear child lock if it is stored in EEPROM.

Is It Safe to Keep Using?

No risk. This is a feature, not a fault. Deactivate via the button combination in your user manual.

Technician's Pro Tip

On most LG washers, child lock is activated/deactivated by holding the TEMP and OPTIONS buttons simultaneously for 3 seconds. However, this varies by model year — always verify with the specific model's manual.

Related Codes

E2 — Samsung Washing Machine

Water Supply Error

High
4E — Samsung Washing Machine

No Water Supply Detected

High
5E — Samsung Washing Machine

Drain Error — Water Not Draining

High

Frequently Asked Questions

What does error code CL mean on a LG Washing Machine?
Code CL on a LG Washing Machine indicates "Child Lock Activated." In practice, the most common trigger is child lock feature was activated (intentionally or accidentally). Severity is rated low, and typical repair costs range from $0 to $150.
Can I fix CL myself, or do I need a technician?
Many cases of CL can be resolved without a technician. The first step to try: press and hold the Child Lock button (or combination) for 3 seconds to deactivate. If that doesn't clear the code, work through the remaining steps in the "How to Fix" section above before assuming a part needs replacing.
Is it safe to keep using my washing machine with code CL showing?
No risk. This is a feature, not a fault. Deactivate via the button combination in your user manual.
How much does it cost to repair CL on a LG Washing Machine?
Repair costs for code CL typically range from $0 to $150. Deactivation: $0; Control panel board: $50–$150 (rare). Costs on the low end usually reflect a DIY fix with no parts required, while the high end reflects a part replacement plus professional labor.
Estimated Repair Cost USD
$0 – $150

Deactivation: $0; Control panel board: $50–$150 (rare)