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If you see the CL error code pop up on your LG dishwasher, it means someone has activated the child lock function. It isn’t really an error code at all.
CL stands for child lock function. It is easy to reset. This feature is installed to ensure children do not change the dishwasher controls or start the machine. It is a safety feature, since dishwashers are low and at child height. This is a code is also prevalent on LG washing machines.
Child Lock Feature Activated
When you see the LG dishwasher CL error code appear on your dishwasher, you don’t have to run to call a repair technician right away.
Nor do you have to turn off all power sources and get ready to do major plumbing work.
It simply means you (or someone in the household) has activated the child local feature on the dishwasher.
You can release this feature by:
- Pressing down the wash and rinse buttons simultaneously
- Hold both for at least five seconds
- Release the buttons
This should deactivate the child lock feature, and your machine should go back to its normal operation mode.
Every LG dishwasher might have a different unlock combination. So, check the owner’s manual, to determine which two (or three) buttons you’ll have to press and hold down, to deactivate the feature.
In some models, you might see a lock and unlock icon, which you’d hold simultaneously to unlock.
If you are unsure which buttons to press, your owner’s manual will be the best indication.
What’s the Child Lock Feature? CL error code
Basically, this is a feature which LG placed into their dishwashers, and washing machines (and some other appliances), to prevent the kids from getting into operating machines, with dangerous, moving parts.
By pressing certain buttons on the LG dishwasher, the child lock function is immediately activated.
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So, if the kids are playing in the kitchen, and try to open the dishwasher, the lock feature will prevent them from doing so.
What the blocking mode does:
- Locks all other buttons/function/features on the dishwasher
- It will pop up the LG dishwasher error code CL as well
- If the button is pressed by a child (or accidentally by the adult), the CL code will automatically appear on the display panel of the dishwasher
This helps to prevent children from changing settings on the dishwasher while it is operating.
It’s also a nice safety feature which will prevent kids from opening the dishwasher while it is operating, or otherwise causing moving parts to jam, clog, or cause leaks in the household.
THANK YOU half load and energy saver worked for me. I don’t have any small children. I guess it was my teenagers who put the cl on.
Yes, this is the combo which worked on my model also… a week to 10 days of playing with this. over and over.. this was the one that cleared it.. was about to spend 99.00 to order a tech..
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Thank you. I guess LG doesn’t want us to know how to solve the CL riddle. More work for their service people. You solution worked!
Thanks! Worked for me!
I found Rinse but could not find wash, but it worked when I pressed Half Load and Energy Saver simultaneously!
Thank you for posting your solution your suggestion is the only one that worked for me.
Yes it just worked me!! I have been sitting in the floor for an hour and came across this!!! Thank you!!
LG, has a weird posting i tried over and over, it beeped but nothing changed, and then had a refer to manual… but this above is the only one to work for me.
Thank You I have worked for hours trying to fix mine and this did the trick for me too!!
Thank You for posting …
Half Load and Energy Saver !!
Thank you so much for posting how to unlock. LG made it so difficult to describe what button to push.
Wow thanks so much…we have been trying everything and just read your comment and it worked!! You saved us a few dishes being thrown!
Thank you!! We had been trying for a while to unlock our washer but nothing on the LG website would work!
That worked for me too. Thank you! I never received the manual with mine.
Thank you for the help it worked❤️
Thanks
You’re a miracle worker Thank you. I’ve tried everything but this with no luck and this fixed it
Thanks so much for posting this. It worked for me too. Copper
Yes. That worked for me too. Took over an hour looking at websites and YouTube to figure this out. Thank you!
Thank you!!! That fixed mine!
This is the combo that worked for me
You are a lifesaver!
I only have rinse on my dishwasher as well… the half load and energy saver worked right away. Thanks!
Thanks for your help …… Same worked for me
Great , thank you it worked for me .
Thankyou !! Right combo for mine. Even says control lock
Yes that worked for me as well
1/2 load and energy saver.
Thank you
Thank you thank you your solution help me I did what you said and it worked I’ve been sitting here for like 10 minutes trying to figure this out.
Thanks the manual or any LG documents never told us this – and it worked.