Dishwasher
LG
Updated Jul 24, 2026
LG Dishwasher CL Code — Child Lock Activated & How to Unlock It
CL
LG · DishwasherCL on an LG dishwasher is not an error — it means the Child Lock (Control Lock) feature is…
Quick answer
CL on an LG dishwasher is not an error — it means the Child Lock (Control Lock) feature is activated. All buttons except POWER are disabled. You need to deactivate it to resume normal use.
What CL means
CL stands for Child Lock. When activated, it prevents children (or accidental touches) from changing the dishwasher settings or starting a cycle. All buttons stop responding except POWER and (on some models) the door handle.
Many people mistake CL for an error code. It is not — it is a safety feature that you or someone in your household accidentally activated.
This is not a fault. Your dishwasher is perfectly fine. You just need to deactivate the child lock.
How to deactivate CL
- Open the dishwasher door.
- Press the POWER button to turn the dishwasher on.
- Press and hold RINSE + SPRAY (or DUAL ZONE on some models) for 3 seconds. The CL indicator will disappear.
- Close the door and start your cycle normally.
The exact button combination varies by model:
- Most LG models: RINSE + SPRAY for 3 seconds
- Some newer models: DUAL ZONE for 3 seconds
- QuadWash models: Check your owner's manual for the specific combination
Tip: If you have small children, you may want to keep CL activated when the dishwasher is not in use. Just remember how to deactivate it when you need to run a cycle.
What does the CL code mean?
CL is not an error code — it stands for Child Lock (Control Lock). This safety feature has been activated, disabling all buttons except POWER.
Common causes
- Accidentally pressed the child lock button combination
- Children pressing buttons on the control panel
- Activated during a power outage recovery (some models)
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How to fix the CL error
Open the door
Access the control panel.
Press POWER
Turn the dishwasher on.
Press RINSE + SPRAY for 3 seconds
On most models. CL indicator disappears.
Or DUAL ZONE for 3 seconds
On some newer models.
Close door and start cycle
Normal operation resumes.
Check owner manual
If the above combinations do not work, the manual has the model-specific method.
Safety first: No safety concern with CL — it is a feature, not a fault.
Part you may need: N/A — no part replacement needed
CL requires no repair or parts. It is simply a feature toggle.
Frequently asked questions
Is CL an error?
No — CL means Child Lock is activated. Your dishwasher is working perfectly. Just deactivate it.
I did not activate CL — how did it turn on?
Someone (likely a child or accidental touch) pressed the button combination. It can also activate during power outage recovery on some models.
Buttons not responding at all?
CL is the most likely cause. Try the RINSE + SPRAY hold first.
✎ Written by
REZAUL Karim (Riad)
REZAUL Karim (Riad) is the founder of ErrFixHub and a hands-on electronics and home-appliance repair specialist with over 15 years of experience diagnosing and fixing air conditioners, washing machines, refrigerators, inverters and other household appliances. He built ErrFixHub to turn cryptic error codes into clear, step-by-step fixes anyone can follow — cross-checking every code against manufacturer documentation and real repair-bench experience.
