LG Dishwasher Error Code CL

Not a faultReviewed November 2026Checked against manufacturer documentation

What this code means

CL: Child lock / control lock is on — not an error

CL just means the control lock is switched on, so the buttons will not respond; nothing is broken. It is the setting people turn on to stop children (or an accidental hip bump) from changing a cycle. Turn the lock off and the panel behaves normally again.

Fix level

Not a fault

This is a status display, not a fault. No repair is needed.

Time to run the checks

About 15–30 minutes

For the 3 checks on this page — not a full repair.

You may need

No special tools

The checks below use basic household items only.

Parts that may be involved

None usually

Parts are model-specific; see the note below before ordering.

Common causes

Control lock deliberately switched on
Lock buttons pressed and held by accident while wiping the panel

What to check, in order

Safety first. Switch the dishwasher off and unplug it (or turn off its breaker) before checking hoses or filters. Expect water in the bottom of the tub and around the filter; keep a tray and towel ready. If you are not comfortable with any step, stop and call a technician.

Press and hold the two lock buttons marked on the panel (often Rinse and Spray) for about three seconds until CL disappears
On models with a dedicated Control Lock or Dual Zone button, hold that button for three seconds instead
Try the buttons again — the panel should now respond normally

Clear the code and test

Fix what the checks above found first — a filter cleaned, a hose straightened, the spray arms freed. Clearing the code without fixing the cause only brings it back.
Close the door, plug the dishwasher back in (or restore its breaker) and make sure the water tap is open.
Run the shortest programme and stay nearby for the first minutes, watching for leaks and listening for the drain pump.
If the programme finishes with no code, the fault is cleared. If the code returns, write down the code and when it appeared before calling a technician — it speeds up the diagnosis.

When to call a professional

This display is not a fault, so there is normally nothing to book. Call a technician only if the machine also behaves abnormally, or if any of these apply:

The code comes back after you have run the checks and a test cycle.
You smell burning, see sparks or scorch marks, or the breaker trips.
Water is leaking and you cannot stop it at the tap.
The fix needs panels opened beyond what your manual describes, or a part tested with a meter, and you are not set up for that.

When you call, give the brand, the code CL, your model number (on a label inside the door or on the back) and the checks you already ran. It shortens the visit.

Questions people ask about CL

What does CL mean on a LG dishwasher?

CL means: Child lock / control lock is on — not an error. CL just means the control lock is switched on, so the buttons will not respond; nothing is broken. It is the setting people turn on to stop children (or an accidental hip bump) from changing a cycle. Turn the lock off and the panel behaves normally again.

Can I fix LG CL myself?

There is nothing to fix: code CL is a status display, not a fault. The checks on this page show how to exit the mode or confirm the setting.

How do I clear LG CL?

Fix the cause first — clearing the code on its own brings it straight back. Then restore power and water, run the shortest programme, and watch the stage where the code appeared. If the programme finishes with no code, it is cleared.

Sources checked

The meaning and checks for this code were checked against the sources above in November 2026. Codes vary by model and region; if your manual lists a different meaning for your exact model, follow the manual.