LG Dryer Error Code CL

Not a faultReviewed November 2026Checked against manufacturer documentation

What this code means

CL: Child lock (control lock) is on: the control panel is locked, not a fault

CL is not a fault: the child lock, also called control lock, is switched on, so the buttons are disabled. Hold the Child Lock button for about 3 seconds to release it and use the dryer normally.

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 switched on deliberately
Control lock button pressed accidentally

What to check, in order

Safety first. Switch the appliance off and unplug it before checking anything inside it. If you are not comfortable with any step, stop and call a technician.

Press and hold the button labeled Child Lock for about 3 seconds to turn the lock off (on some models this is the Wrinkle Care button; check the panel markings)
If your model's buttons differ, check the owner's manual for its control lock combination
Once the display clears, select a cycle and press Start as normal

Clear the code and test

Fix what the checks above found first. Clearing the code without fixing the cause only brings it back.
Plug the appliance back in and restore its water supply if it has one.
Run the shortest programme and watch the point where the code appeared before.
If the programme finishes with no code, the fault is cleared. If the code returns, write it down 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 dryer?

CL means: Child lock (control lock) is on: the control panel is locked, not a fault. CL is not a fault: the child lock, also called control lock, is switched on, so the buttons are disabled. Hold the Child Lock button for about 3 seconds to release it and use the dryer normally.

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.