- Appliances
- Washing machines
CL
LG CL on a washing machine: Child Lock is on
Risk level
Low
Usually safe to check without specialist tools.
Urgency
Low
Quick answer
CL is not a fault: it is LG's Child Lock, which disables every button except power. Turn it off the same way it is turned on, by holding the lock buttons for about 3 seconds.
Safety first
Stop and check this first
- LG's CL is not the same as CL on other brands: this page only applies to LG washers.
Safe checks you can perform
- Lock icon or CL on the display
- Your model's unlock combination
- Your model's manual
Leave these tasks to a qualified professional
- Do not attempt this professional task: Inspect the control panel
- Do not attempt this professional task: Lock and unlock test
What a technician must be able to justify
A technician is coming
These are the steps they must carry out and show you. Tick them as they work: if steps are skipped, do not accept a part swap.
These are not instructions for opening or handling the equipment yourself. They are the checks that should support a technical conclusion.
Inspect the control panel
What they doIf the Child Lock buttons do not respond, the technician checks the keypad and its connection to the control board.
They must show youwhich button or connection fails the test.
In writingpart replaced and the reason.
Lock and unlock test
What they doAfter the repair, the technician turns Child Lock on and off in front of you.
They must show youthe lock working both ways.
In writingthe test performed.
Before accepting a part or repair
Nothing has been shown yet. Do not accept a part swap based on the code alone.
Follow these steps
Note: Follow the documented order. An error code identifies the affected system, but it does not prove by itself which part has failed.
Lock icon or CL on the display
- Who:
- you.
- How:
- switch the washer on and check whether CL or the lock icon appears.
- Result that matters:
- confirming it is Child Lock.
- If it appears:
- turn it off with your model's combination.
- If it does not appear and the buttons do not respond:
- it is not this code; check the manual.
- Evidence to keep:
- photo of the panel.
Evidence: LG USA front-load washer CL Child Lock guide
Your model's unlock combination
- Who:
- you, with the washer on.
- How:
- hold the lock buttons for 3 seconds: Temp + Rinse on models with a lock symbol, Spin on models with a button marked Child Lock, Steam on models with Steam, or the washer's Spin button on WashTower.
- Result that matters:
- that CL or the lock disappears.
- If it disappears:
- you can change the programme.
- If it does not:
- check the exact combination in your model's manual.
- Evidence to keep:
- none.
Evidence: LG USA front-load washer CL Child Lock guide
Your model's manual
- Who:
- you.
- How:
- find the Child Lock section in your washer's manual and repeat the step it gives.
- Result that matters:
- applying the right combination for your model.
- If it works:
- the lock was the only cause.
- If the Child Lock buttons still do not respond:
- LG says to contact its support.
- Evidence to keep:
- washer model and photo of the panel.
Evidence: LG USA front-load washer CL Child Lock guide
Still not solved
If the error persists, stop here. See what the technician must do and show you.
Where this code applies
A code is meaningful only inside the right product and version context.
Primary scope
- System
- Appliances
- Brand
- LG
- Product type
- Washing machines
Known code variants
- C L
- Child Lock LG
- CL bloqueo infantil LG
- CL Child Lock
- CL lavadora LG
- LG Child Lock
- LG washer CL
What it means
LG explains that CL stands for Child Lock: a safety feature that locks the control panel during a cycle to prevent accidental changes. With it on, only the power button works, and it does not switch off by itself when the cycle ends. If the washer is powered on with it enabled, the lock icon lights up. The button combination depends on the model. Only if the Child Lock buttons do not respond may there be a fault, and LG asks you to contact its support.
Warnings and stop conditions
- Loweditorial warning
LG's CL is not the same as CL on other brands: this page only applies to LG washers.
Evidence: LG USA front-load washer CL Child Lock guide
Symptoms and causes
Probable causes · in order
- Child Lock turned on deliberately or by accidentConfirmed
The usual case. The lock icon is lit and only the power button responds.
Evidence: LG USA front-load washer CL Child Lock guide
- Child Lock buttons not respondingLess common
If the correct combination does not clear CL, LG treats it as a sign of a possible fault.
Evidence: LG USA front-load washer CL Child Lock guide
Virtual technician
Does CL still appear after these checks?
Answer a few questions to narrow down the likely cause and the safest next action. Guidance only - it never replaces a professional.
Sources and technical references
- 1
LG USA front-load washer CL Child Lock guide
LG Electronics · 2025 · official_doc
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