LG Dishwasher CL Code: Control Lock (Child Lock) Is On

What the code means

LG's US support guide to dishwasher error codes says that when a lock icon is lit or CL is displayed, the control panel is locked and can't be operated: buttons can't be pressed and cycles and options can't be selected. Control Lock exists to stop accidental or unintended button presses, for example by children. LG's owner's manuals describe it the same way: it locks all of the buttons except Power, and it does not lock the door or stop the dishwasher being turned off. The reason it surprises people is that the lock stays on after a cycle ends and after the dishwasher powers off, so the next time you turn it on, CL is still showing and nothing works until you switch it off. LG's guide notes Control Lock can always be deactivated while the dishwasher is powered on. Which buttons you hold depends on the model; LG lists several button pairs, and your owner's manual or the small lock symbol printed between two buttons on the panel shows the right one.

Likely causes

• Control Lock (Child Lock) was turned on, on purpose or by accidentally holding the two lock buttons together for 3 seconds
• The lock was left on from an earlier cycle: LG says it stays active after the cycle ends and after the dishwasher powers off
• Pressing the wrong button pair for your model, so the lock never turns off

Safe DIY checks

1. Press Power so the control panel is on. The lock can only be turned off while the dishwasher is powered on.
2. Find the two buttons marked with a small lock symbol (or the word Control Lock or Child Lock) on your panel.
3. Press and hold that pair together for about 3 seconds until CL or the lock icon disappears. LG's common combinations are Half Load plus Energy Saver (many current models), Rinse plus Spray, Night Dry plus Delay Start, or Dual Zone alone. Older models use other pairs: LG's manual for the LDS5774 uses Half Load plus Delay Start, and the LDS4821 uses Quick plus Rinse Only.
4. Once CL is gone, choose your cycle and options and start the dishwasher normally.
5. If you aren't sure which buttons your model uses, check the owner's manual for your model number (on the label on the edge of the door or tub) on LG's Manuals and Documents page.

Parts that commonly fix it

Always match the part number to your exact model.

Related codes

• 6E / bE LG Dishwasher 6E / bE
• AE LG Dishwasher AE
• LE LG Dishwasher LE
• nE LG Dishwasher nE
• OE LG Dishwasher OE

All LG codes →

Sources

1. LG USA Support: LG Dishwasher Guide to Error Codes (CL, control panel locked; hold the CL buttons 3 seconds; lock stays on after the cycle ends and power off; Half Load and Energy Saver)
2. LG USA Support: LG Dishwasher, How to Use the Control Lock Feature (Rinse + Spray, Half Load + Energy Saver, Dual Zone, Night Dry + Delay Start methods)
3. LG USA Support: LG Dishwasher Panel Buttons Unresponsive (CL on panel; other causes such as power and cycle cancel)
4. LG dishwasher owner's manual (Control Lock locks all buttons except Power and does not lock the door; Half Load and Energy Saver 3 seconds)
5. LG dishwasher owner's manual for LDF8874/LDF8764/LDF7774/LDS5774 (Rinse and Spray; LDS5774 Half Load and Delay Start)
6. LG LDS4821ST owner's manual (Quick and Rinse Only for 3 seconds to lock or unlock), Appliance Factory Parts copy