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Washing Machine Repair · Troubleshooting

LG Washer Error Code CL – How To Turn CHILD LOCK Off?

What does CL mean on LG washing machine? I was using my LG washer and the digital screen displayed the CL code and flashes back and forth. All the buttons on the washer do not work. What makes the washer show CL on the screen? How do I clear it and get all the buttons to work again? I have never seen the CL code before and need to get this cleared so I can use the buttons again and wash my clothes. How do I turn off the CL code on my LG washing machine?

LG Washer Error Code CL - How To Turn CHILD LOCK OffWhat does CL mean on LG washing machine?

LG Washer CL Code Definition (What does it mean?) = The CL Code on front loading LG washing machines simply means the CHILD LOCK feature is turned ON.

The CHILD LOCK feature on your LG washer is meant as a safety precaution so children are not able to change wash settings. CL is not an error code. It is indicating that the CL or CHILD LOCK feature has been turned ON and is active.

LG washer code cl errorLG washer code cl error

TO TURN OFF CL CODE ON NEWER LG FRONT LOAD WASHERS:
To TURN OFF CHILD LOCK on your LG washer, press and hold the CHILD LOCK button for 3 to 5 seconds.
The washer should now have CHILD LOCK mode DISABLED and all buttons will function properly.
NOTE: ON other newer LG front load washing machines hold the PREWASH/CHILD LOCK button for 3 to 5 seconds to turn CHILD LOCK OFF.
This method is for LG washers with inverter, direct drive, smart drum, and others.

TO TURN ON CHILD LOCK ON NEWER LG FRONT LOAD WASHERS:
To TURN ON CHILD LOCK on your LG washer, press and hold the CHILD LOCK button for 3 to 5 seconds.
The washer should now have CHILD LOCK mode ACTIVATED and all buttons will not function except the POWER button.
NOTE: ON other newer LG front load washing machines hold the PREWASH/CHILD LOCK button for 3 to 5 seconds to turn CHILD LOCK ON.

LG washer cl code - How to turn offLG washer cl code – How to turn off – Newer LG washers

LG washer cl codeLG washer cl code
Press RINSE SPIN (CHILD LOCK) Button for 3 seconds to turn OFF

CL code on LG WasherCL code on LG Washer – Press and hold RINSE+SPIN for 3 Seconds

TO TURN OFF CL CODE ON OLDER LG FRONT LOAD WASHERS:
On some LG washing machines that do not have a CHILD LOCK button, to TURN CHILD LOCK OFF, press and hold the TEMP and OPTIONS buttons at the same time for 3 to 5 seconds. Some LG washers have a little face above the lock key that is in between the WASH and RINSE buttons. If you have this on your LG washer control panel, simply press and hold the WASH and RINSE buttons for 3 to 5 seconds. The washer should now DISABLE CHILD LOCK mode and all buttons will function properly.

TO TURN ON CHILD LOCK ON OLDER LG FRONT LOAD WASHERS:
On some LG washing machines that do not have a CHILD LOCK button, to TURN CHILD LOCK ON, press and hold the TEMP and OPTIONS buttons at the same time for 3 to 5 seconds. Some LG washers have a little face above the lock key that is in between the WASH and RINSE buttons. If you have this on your LG washer control panel, simply press and hold the WASH and RINSE buttons for 3 to 5 seconds. The washer should now ACTIVATE CHILD LOCK mode and all the buttons will NOT function except the POWER button.

LG washer panel shows CL error codeLG washer panel shows CL error code – How to clear – Older LG Washers


LG Front Loading Washing Machines: Child Lock Activation

Child Lock function on your LG washer helps to prevent children from changing the cycle settings.


LG Washer and Dryer – Child Lock

The Child Lock function prevents changing of wash settings by disabling the buttons on the display.

Have questions about the CL error code on your LG washer? Please leave a question below and we will be more than happy to assist you in turning it ON or OFF.

Keith Schneerer

Written by Keith Schneerer

Certified Appliance Tech · Founder, RemoveAndReplace.com

Keith has spent 30+ years repairing machines, starting as a military mechanic and later maintaining food processing equipment before moving into appliance repair. He founded RemoveAndReplace.com to share field-tested repair advice.

More about Keith →

34 thoughts on “LG Washer Error Code CL – How To Turn CHILD LOCK Off?”

  1. Annie,
    If your LG washer will not get out of CHILD LOCK, here are more steps to take:
    Power Cycle the Washer: Turn off the power to the washer by unplugging it or using the circuit breaker. Leave it unplugged or turned off for a few minutes, and then plug it back in or turn it on again. This can sometimes reset the washer and resolve issues.
    Check for Error Codes: Sometimes, a specific error code may indicate an issue with the child lock system. Check the washer’s display for any error codes or messages, and let us know if you see an error code.
    Did this help?
    -RR

  2. Melinda L Traw-Buchanan

    I have an LG Front Loader with the small load washer at the bottom. I have only successfully used the small load washer perhaps once in the 3-4 years I have owned the washer. I cannot find a way to clear code: de1

  3. ALLEN VETTER - DIY Repair Assistant

    Patricia Mcnab,
    Can you supply us with the model number of your LG top load washer?
    The LG model number sticker should be on the inside right where the washer lid closes.
    Open the LG top load washer and look where the washer lid closes onto the frame and the model number info should be there.

    Have you tried pressing and holding the ChildLock button for over 10 seconds?
    Have you tried unplugging the washer to attempt a reset?
    -RR

  4. Dennis giangreco

    the CL will not turn off after holding the rise spin for 3 to 5 seconds any other ideas

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