If you are worried to death after seeing the CL code pop up on your LG dishwasher, then you probably didn’t read the product manual before operating your dishwasher. The LG dishwasher code CL is not an error code as you may want to think, it is actually a protective safety code designed to protect your children from operating the machine behind you.
The CL code stands for “Child Lock” or “Control Lock”. It may have displayed on your LG dishwasher screen because it was activated. But you are about to learn how it serves to protect your children and to deactivate it in this detailed DIY guide.
Do not call in the local technician yet until you have read and tried everything in this guide to manage your CL notification. Now let’s examine the factors that trigger the feature to flash on your screen.
LG Dishwasher Code CL: How Does It Happen?
We have explained that the LG dishwasher code CL stands for Child Lock or Control Lock. It is an inbuilt feature of LG dishwashing machines that disables the appliance from working, leaving only the door and the power buttons to function. When activated, the feature code deactivates the buttons on the dishwasher during use, and this prevents children from intentionally or accidentally tampering with it.
It must be noted that children could potentially injure themselves by using the dishwasher without adult supervision. And given the curiosity of children to see an appliance in operation, it is best to activate the control lock or child lock when parents are away. When the lock is on, it displays the CL notification code on the machine’s screen and savvy users would know what it represents.
What Causes the LG Dishwasher Code CL?
The LG dishwasher code CL is usually activated before the notification can pop up on the appliance’s screen. Depending on the dishwasher model, the CL code may not be displayed on the screen until someone presses any button on the pad.
When the CL flashes on the screen, it will remind the user or an interferer that the machine is locked. To this end, the user will be reminded to disable the feature before using the appliance.
So how is the child lock activated in the LG dishwasher?
- Unlock the door of the dishwashing machine.
- Press the Power button for some seconds.
- Select the cycle you want and any other options you wish.
- Press and hold the Rinse and Spray buttons simultaneously for at least 3 seconds.
- The CL code will show on the display if it is correctly activated.
- Shut the dishwasher door and start a washing cycle.
- For some dishwasher models, you may have to press and hold the Dual Zone for 3 seconds while the appliance is in cycle to set or cancel the CL code.
Since the child lock prevents children from operating the appliance when it is in cycle, it will also prevent moving component parts from jamming and water from leaking into the house.
In older LG dishwashers, you can use the keypad to disable the appliance from starting if you forgot to set the CL before a cycle. It is however best to switch off the lock before operating the dishwasher so that it can wash your dishes efficiently.
LG Dishwasher Code CL: How to Fix It
Having understood what the CL stands for and how to activate it; it is best to learn how to deactivate it for optimal use. Before you rush off to hire a local technician for assistance, here are some of the things you can do to fix the CL issue:
- Press and hold the Wash and Rinse buttons simultaneously for at least 5 seconds.
- Release both buttons when the CL code disappears from the display screen.
- Depending on your appliance model, you may press and hold the Start button for several seconds.
- Some models may require that you input a set code from numbers 1-5.
- You may have to press the Lock and Unlock icons simultaneously in some models to fix the code.
- If the code remains on your screen, consult your product manual for specific instructions.
In the rare event that everything fails, you are at liberty to consult your local repairman for help.
LG Dishwasher Code CL Fix: DIY Video
When Do You Call a Repairer?
While the DIY hacks outlined in this guide will remove the CL code and get your dishwasher working perfectly again, you may require professional assistance under certain situations. Here are some of them:
- You intentionally activated the CL lock, but are not able to deactivate it or reset the machine to reboot.
- The CL code is automatically acvitated during a washing cycle and you didn’t intend for that to happen.
- The CL lock sets in when the machine is switched on and makes it impossible to set a washing cycle.
- If the motherboard or control module is fried and no longer responding to commands.
Under the above situations, you may have to contact your local repairman for help. This will cost you some money but the technician will get the issue resolved. It might also be helpful to reach out to LG dishwasher’s customer care support for assistance – for free.
Conclusion
We just made it clear that the LG dishwasher code CL is actually not an error code, but a function code. It stands for Child Lock or Control Lock and is designed to deactivate the buttons of the dishwasher when the machine is in operation; this is to prevent children from tampering with the appliance during use.
The CL lock can be activated through the various steps covered in this guide, and it can also be deactivated through the procedures outlined in the necessary section. The exact process for efficiently activating and deactivating the CL code depends on the models of your LG dishwasher. So if any given procedure does not work, reach out to LG’s customer care support or consult your product manual for help.
In extreme cases where the control board is faulty among others, you may have to hire a skilled technician to fix the problem. Be sure that the technician is both accredited and licensed with enough experience at fixing your model of dishwasher. It is also worthy of note that it may cost you a decent sum to pay for the services of your technician. All said and done, your LG dishwasher code CL will be fixed with the hacks outlined in this piece.
