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On an LG Front Load Washer, the "CL" code stands for Child Lock, a safety feature that disables the control panel buttons (except for the power button) to prevent accidental setting changes during a cycle. Since this feature does not automatically turn off after a wash cycle ends, it must be toggled manually. To enable or disable Child Lock, first make sure the washing machine is powered on, then locate the designated lock buttons on your control panel—typically marked with a lock symbol, a child's face, or an asterisk like *Child Lock. Press and hold the designated button or button combination for at least 3 seconds. Depending on your specific model, this setup will vary: you will need to hold down either the Temp and Rinse buttons together, the Spin button alone, the Steam button alone, or a combination like Delay End and Add Item. Once successfully toggled, a chime will sound, and the "CL" indicator will either appear on the digital display to confirm activation or vanish to reveal the standard cycle time, indicating the panel is unlocked.
What do the letters CL mean?
➔ CL stands for CHILD LOCK. It is a safety feature designed to lock the control panel during a cycle, thereby preventing unintentional disruptions or potential accidents that could be caused by a child or another user manipulating the controls.
- When Child Lock is set, all buttons except for the power button do not operate.
- Child Lock is not automatically disabled after the completion of a cycle.
- If you wish to change the cycle or other settings, first disable Child Lock before proceeding.
- If the unit is powered on while Child Lock is enabled, the Child Lock icon will illuminate.
Try this
➔ Follow the below general instructions to enable or disable the Child Lock feature. Please note that the exact method may vary depending on the product model.
- For more detailed instructions, refer to the user manual.
- If the Child Lock buttons are unresponsive, this could signal a malfunction.
- In such cases, please contact customer support for assistance.
If the display shows 'CL' or a lock icon, you can disable Child Lock in the same way it was enabled. To do this, press and hold the buttons marked with a lock icon or labeled [*Child Lock] for at least 3 seconds.
1. Models that have a lock symbol: Hold Temp + Rinse for 3 seconds.
2. Models that have a button marked [*Child Lock]: Hold the Spin button for 3 seconds.
3. Models with the Steam function: Hold the Steam button for 3 seconds.
4. WashTower
➔ To unlock CL on the washer, hold the Spin button on the washer control panel for 3 seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q. What does the "CL" error code mean?
- A. CL" is not an error code; it stands for Child Lock. When this indicator is lit, the control panel buttons are locked to prevent children or accidental bumps from changing the wash settings mid-cycle.
- Q. Why won't my LG washer turn off Child Lock?
- A. The feature does not automatically turn off when a wash cycle ends. It stays active until you manually disable it by holding the correct button combination for 3 seconds. If it won't turn off, make sure the machine is powered on first.
This guide was created for all models, so the images or content may be different from your product.