CL
LG Dishwasher
Severity: MinorWhat Does This Error Mean?
CL on an LG dishwasher means the Child Lock feature is turned on — it is not an error but a status indicator. When Child Lock is active, all buttons on the control panel are disabled to prevent children from accidentally starting or stopping a cycle. The dishwasher will not respond to any button presses while CL is showing. To use the dishwasher normally, you need to deactivate Child Lock first.
Affected Models
- LG LDT5665V
- LG LDFN4542S
- LG LDT7808BD
- LG LDP6809SS
- Most LG dishwashers with touch panel controls
Common Causes
- Child Lock was accidentally activated by pressing the lock button combination
- A child or pet pressed buttons on the control panel in the right sequence
- Power interruption reset the panel and Child Lock was inadvertently turned on
- A cleaning cloth wiped across the touch panel activating the lock feature
- The control panel has a touch-sensitivity issue triggering the lock combination
How to Fix It
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Press and hold the Child Lock button (or the button combination specified for your model) for 3 seconds. On most LG dishwashers, this is a dedicated lock button or a dual-function button.
Look for a padlock symbol or the words 'Child Lock' printed above or below a button on the control panel.
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If step one does not work, consult your model's owner manual for the exact Child Lock deactivation method. Different LG models use different button combinations — some require holding two buttons simultaneously.
LG manuals are available free at lg.com/us/support — search by your model number.
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If you cannot find the manual, try pressing and holding the Rinse or Dry buttons for 3 to 5 seconds — these are commonly mapped to the lock function on various LG models.
The control panel labeling varies by model year — look for secondary text printed in smaller font under the main button labels.
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Power cycle the dishwasher by turning it off at the power button, waiting 10 seconds, and turning it back on. On some models, this clears the Child Lock state.
If the dishwasher does not have a power button, flip the circuit breaker off and back on.
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If the CL indicator cannot be cleared and no buttons work after a power cycle, the control panel or display board may have a fault. Contact LG support for service.
An unresponsive panel that cannot exit Child Lock may indicate a stuck capacitive touch button.
When to Call a Professional
CL is almost never a reason to call a professional — it is a feature, not a fault. If the Child Lock cannot be deactivated after following the steps below, the control panel may have a stuck button or touch sensor issue. In that case, an LG authorized technician can diagnose the panel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my LG dishwasher say CL and not start?
When Child Lock is on, every button on the panel is disabled — including Start. The dishwasher is not broken. You simply need to deactivate Child Lock first. Press and hold the lock button for 3 seconds, then try starting the dishwasher normally.
How do I know which button activates Child Lock on my LG dishwasher?
Look for a padlock icon on the control panel. On most LG models it is a dedicated button or a shared function button. If the panel does not show an obvious lock symbol, check the owner manual — LG uses different layouts across its product range.
Can Child Lock turn itself on?
It can appear to. Wiping the control panel while it is powered on can accidentally activate the lock combination. Some models also enter Child Lock automatically after certain programming sequences. To prevent accidental activation, power off the dishwasher before wiping the control panel.