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CL

LG Washing Machine

Severity: Minor

Source: OnlyErrorCodes.com — Every error code. One place.

LG Washer CL — Child Lock Active Fix

What it means

LG washer CL is LG's 'Child Lock feature is active' indicator — not a fault.
Child Lock blocks the control panel buttons so children can't change cycle settings or accidentally start the washer.
The CL appears when you try to use a button while the lock is on.

Affected Models

  • LG Front Load Washer
  • LG Top Load Washer
  • LG WashTower (combined washer + dryer)
  • LG TurboWash Washer
  • LG TwinWash Washer

Common Causes

  • Child Lock turned on intentionally and forgotten
  • Child Lock toggled accidentally by leaning on the panel
  • Child Lock activated by another household member
  • Stuck Child Lock button preventing toggle off
  • Control board fault holding Child Lock state (rare)

How to Fix It

  1. Hold the Child Lock buttons.

    On most LG washers, hold the two buttons marked with a small lock or padlock icon for 3 seconds.
    Often these are 'Pre Wash' + 'Rinse' or 'More Time' + 'Less Time'.
    The exact pair is shown on the control panel above the buttons.
    CL clears when the lock disengages.

  2. Check your model's manual.

    If the obvious lock-icon buttons don't work, check the user manual for your specific LG model.
    Different LG models use different button combinations — the WashTower uses different buttons from a standard front-load.

  3. Power-cycle the washer.

    If the standard combination doesn't disable Child Lock, unplug the washer for 60 seconds and plug back in.
    This sometimes resets the lock if it's stuck in software.

  4. Inspect the buttons.

    If the Child Lock button feels stuck or doesn't click cleanly, the panel button is mechanically failed.
    Replacement is a technician-level job involving a new control panel.

When to Call a Professional

CL is rarely a fault — almost always intentional.
Call a technician only if the standard hold-combination doesn't disable Child Lock and a power-cycle doesn't reset it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I turn off Child Lock on an LG washing machine?

Hold the two buttons marked with a small lock icon for 3 seconds.
The exact two buttons depend on your LG model — usually visible on the control panel as a pair with a tiny key/lock icon between them.
Press both at the same time and hold; you'll hear a beep when Child Lock disengages and CL clears from the display.