Written by
Marcus Lindqvist Appliance Care EditorPublished October 26, 2026
VERIFIED
Error codeCL
ApplianceDishwasher
CL is not a breakdown
A lock icon or CL on the screen means Control Lock, also named Child Lock, is switched on. Its purpose is to prevent accidents from unintentional use of the panel.
What you will notice
CL shows on the display.
Presses on the buttons get no response.
No cycle or option can be chosen.
Unlocking
Press and hold Half Load and Energy Saver together for at least three seconds.
Start your cycle once the lock is off.
While the dishwasher is powered on, the lock can be turned off at any time. The setting survives a power-off, so if a cycle finished with Control Lock active, CL will be waiting at the next start.
If the panel stays unresponsive after unlocking, call (415) 223-7887 about LG dishwasher repair in San Francisco. Tell them the code, the model number and which buttons you held.
Model compatibility: LG reuses codes across series and model years, so CL may mean something different on another appliance or generation. Confirm this against your model’s documentation and record your full model number before acting.
Plain language
What this code means
CL on an LG dishwasher means Control Lock (Child Lock) is on and the panel is locked.
Important safety warning. Do not attempt repairs involving electrical components, gas, water lines, refrigerant or sealed systems. Unplug the appliance if it is safe to reach the outlet, and leave internal diagnostics to a qualified technician.
Seeing this code on your LG appliance?
Book a specialist visit for a clear estimate and approval before any repair.
You submit a request with your appliance model and symptom, we confirm an appointment window, and a technician performs an on-site diagnosis. You then receive a clear estimate and decide whether to proceed before any repair begins.
Yes. We provide an upfront estimate after diagnosis. No parts are ordered or installed until you approve the work, so there are no surprise charges.
Replacement parts are selected for the exact model and confirmed with you before ordering or installation.
Service areas are listed on the Locations page. Contact us with your ZIP code to confirm current coverage for your address.
Ready to get your LG appliance working again?
Book a repair online or call us — clear estimates and approval before any repair work begins.
