Error Code CL On Your LG Washing Machine? (here’s why & what to do)
Any error code displayed on your washing machine can be worrying. Error codes typically mean problems which often mean the washing machine will be out of action for a while and cost money to repair.
However, the CL code isn’t an error code as such, it indicates that the Child Lock has been activated. Keep reading to find out more.
What Does The CL Message Mean On A LG Washing Machine?
If you see the message CL on the display screen of your LG washing machine it indicates that the child lock has been activated. This is usually displayed if you or someone else has turned the child lock feature on.
But it can be turned on accidentally by leaning on the machine in the right (or wrong) spot.
What Is The Child Lock For?
The child lock is a safety feature designed to disable all of the controls and buttons on your LG washing machine once activated. If the child lock has been activated, you will not be able to alter the cycle, temperature or duration of the cycle and the door will not open either.
This feature is installed on the washer to prevent children from playing with the appliance. This stops them from damaging the machine, interrupting the cycle or injuring themselves.
Before you can remove the laundry from the drum after the cycle has completed, you will need to deactivate the child lock.
How To Deactivate The Child Lock On A LG Washing Machine
Deactivating the child lock feature on your LG washing machine is usually an easy task. All you need to do is consult your user manual to locate the child lock button on your model.
In many cases, your washer might have a button with a key symbol or a child’s face symbol on it. If not and you don’t have a user manual, go to the LG website and download it from there.
Once you have located the child lock button all you need to press and hold it for 3 to 5 seconds. This will deactivate the child lock removing the CL message from the display and allowing you to use your washing machine as normal.
You should then run a short cycle like the spin and drain, to check that the washer is working properly.
What Does It Mean If The CL Message Doesn’t Clear?
If after pressing and holding the child lock button on your LG washing machine the CL message doesn’t clear, your appliance might have a more serious issue. It could indicate that the control board has malfunctioned.
The control board manages every function on the washing machine and could cause all kinds of problems if it malfunctions. One of which could be causing the child lock to become stuck on.
In some cases you can clear any problems caused by a malfunctioning control board by performing a reset.
How To Perform A Reset On A LG Washing Machine
To reset your LG washing machine all you need to do is;
- Disconnect the power supply by unplugging the appliance or flipping the circuit breaker to the off position.
- Allow 10 to 15 minutes to pass to let all of the electricity discharge from the capacitors on the control board.
- Reconnect the power supply.
This is often all that’s needed to reset the appliance and clear the CL message. However, if the CL message still remains after doing all of the above, I recommend contacting LG directly if the appliance is still under warranty or a technician if not.
Control boards are expensive and delicate parts and your technician will be best placed to advise you on whether you will be better off buying a new washing machine or replacing the control board.
SEE ALSO: LG Washing Machine Troubleshooting [Full Guide]
Frequently Asked Questions
The CL message on a LG washing machine is not an error code. It actually indicates that the child lock has been activated. This will mean none of the buttons or controls on the appliance will work until the child lock has been deactivated.
You can remove the CL code from the display screen of your LG washing machine by pressing and holding the child lock button for 3 to 5 seconds. This will deactivate the child lock and remove the message from the display screen.
You can remove the CL code from your LG washer by pressing and holding the child lock button for 3 to 5 seconds. The child lock button might have a key symbol or a child’s face symbol on it. If your appliance doesn’t have an easy to recognise child lock button, consult your user manual for model specific instructions.
