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ErrBase

Frigidaire Dishwasher CL Code: Control Lock Active

Quick Answer

On Frigidaire dishwashers, CL is a control lock indicator, not an error code - but it gets misread as a fault because it appears during or after a cycle. The lock activates if a button in the control lock area is held for 3 seconds, often accidentally when wiping the panel or by a child pressing buttons. On FFID2426TS and FGID2466QF models, the control lock button is integrated into the Options row and trips easily.

On Frigidaire dishwashers, CL is a control lock indicator, not an error code - but it gets misread as a fault because it appears during or after a cycle. The lock activates if a button in the control lock area is held for 3 seconds, often accidentally when wiping the panel or by a child pressing buttons. On FFID2426TS and FGID2466QF models, the control lock button is integrated into the Options row and trips easily. To clear CL: press and hold the Control Lock button (or the Options button designated as Control Lock) for 3 seconds until the indicator turns off.

FrigidaireDishwasherSeverity: low99% DIY Success
Time to Fix
1–5 min
Difficulty
beginner
Parts Cost
$85 – $180
Tools Needed
None required

What Does the CL Code Mean?

CL means Control Lock is active on your Frigidaire dishwasher. Hold the Control Lock button for 3 seconds to disable it. This is not a fault - no repair is needed.

Most Likely Causes

Based on aggregated repair data, here is the probability breakdown for this error code:

Control Lock button accidentally held while cleaning the panel40%
Child pressing the control panel buttons24%
Panel button accidentally activated during loading/unloading dishes22%
Button held during a power surge recovery sequence14%

Symptoms You May Notice

  • CL appears on the dishwasher display
  • Control panel buttons do not respond
  • Dishwasher will not start
  • No fault beeps - unit is silent

Can you reset a Frigidaire dishwasher to clear the CL code?

Press and hold the Control Lock button for 3 seconds. The CL indicator will turn off and the panel will become active. If this does not work, unplug the dishwasher for 60 seconds and restore power. CL should not return unless the button is accidentally held again.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

None required

Diagnostic Checklist

Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.

1

Locate the Control Lock button on your Frigidaire dishwasher

Locate the Control Lock button on your Frigidaire dishwasher. On most models (FFID2426TS, FGID2466QF, FFCD2413US) it is labeled 'Control Lock' or has a lock padlock icon. On some models it is a secondary function of the Options or Heated Dry button.

2

Press and hold the Control Lock button for a full 3 seconds

3

If holding the Control Lock button does not clear CL

Replacement Parts

If your diagnostic testing proves the component has failed, you will need a replacement. We recommend OEM parts over aftermarket for water-handling components.

Part Name
Control Board (if button is physically stuck)154848401 · $85–$180

Repair vs. Replace Calculator

Appliance Age (Years)7 Yrs
Labor Approach
Our Verdict
BORDERLINE
Estimated Cost: $133 (Parts) vs $575 (New Machine)

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Frigidaire dishwasher show CL and not respond to any buttons?
CL means the Control Lock feature is active and has disabled the entire control panel as a child safety measure. Only the Control Lock button itself remains active. Hold it for 3 seconds to restore full panel operation. This happens most often when the panel is wiped clean with a cloth and accidentally holds a button.
Is CL on a Frigidaire dishwasher a serious error?
No. CL is not a fault code at all. It is a parental control feature that disables the panel. There is nothing broken. Holding the Control Lock button for 3 seconds restores normal operation in under 5 seconds.
How do I stop my Frigidaire dishwasher from going into Control Lock again?
Avoid wiping the control panel while pressing into the buttons, and keep the panel dry. If children are repeatedly activating the lock, consider leaving CL enabled when the dishwasher is not in use - it prevents accidental cycle starts as well.

Related Frigidaire Dishwasher Error Codes

Code: HUBFrigidaire Dishwasher Error Codes: Complete i20, i30, E20, E30 GuideCode: PFFrigidaire Dishwasher PF Error Code: Power FailureCode: ER/UOFrigidaire Dishwasher ER/UO Error Code: Control Panel Fault

Same Fix on Other Brands

Bosch child lock icon:

Same Fix Works on These Brands

Frigidaire shares the same hardware platform with these brands. The diagnosis and repair steps are identical.

Electrolux washerElectrolux Washer Error Codes: Complete EFLS Front-Load GuideElectrolux washerElectrolux Washer E11 Error Code: Water Not Filling in TimeElectrolux washerElectrolux Washer E21 Error Code: Drain TimeoutElectrolux washerElectrolux Washer E13 Error Code: Water Leak DetectedElectrolux washerElectrolux Washer E35 Error Code: Water Level Sensor FaultElectrolux washerElectrolux Washer E41 Error Code: Door Lock Fault

Models Known to Experience CL Errors

This repair applies to most Frigidaire dishwashers with this error code. Common model numbers include:

FFID2426TS, FGID2466QF, FGID2479SF, FFCD2413US, FFCD2418US, FGHD2465NF

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 14, 2026