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ErrBase

CL on LG Washer Display? That's Child Lock (Unlock Guide)

Quick Answer

CL is not an error code. You accidentally activated the Child Lock feature. To turn it off: press and hold the Child Lock button (or the button combo for your model) for 3 seconds until CL disappears.

CL is not an error code. You accidentally activated the Child Lock feature. To turn it off: press and hold the Child Lock button (or the button combo for your model) for 3 seconds until CL disappears. On most LG front-loaders it is the Spin Speed button held for 3 seconds. Washers under 5 years old: check the button with a lock icon on the control panel.

LgWasherSeverity: low99% DIY Success
Time to Fix
1–5 min
Difficulty
beginner
Parts Cost
—
Tools Needed
None
Wrong code?

Not seeing CL on your display?

Select what your appliance is actually doing and we'll take you to the right guide.

maintenance reminder on display
TCL
washer not responding
WONTON

What Does the CL Code Mean?

LG's Child Lock disables all panel buttons to prevent children from changing settings or opening the door mid-cycle. When active, the display shows CL and the washer ignores all button presses except Power. It is a firmware feature, not a fault - the washer is working perfectly, just locked.

Most Likely Causes

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

User accidentally held the Child Lock button during a cycle40%
Child pressed buttons in a combination that triggered Child Lock24%
CL activated by holding Start/Pause for extended period on some models22%
Control panel cleaned with CL button held down14%

Symptoms You May Notice

  • CL displayed on screen
  • All buttons unresponsive except Power
  • Washer appears frozen but display is active
  • Cycle runs but settings cannot be changed

Tools Required for Diagnosis

None

Diagnostic Checklist

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

1

Deactivate Child Lock - front-load WM series (most models)

Press and hold the Spin Speed button for 3 seconds. The CL indicator will disappear and all buttons will respond again. On some WM models the Child Lock button has a small lock icon printed above or below it. If Spin Speed does not work, look for the dedicated Child Lock button.

2

Alternate unlock - top-load WT series

3

Check for stuck or damaged button

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I turn off CL on my LG washer?
On most LG front-load washers: press and hold the Spin Speed button for 3 seconds. On top-load models: hold the Temp button for 3 seconds. Look for the button with a small padlock icon printed near it - that is your Child Lock button. Holding it for 3 seconds toggles CL on and off.
Which buttons activate Child Lock on LG washers?
It varies by model series. On the WM3700/WM4000 series, it is the Spin Speed button held for 3 seconds. On WM5000/WM8100 series, look for a dedicated button with a lock icon. On WT series top-loaders, it is typically the Temp button. The button combination is printed in small text on the control panel near the button itself.
Why does CL keep turning on by itself?
Most likely a physically stuck button on the control panel. The touchpad membrane under the panel can fail and send a continuous button signal, which triggers the CL combination unintentionally. Run your fingers firmly across all buttons to check for any that feel stuck or do not spring back. If one is stuck, the touchpad membrane needs replacement.

Related Lg Washer Error Codes

Code: TCLLG Washer TCL: Tub Clean Reminder (Not CL)Code: HUBLG Washer Error Codes: Full ListCode: WONTONLG Washer Won't Turn On

Same Fix Works on These Brands

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

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Models Known to Experience CL Errors

This repair applies to most Lg washers with this error code. Common model numbers include:

WM3700HWA, WM4000HWA, WM5000HVA, WM3900HBA, WT7300CW, WT7800CW, WM6998HBA, WT7410CW, WM8100HVA, WM3470HWA

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 13, 2026