The child lock feature in the LG washing is life-saving, but it may pose issues by displaying the cl code in the control board amidst the wash cycle even if you haven’t switched it on.
As a general rule, The CL code on the control board of the LG washing machine doesn’t indicate an error; it indicates the activation of the child lock feature. You can fix the cl code by long pressing the child lock button for 3 seconds. If the control panel is at fault, you must replace it.
In this article, I will help you determine the cause of the cl code displayed on the control board. I will also equip you with the knowledge to fix the issue. So, keep reading.
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This post includes some affiliate links.What does the Cl code in the LG washer indicate?
If your washer displays the cl code in the control panel, don’t panic.
It is not an error code.
It also doesn’t mean your washer is at fault.
The Cl code in the LG washing machine indicates the activation of the child lock mood in the control panel.
It blocks the functionalities of all the buttons.
You cannot run the washing machine with the cl code displayed on the control panel.
If you intentionally switched on the child lock mode, nothing is wrong.
If the cl code is repeatedly occurring, even if you haven’t switched it on, then that’s an issue you need to fix.
You can fix this issue by turning off the child lock mode in your washing machine.
What is the purpose of child lock in the washer?
A washing machine is a sensitive and multifunctionality device.
If the children in your home reach the washing machine when it is powered on, they will possibly press the buttons on the control panel, affecting the machine’s functionality.
As the washing machine is powered, the child can catch an electric shock or get hurt by an unexpected accident.
Your child may even press all the buttons that will break down the machine.
The LG washing machine has a child lock mode to eliminate this issue.
It has a separate button to turn the child lock mode on and off.
Once the child lock button is turned on during the washing cycle, it will display the cl code in the control panel, preventing all the buttons from performing their functions.
The child lock mode will be turned on even if you unplug the washing machine from the electric outlet.
To turn on the child lock mode, you must long-press the child lock button for 3 seconds.
Once you switch on the child lock button, the cl code will start to display on the control panel.
Sometimes, cl code will occur as an error even if you haven’t switched on the child mode or if you switched on the child mode during the last cycle, it will also occur during the next cycle.
Where is the LG child lock button?
The LG front-loading washer has four buttons in the control panel.
In which the first button or the second is the child lock button. However, this may vary depending on the model.
After beginning the wash cycle, you must long-press the child lock button for 3 seconds to switch the child lock mode.
Where is the child lock button on the LG top load washer?
Most top-loading LG washing machines don’t have a separate button to enable child lock.
You can find rinse and spin buttons; you must long press these two buttons for 3 seconds to switch on the child lock mode.
Doing this will lock all the buttons in the control panel except the power button.
In some models, long pressing the rinse button for 3 seconds will switch on the child lock mode.
A few top-loading LG washing machines have a separate button for the child lock feature.
While the child’s lock is switched on, water will begin to drain automatically if the door is opened to prevent the child from drowning.
How do I fix the Cl code in the LG washer?
As I mentioned, the cl code doesn’t indicate any fault or error.
A washing machine displaying the cl symbol is the error code if the child lock feature is activated even if no one switches on the child lock button.
If it frequently occurs amidst the wash cycle, it is a sign of malfunctioning, which has to be figured out and fixed.
While the wash cycle is running, long-press the child lock button for 3 seconds.
Doing this will turn off the child lock, and the control panel will activate.
Even after this operation, if the CL code is still displaying on the control board, it may be due to oxidized buttons or the faulty control board.
Follow these steps to check the condition of the buttons and the control button.
- Start by disconnecting the electric supply by unplugging the washing machine from the electric outlet.
- Remove the screws securing the control panel housing to the washer.
- Pull the back panel of the control board to detach it completely.
- Disconnect the control housing, and use a screwdriver to remove the interior cover of the control panel.
- Access the control assembly by removing the control assembly cover.
- Use a multimeter to check the functioning of the buttons and the wire connections.
- If they are oxidized, you must replace the control panel assembly.
- Disconnect the wire harness and electrical wire from the control panel assembly.
- Detach the faulty control panel assembly from the control panel housing by removing the screws.
- Prepare the new control panel to attach to the control panel housing.
- Attach the new control panel assembly in its position.
- Secure it with the screws. Connect the wire harness and the other electrical wires with it.
- Attach the outer cover of the control panel assembly by securing it with the screws you removed.
- Reposition the control housing to its original place.
- Now reattach the back panel of the control board by securing it with the screws.
- Plug in the washer to the electric outlet.
- Now run the washer, and check if the issue is solved.
How do I get the child lock off my LG washer?
You can switch off the child lock mode by long pressing the child lock button for 3 seconds.
In the top-loading washing machine, you can press the rinse and spin buttons together to deactivate the child lock mood.
On the other note, it varies according to the model of your LG washing machine.
In such cases, you can try the following key combinations.
- Press the temperature and option buttons together.
- Press the prewash and super rinsing buttons together.
- Press the additional washing and intensive washing buttons together.
Finally, the cl code will disappear from the control board after trying all these methods.
How do I get the child lock off my LG Inverter Direct Drive washing machine?
LG inverter direct drive washing machine is a highly efficient device that is less noisy because it doesn’t use belts, chains, and gearboxes to rotate the drum.
Instead, it uses the motor to run the drum.
It also reduces energy consumption by requiring less electricity than the standard washing machine.
There is no separate child lock button in the LG inverter direct drive washing machine.
To turn off the child lock mode, you must long-press the rinse cycle and the spray buttons simultaneously for 3 seconds.
After turning on the wash cycle, press the rinse and spin buttons for 3 seconds to turn on the child lock mode.
After turning on the child lock, you must be able to turn it off.
If the cl code is frequently occurring, if you haven’t turned it on, there is something wrong.
The control board may be at fault if it still displays the cl code.
You need to replace the control panel assembly to fix the issue.
Follow these steps to check the control board of the LG inverter direct drive washing machine:
- Start by unplugging the electricity from the washing machine.
- Keep the flathead driver and the Philip screwdriver handy to replace the control panel.
- Pull away the washer from the wall. As it is heavy, seek help from your housemate.
- Disconnect the top panel from the washer by removing the screws using the screwdriver.
- Remove the screws at the right side of the washer securing the control panel.
- Detach the detergent assembly and keep it aside.
- Remove the screws at the left side of the control panel, securing it to the washer.
- Pull out the control panel from the washer.
- Disconnect the wire harness from the control panel.
- Place the detached control panel assembly in a comfortable place. Flip it to access the display board.
- Disconnect the display board from the control panel housing using a flathead driver.
- Replace the new control board assembly in the control board housing.
- Reconnect the wire harness to the new control board assembly.
- Fix the control panel into position. Secure it with the screws on the left side.
- Reattach the detergent assembly to the washer.
- Use the screwdriver to secure the right side of the panel with the screws you removed.
- Fix the front panel of the washing machine by securing it with the screws.
- Plug in the washing machine with the electric outlet. Run the washing machine to check if the issue is solved.
Final thoughts
The cl code in the washing machine is not an error code. It indicates the child lock is activated. Follow the steps mentioned in the article to fix the cl code in your LG washing machine.
You can check the user manual or seek the help of a professional if you cannot fix the issue by yourself.
Reference: APPLIANCE STANDARDS AWARENESS PROJECT, LG Official Guide,
