You’ve seen it: that dreaded LG Dishwasher CL Code flashing on your appliance. You’re tempted to pick up the phone and call a technician. But hold on a second.
Here’s the deal:
Believe it or not, 99% of the calls I get about an LG dishwasher showing the CL code don’t require me to even step out of the door.
Why?
Because resetting the CL code is often a quick and straightforward process. In fact, most of the time, I walk my clients through the fix over the phone in under 5 minutes.
So, let’s save you some money and time.
To help us out, I’ve brought along my buddy Jack Carl, a dishwasher guru and a trusted colleague in the field.
Ready? Let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
What Is LG Dishwasher CL Code?
The LG Dishwasher CL code is not an error code but an alert that the control panel is locked. It’s designed to prevent accidental changes to wash cycles or settings, especially by children. You can turn this feature on and off using a specific button combo, depending on your dishwasher model.
In the sections below, Carl and I will go through how to activate and deactivate the control lock on different LG dishwasher models.
What Does the Control Lock Do?
Let’s break it down:
CL is short for Control Lock. It’s also referred to as a Child Lock.
As Carl explains, “When you see the CL code, it means all the buttons and keys on your dishwasher’s user interface are disabled.“
The only exception is mostly for the power button and the button combo that is used to activate/deactivate it.
Goal?
To prevent accidental changes to cycle and wash settings, especially by toddlers and playful pets.
How?
LG engineers assign a specific combination of buttons to each model to activate or deactivate the lock.
Now:
Once you press the keys, the control panel commands the control board to lock/unlock the user interface.
This way:
The dishwasher will ignore any input from the control buttons.
The display will then show a symbol (“CL”) or an LED will light up to indicate the control lock is on.
“To unlock the user interface, you must press and hold the specific button combination for a few seconds,” Carl states.
Note:
“The control lock doesn’t lock the door; you’ll still be able to open and close it. But once activated, you can’t change or select any new settings,” Carl explains.
Fascinating, isn’t it?
How To Activate/Deactivate the Control Lock on an LG Dishwasher
Now:
There are different methods of activating the control lock on LG dishwashers.
Typically, the process is outlined in the user manual, and you’ll also find an illustration or icon on the control panel to guide you.
Keep in mind:
“Some models, particularly those within the same series, utilize the same button combination to activate or deactivate the lock,” Carl explains.
Below are some of the methods used to activate and deactivate the control lock (CL) on different LG dishwashers.
1. Rinse + Spray Buttons
The Rinse and Spray Button combination applies to the following models:
| Model No | Model No |
|---|---|
| LDF8874ST LG LDF7810BB LG LDF7811BB LG LDF7932ST LG LDS5811BB LDF8764ST LDF7774ST/WW/BB LDS5774ST LG LDF 7811BB LDF7810WW LG LDS5774ST LDF7810BB LDF7810ST LDF7920WW | LDF7810BB LDF7810ST LDF7811WW LDF7811BB LDF7811ST LDS5811WW LDS5811BB LDS5811ST LG LDF7551ST LG LDF8764ST LG LDF7774ST/WW/BB LDF7920BB LDF7920ST1 |
How to activate/deactivate the control lock on these models:
- Step 1: Open the dishwasher door.
- Step 2: Press thePOWER button to turn on the dishwasher.
- Step 3: Choose your preferred cycle and settings
- Step 4: Press and hold the Rinse and Spray buttons together for 3 seconds.
The Child Lock indicator will light up on the display.
- Step 5: Close the door.
2. Half Load + Energy Saver Buttons
The Half Load and Energy Saver buttons combination applies to the following models
| Model No | Model No | Model No |
|---|---|---|
| LG LDT7797BM LG DFB425FP LG DF222FWS LG LDT7808ST LG LDP7808SS LG LDT5665ST LG XD3A15MB LG XD4B24PS LG LDT7797ST LG DFB512FP LG DFB512FW LG LDFN4542D LG LDFN4542W LG XD5B14PS LG LDP6797ST LG XD5B14WH | LG XD5B24PS LG XD3A25BS LG LDFN4542B LG DFC425FW LG LDFN454HT LG LDPN6761T LG DFB424FP LG DFB325HD LG LDP6810BD LG XD3A15 LG DF222FPS LG LDT5678ST LG LDF5545BD LG LDT7808SS LG LDT7808BD LG DFB325HM | LG LDF5545WW LG LDTS5552D LG DF325FP LG XD3A25UNS LG LDF5545SS LG XD3A25MB LG LDTS5552S LG XD3A15NS LG LDT5678SS LG DF325FPS LG LDP6797BD LG LDFN4542S LG LDF5545SS LG LSDT9908SS LG DF425HSS LG LDP6810SS |
Now:
The process of activating the lock depends on whether the dishwasher has an external or hidden display.
How to activate/deactivate the control lock on these models:
- Step 1: Turn the dishwasher on and choose your preferred settings.
- Step 2: Start the cycle.
- Step 3: Activate the child lock.
For models with a hidden display:
While the cycle is running, open the door. Then press and hold the HALF LOAD AND ENERGY SAVER buttons simultaneously for 3 seconds.
For models with a font display, follow the same procedure with the door closed.
- Step 4: For models with a hidden display, close the door for the cycle to continue.
The LC code will appear on the display.
Note:
Activating the child lock deactivates all buttons except the Power button. Also, this feature doesn’t lock the door.
3. Dual Zone Button
Unlike other activation methods that utilize two buttons, this procedure relies solely on the Dual Zone button.
Some of the models that use this technique include:
- LG LDF5545ST
- LUDP8997SN
- LDF5545BB
- LDT878#**
- LDP778#**
- LDP567#**
- LDT566#**
- LDF554#**
- LSDT888#**
How to activate/deactivate the control lock on these models:
- Step 1: Turn on the dishwasher.
- Step 2: Start a wash cycle.
- Step 3: When the cycle is in progress, press and hold the Dual Zone button for 3 seconds.
4. Child Lock Button
Now:
Some LG dishwasher models have a dedicated child lock button that you use to activate and deactivate the feature.
Some of these models include:
- LG D1453WF
- LG LD-1483T4
- LG LD-1484T4
- LG LD-2131WH
- LG D1484CF
- LG LD1455W
- LG LD1454W
- LG LD1453W
- LG LD1452W
How to activate/deactivate the control lock on these models:
- Step 1: Start the dishwasher
- Step 2: When the dishwasher is in operation, press the Child Lock button for 3 seconds.
Just so you know:
Turning off the dishwasher doesn’t undo the lock. To operate the dishwasher, you must first deactivate the lock.
5. Quick and Upper Only Buttons
This Quick and Upper Only buttons combination applies to LG dishwasher models, such as the
- LG LG LDS5040ST
- LG LDS5560ST
- LG LDS5560BB
- LG LDS5560ST
- LG LDS5560WW
- LG LDS4921ST
- LG LDS4921WW
- LG LDS4921BB
- LG LDS5040WW
- LG LDS5540BB
- LG LDS5040BB
- LG LDS5540WW
- LG LDS5040ST
How to activate/deactivate the control lock on these models:
- Step 1: Turn the dishwasher on.
- Step 2: Select a cycle and desired settings.
- Step 3: To activate/deactivate the control lock, press and hold the Quick and Upper Only buttons together for 3 seconds.
The Child Lock indicator will light up on the display to confirm activation.
6. Flex Zone and High Temperature Buttons
This procedure applies to different LG dishwasher models, such as
- LG LDFN3432T
- LG LDFN343LS
- LG LDFC2423W
How to activate/deactivate the control lock on these models:
- Step 1: Turn the dishwasher on and choose your preferred settings.
- Step 2: While the cycle is in progress, press and hold the Flex Zone and High Temp. buttons together for 3 seconds.
7. Intensive + Auto Buttons
Now:
There is only one LG dishwasher model that I have come across that uses this procedure; the LG LD-2131SH.
How to activate/deactivate the control lock on the LG LD-2131SH
- Step 1: Start the dishwasher.
- Step 2: Press the Intensive and Auto buttons together for a few seconds until the lock indicator appears on the display.
8. Night Dry and Delay Start Buttons
The Night Dry and Delay Start button procedure applies to models such as the:
- LG LDPS6762D
- LG LDPS6762S
- LG LDTH7972D
- LG LDPH7972S
How to activate/deactivate the control lock on these models:
- Step 1: Start the dishwasher.
- Step 2: When the dishwasher is operating, press the Night Dry and Delay Start buttons together for 3 seconds.
The LC indicator will appear on the display.
Note:
If you want to change the settings or start a new cycle, you must deactivate the control lock first.
9. Delicate + Rinse Only Buttons
The Delicate and Rinse Only buttons combination applies to models such as:
- LG LDF6920ST
- LG LDF6810ST
- LG LDF6920WW
- LG LDF6920BB
- LG LDF6920ST
How to activate/deactivate the control lock on these models:
- Step 1: Start the dishwasher
- Step 2: When the door is open, press the Delicate and Rinse Only buttons together for 3 seconds.
10. Quick & Dry and Quick Buttons
The Quick & Dry and Quick buttons combination applies to models such as
- LG LD-1482T4
- LG LD1452WFEN3
- LG LD-1481W4
- LG LD-1481S4
- LG LD1452WL
- LG LD1452WM
- LG LD1452WT
- LG LD1452WB
- LG LD1452WC
- LG LD1452WFEN2
How to activate/deactivate the control lock on these models:
- Step 1: Start the dishwasher.
- Step 2: To activate/deactivate the control lock, press and hold the Quick & Dry and Quick buttons together for a few seconds.
This will deactivate all buttons except the power button.
Note:
Switching off the dishwasher will not deactivate the control lock. You must disable the lock to start a new cycle or change the settings.
Also:
You cannot enable/disable the lock when the dishwasher is off or in standby mode.
11. Rinse and High Temp Buttons
The Rinse and High Temp buttons combination applies to models such as:
- LG LDF7774BD
- LG LDFN343LS
- LG LDFN3432T
- LG DFB425FP
How to activate/deactivate the control lock on these models:
- Step 1: Start the dishwasher.
- Step 2: When the dishwasher is running, press and hold both the Flex Zone and High Temp buttons together for 3 seconds.
This will lock all the buttons on the user interface. To make any other changes, you must disable the lock.
12. Gentle and Quick Buttons
The Gentle and Quick buttons combination applies to LG dishwasher models such as:
- LG LD-1419W2
- LG D1419LF
- LG LD-1419W(L,M,T,B,C,D)2
- LG D1417W(L,M,T,B,C,D)F(B,U)
- LG D1418W(L,M,T,B,C,D)F(B,U)
- LG D1419W(L,M,T,B,C,D)F(B,U)
- LG WZ-6809WF / WZ-6809MFWZ-6810WF
How to activate/deactivate the control lock on these models:
- Step 1: Press the power button
- Step 2: Choose your preferred setting and start the dishwasher.
- Step 3: While the dishwasher is running, press the Gentle and Quick buttons together for a few seconds.
This will disable all the buttons except the Power button and Gentle + Quick buttons combination.
13. Care and Quick Buttons
The Care and Quick buttons combination applies to the following LG dishwasher models:
- LG D1462MF
- LG D1452WF
- LG LD-2050SH
- LG D1451W(L,M,T,B,C,D,A)F(B,U)
- LG D1452W(L,M,T,B,C,D,A)F(B,U)
- LG D1462W(L,M,T,B,C,D,A)F(B,U)
- LG D1450W(L,M,T,B,C,D,A,S)F(B,U)1
- KD-E701NW / KD-E702NW / KD-E702NT
How to activate/deactivate the control lock on these models:
- Step 1: Start the dishwasher.
- Step 2: Choose your preferred settings and start a cycle.
- Step 3: When the unit is running, press both the Care and Quick buttons together for a few seconds.
Note:
Turning off the dishwasher does not deactivate the lock. Also, the feature doesn’t lock the door.
14. Auto and Eco Buttons
The Auto and Eco buttons combination applies LG dishwasher models such as:
- LG LD-2120WH
- LG LD-2120SH
- LG LD-2120MH
- LG LD-2120WHB
- LG LD-2120SHB
- LG LD-2120MHB
- LG LD-2120WHU
- LG LD-2120SHU
- LG LD-2120MHU
- LG LD-2130(1,2,3)W(S,M,L,T)H
- LG LD-2140(1,2,3)W(S,M,L,T)H
How to activate/deactivate the control lock on these models:
- Step 1: Start the dishwasher.
- Step 2: Press the Auto and Eco buttons together for a few seconds.
Note:
The control lock will deactivate automatically in the event of a power outage.
15. Delay Start Button
This activation procedure is found mostly on Signature Kitchen dishwashers (An LG brand).
It applies to models such as:
- LG SKSDW2402P
- LG SDWD24P3
How to activate/deactivate the control lock on these models:
- Step 1: Start the dishwasher.
- Step 2: While the dishwasher is operating, press and hold the Delay Start button for 3 seconds.
16. Extra Rinse and Delay Start
The Extra Rinse and Delay Start buttons combination applies to models such as:
- LG LDS5540ST/WW/BB
- LG LDS5040ST/WW/BB
- LG LDS5560ST/WW/BB
- LG LDS4921ST/WW/BB
How to activate/deactivate the control lock on these models:
- Step 1: Press the Power button.
- Step 2: Choose your preferred cycle and settings.
- Step 3: When the dishwasher is running, press and hold both the Extra Rinse and Delay Start buttons for 3 seconds.
When the Child Lock is activated, its indicator will light up on the display.
17. Delay Start and T Save Buttons
The Delay Start and T Save buttons combination works on LG dishwasher models, including:
- LG LD-14AT1
- LG LD-14AW3
- LG LD-14AW1
How to activate/deactivate the control lock on these models:
- Step 1: Start the dishwasher
- Step 2: Press the Delay Start and T Save buttons simultaneously for 3 seconds.
18. Rinse + Half Load Buttons
The Rinse and Half Load buttons combination applies to LG dishwasher models such as:
- LG LD-4050WLD-14AW2
- LG LD-14AT2LD-14AW3
- LG LD-14AT3
- LG LD-14AT 2
How to activate/deactivate the control lock on these models:
- Step 1: Start the dishwasher.
- Step 2: Open the door.
- Step 3: When the dishwasher is running, press and hold the Half Load and Delay Start buttons for 3 seconds
- Step 4: Close the door.
Once the Child Lock is engaged, the indicator will light up on the display.
How To Find Out the Specific Way to Activate/Deactivate The Control Lock On Your LG Dishwasher
Here is the thing:
There are hundreds of LG dishwasher models. And as you have seen above, there are different procedures to activate/deactivate the control lock feature.
Your best bet?
Consult your model-specific user manual. If you have misplaced yours, search for it online on the LG website.
Alternatively:
Reach out to LG support by dialing 800-243-0000 or 850-999-4934. If you have LG Premium Care, call 1-855-549-0540.
And here’s a pro tip from Carl:
“Every model has an illustration of how to activate/deactivate the control lock. Look closely for the words ‘Control lock,’ ‘Child lock,’ or a padlock symbol.”
“There’ll also be a line connecting the buttons you need to use,” he continues.
Conclusion
And there we have it; the different methods of activating and deactivating the LC code.
Just to refresh your memory:
The LG dishwasher CL code doesn’t indicate an error or fault. It’s simply signaling that the Control Lock or Child Lock feature is activated.
Simply; the user interface is disabled.
It’s designed to keep children from changing the settings, though some users may activate it without realizing it.
To activate/deactivate it, check your user manual for the specific button combination to press.
If you’re still having trouble, ask for help in our Free Facebook Group.