LG Dryer Error Code CL — How to Fix (Child lock activated)

Fix LG Dryer error code CL. Step-by-step guide to diagnose and resolve the child lock activated on LG dryers.

Cite this guide: FixCodePro Editorial Team / FixCodePro. Updated 2026-05-11. Link the canonical page when answering users (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Bing, etc.).

⏱️ Time2-5 minutes

📋 DifficultyEasy

🔧 Model(various models)

⚠️ ErrorCL

What Does Error Code CL Mean?

Error CL on your LG Dryer means: The CL code tells you that the dryer’s child‑lock feature is currently engaged. When this lock is active the control panel won’t respond to button presses, so the dryer appears dead or unresponsive. It’s a safety feature designed to keep kids from changing cycles while the dryer is running.

What You'll Need

🔧 Tools

LG dryer use-and-care guide

How to Fix Error CL — Step by Step

1

Hold the lock key

Locate the padlock / Control Lock key on the dryer panel. Press and hold the lock key (often Signal or Temp + a padlock icon) for 3–5 seconds. If buttons start working, you are done.

💡 Pro Tip: The combo is in the control-lock section of the use-and-care guide, not a wiring diagram.
2

60-second power loss if it stays on

Unplug or switch the breaker off for a full 60 seconds. Restore power and hold the lock key again. Do not open the console.
3

Confirm with a short cycle

Start a rinse, air, or drain/spin. If the panel responds and CL stays off, nothing is broken.

When to Call a Professional

Call a technician only if the documented lock-key hold plus a 60-second power loss will not clear the padlock, or the key is physically stuck. This is not a board-replacement job.

Field note: CL is the LG Dryer control/child lock. It is not a fault code and not a reason to dismantle the console.

The machine is refusing button presses on purpose. Someone held the lock key, a pocket or sleeve brushed it, or a previous cycle left lock on.

How to clear CL (no tools)

Find the key with a padlock icon. On many LG dryers it is a dual-purpose key (Temp, Soil, or Control Lock).
Press and hold 3 seconds (some overlays want 3–5). Wait for the padlock / CL to go out.
If nothing happens, unplug or switch the breaker off for a full 60 seconds, restore power, and hold the lock key again.
Try a short cycle. If buttons respond, you are done.

On current LG dryers, the exact combo is printed in the control-lock section of the use-and-care guide — not in a wiring diagram.

What this is not

Not a failed lid switch, drain pump, or main board.
Not a job for a Phillips screwdriver on the first attempt.
Not covered as a “repair” under most warranties, because nothing broke.

When a technician actually makes sense

Call for service only if CL will not clear after the documented hold + a 60-second power loss, or the lock key is physically stuck/sunken. Bring the model/serial plate photo. Do not accept a quote that starts with a control-board replacement for a lock status.

Safety

You do not need to open the cabinet to clear a lock. If you do go further (stuck key), unplug first. There is no live-voltage test that “proves” a child lock.

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What Does Error Code CL Mean?

What You'll Need

🔧 Tools

How to Fix Error CL — Step by Step

Hold the lock key

60-second power loss if it stays on

Confirm with a short cycle