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LG Dishwasher Error Code CL

Reviewed by the ApplianceErrors Editorial Team · Verified against manufacturer service documentation · Last verified: June 11, 2026
✓ Low Severity 🔧 Easy DIY

Door close / child lock indicator — door not latched or controls locked

The most common cause of the CL error on a LG dishwasher is door not pushed fully closed (~45% of cases); start with: close the door firmly.

💰 DIY cost: $0–$55 👨‍🔧 Pro cost: $120–$230 Save $120+ by doing it yourself
LG Dishwasher error code CL on the display panel
How the CL code appears on a LG dishwasher display

What Does Error Code CL Mean on a LG Dishwasher?

Door close / child lock indicator — door not latched or controls locked.

CL is a status indicator, not a fault. The control board fires it when the door-latch microswitch doesn't register a fully closed and latched door at the moment Start is pressed, or when the Control Lock feature has been engaged to disable the panel. Because it reflects an operational state, it usually clears once the door clicks shut or the lock is released. Persistent CL despite a latched door and released lock points to a worn latch switch or its board input, distinguishing it from water-supply codes like nE.

Models affected: LG dishwashers across most tall-tub series, including models such as the LDFN4542S, LDTS5552S, and LDF5545ST
What owners report: Owners commonly report CL appearing after loading tall items or when a rack isn't pushed fully in, and it often clears with a firmer push until the latch clicks. Some are caught out by an accidentally engaged Control Lock, which a 3-second press of the lock-symbol button typically resolves.

What Causes Error Code CL?

Here are the most common causes in order of frequency. Start with the most likely cause before moving to the next:

  1. 1
    Door not pushed fully closed 45% of cases
  2. 2
    Control Lock feature active 30% of cases
  3. 3
    Rack or item protruding and blocking the door 15% of cases
  4. 4
    Door latch assembly worn 10% of cases

How to Fix LG Dishwasher Error Code CL

🔧 Easy DIY Est. time: 10–20 min
⚡ Safety first: Unplug the appliance before opening any panels or touching internal components.
  1. 1

    Close the door firmly

    Check that racks are fully pushed in and no tall item blocks the door, then press it closed until the latch clicks.

  2. 2

    Release the Control Lock

    Press and hold the button marked with the lock symbol (often Rinse or Dual Zone) for 3 seconds until CL clears.

  3. 3

    Inspect the latch

    If the door clicks but CL persists, the latch microswitch may be worn — test continuity and replace the latch assembly.

    🔩 LG dishwasher door latch ($25–$55)
    ⚠️ Disconnect power at the breaker before removing the inner door panel.

How to Reset Error Code CL

Hold the lock-symbol button 3 seconds to release the control lock, or relatch the door and press Start.

Note: If the error returns after resetting, the underlying issue has not been resolved. Work through the fix steps above.

Full LG dishwasher reset guide → Enter diagnostic mode →

Did this guide fix your appliance?

When to Call a Professional

If the door physically latches and the lock is released but CL remains, the latch switch or board input needs service.

Average professional repair cost for this issue: $120–$230

Related Error Codes

nE
Vario motor error — wash arm diverter motor not reaching position
⚠ Medium Severity
bE
Bubble/leak error — excessive suds or air detected in the wash system
⚠ Medium Severity

Find Replacement Parts

Use these links to find the exact replacement parts for your LG Dishwasher:

🔩
Search PartSelect
LG Dishwasher repair parts
🔧
Search RepairClinic
Step-by-step video guides

External links — ApplianceErrors.com is not affiliated with these retailers.

More LG Dishwasher Error Codes

AE Leakage detected — water found in base tray OE Drain error — dishwasher not draining IE Water inlet error — not filling with water FE Water overflow — overfill protection triggered HE Heater failure — water not heating tE Temperature sensor failure

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep using my LG Dishwasher when error CL appears? +
Usually yes — CL is a low-severity door-lock notice that rarely stops the dishwasher from working, but clearing the underlying cause prevents it from escalating.
What most commonly causes CL on a LG Dishwasher? +
Across reported LG dishwasher repairs, the most frequent is door not pushed fully closed (45% of cases), control Lock feature active (30%), then rack or item protruding and blocking the door (15%). Check them in that order before replacing any parts.
CL keeps coming back after a reset — what should I check next? +
A reset only clears the stored CL fault; if it returns, the door-lock problem is still present. Move on to the physical checks — close the door firmly, then release the Control Lock — since the code will reappear until the root cause is resolved. This is a beginner-friendly job needing only basic hand tools.
How much does it cost to fix LG Dishwasher error CL? +
A DIY repair typically runs $0–$55 in parts, versus $120–$230 for a professional service call, so handling it yourself saves around $120. Expect the work to take about 10–20 minutes.
Which LG Dishwasher models show error CL? +
CL is documented on LG dishwashers across most tall-tub series, including models such as the LDFN4542S, LDTS5552S, and LDF5545ST. Other units sharing the same control platform can display it too, so the fixes here generally transfer across the series.

Sources & References

Content verified against manufacturer service documentation. Last verified: June 11, 2026.

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