On a supported LG dryer, CL means Control Lock is enabled rather than a dryer failure. Find the control or pair of controls marked with the lock symbol. Then hold it for the model-specified time until the CL indicator clears.
What this covers
- LG dryers displaying CL
What it does not cover
Try in this order
0 of 4 completedConfirm CL on the exact model
ReversiblePhotograph the complete display, record the model tag and note the cycle stage. Similar-looking codes can mean different things on another product line.
Check the condition named by the code
ReversibleFind the control or pair of controls marked with the lock symbol.
Correct the remaining user-serviceable cause
ReversibleHold it for the model-specified time until the CL indicator clears.
Run one controlled verification
ReversibleConfirm the cycle controls respond normally. Use the model manual if the panel differs; do not force a button.
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Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions about “LG dryer CL code”
What does CL mean on a LG dryer?+
It means Control Lock is enabled rather than a dryer failure.
Can I clear CL by resetting the dryer?+
A restart may clear a stored display only after the underlying condition is corrected. Repeatedly resetting without correcting the cause is not a repair.
Why do the buttons beep but nothing happens?+
With Control Lock on, the panel ignores every key except Power. A beep with no response is the lock doing its job, not a stuck keypad. Hold the lock key for about three seconds to release it.
How do I turn Control Lock off?+
Press and hold the Control Lock button, or the buttons the manual names, for about three seconds until CL disappears.
Can I still turn the dryer off with it locked?+
On most models the power button still works. Check your manual for exceptions.
Does CL stop a running cycle?+
Not normally. Control Lock blocks button presses so a cycle already running keeps going, but you will not be able to change options until it is unlocked.
Why does CL keep coming back?+
Someone may be holding the Control Lock button while pressing others, or a child may be pressing it. If it returns without anyone touching the panel, the control panel may have a fault and service should look at it.
Is CL the same on all LG dryers?+
The code and unlock method are similar across most LG dryers, but the exact button can differ by model. Check the control panel for a Control Lock label, or the manual for your model number.
Can a dryer with CL on still dry a load?+
A cycle that has already started continues. CL only stops changes to the settings and starting new cycles from the panel.
What if the panel is unresponsive as well as locked?+
Unplug the dryer for a minute and plug it back in to reset the control, then try the unlock hold again. A panel that stays unresponsive after that may need service.
How do I turn off CL on an LG dryer?+
Press and hold the Child Lock button, often the Temp Control and Dry Level pair, for about three seconds until CL disappears.
Can I use the Remote Start with Child Lock on?+
Remote features depend on the model; turn off the lock if the app cannot start the dryer.