What CL (796 / LG-built) Means
CL on a 796-prefix LG-built Kenmore washer is not a fault at all — it means the child lock is switched on, and while it is, the control refuses every button press. Plenty of service calls on this platform end with nothing more than turning it off.
Common Causes of CL (796 / LG-built)
- The child lock deliberately enabled and then forgotten
- The lock combination pressed accidentally while cleaning the console
- A household member turning it on without telling anyone
🔧 One Safe Check You Can Try
Find the two buttons marked for the child lock on your console and hold them together for about three seconds; the display clears and normal control returns.
⚠ Why You Shouldn't Go Further Than That
- There is nothing to repair here, so opening the machine over a CL display achieves nothing.
- If holding the lock buttons genuinely does not clear it, the keypad itself is the suspect rather than the lock feature.
Opening a panel to inspect or repair something yourself doesn't automatically cancel your manufacturer's warranty — but it can risk accidental damage, and some manufacturers do have specific service conditions. Check your product's warranty terms, or ask us, before deciding.