What should I do if my LG washing machine shows a CL error?

LG washing machines are reliable and durable. With proper use, they last for many years. However, even the best technology tends to break down over time.

You can understand that there is a problem with the device using special codes that are displayed on the screen. This is very convenient as it makes diagnostics easier.

The article will talk about what the CL error means in an LG washing machine, how to decipher it and fix it.

Who will benefit from the washing appliance lock mode?

This option is suitable for people who have an active child or several children at once. You can turn it on easily, and turn it off too. It is enough to simply press two buttons at the same time, which are indicated by the “nipple” icon, and hold them for several seconds.

You can activate the mode in question directly during the washing process, after which a corresponding notification will appear on the screen. When the process is completed, the function will continue to be active, so you need to deactivate it before starting the next cycle.

Control module malfunction

Most often, the cause of a malfunction is poor contact or violation of the integrity of the conductors, but it also happens differently. If the panel is checked, the contacts are clean, there are no breaks, and the indicator still shows CL, the cause of the malfunction is the components of the machine's control circuit.

The control module is the brain of an automatic washing machine and you should not try to repair it yourself. It would be more correct to call a technician to your home or take the car to a workshop. There is an opinion that only the module itself can be removed, it will be tested, the fault will be identified and the failed parts will be replaced. This is wrong; it would be wiser to remove the entire device. This approach will make the master’s work easier and ensure the desired result.

An automatic washing machine is a device that is designed to save a person from unnecessary labor. She not only washes, but also tries to inform the owner about her actions. The user just has to understand what this or that code on the display means. This is not difficult; if a message appears, you should not panic, you just need to look at the instructions and there will be much less reason for concern.

The washing machine locks spontaneously and does not turn off

If there is no special lock, but the error is still displayed on the display, it will not be possible to provide unlocking using the keys. There are three cases in which you might see the code indicated:

• immediately after connecting the equipment to the electrical network to avoid selecting the washing option;
• during operation in case of a mode change (switching from rinsing to spinning);
• blocking of the washing unit by the user and the impossibility of eliminating (disabling) the code.

In all these situations, a comprehensive repair of the device is required. It is advisable to even contact a service center or try to fix the problem yourself. But choosing the second method requires possession of certain knowledge and skills.

What does this LG washing machine code mean?

The CL error appears on the washing machine screen quite often. This happens when the device is turned on. In this case, a person cannot perform any actions: start a washing cycle, select one or another program, etc. Turning off and on the equipment again does not solve the problem. The buttons do not respond to pressing.

The CL code stands for Child Lock. To call this combination of letters a mistake would be wrong. Rather, it is an informational message that indicates that the child lock mode is activated.

Enabling Child Lock causes all buttons to be locked . Even when pressed they will not work. This technology is relevant for families in which children are growing up. While playing, they often press all sorts of buttons, which can cause equipment breakdowns. CL mode prevents this, and such a message on the screen indicates that it is activated.

How to clean contacts yourself?

If you have some knowledge of working with electronics, you can begin to repair household appliances yourself. The first thing you should pay attention to in this case is cleaning the contacts. It is traditionally carried out in the following order:

• disconnecting the control panel (the algorithm depends on the specific device, but you can always use the instructions);
• wiping the panel with alcohol, which will remove the top layer of fat, and along with it, particles of dust and dirt that prevented the key from being pressed;
• using a multimeter to check the contact between the board and the keys (all that needs to be done for this is to just touch the contacts: if there is voltage, everything is normal, you can assemble the machine and use it, if there is no voltage, probably in what where a rupture occurred);
• inspect the wires, identify places where there are faults; contacts often come off due to an excessively humid environment or the appearance of rust; it is not difficult for even a beginner to notice a break);
• clean the wires in the area where they break; this is done by cutting, removing dirt and other scale products, and then twisting;
• organize a final check - this is also done using a multimeter, if a contact appears, then everything is more than good, you can carry out the assembly, if there is no contact there is another gap, so the steps are repeated;
• It is likely that the button has broken completely; in this situation, you will need to install a new key (you can buy it in a specialized store), sometimes you can swap them in places using a soldering iron.

It’s quite easy to fix minor problems yourself; the main thing is to figure out what the reason is and remain persevering. If you have any questions, you can always contact the service center and receive comprehensive support. As a rule, such events are inexpensive.

When should you call a specialist?

If the CL error really indicates a breakdown of household appliances, you need to contact a specialist. Trying to deal with the problem on your own will only make the situation worse.

There are several ways to find a master:

• contact a repair shop - there are such organizations in almost all cities;
• contact a private master - you can find him through an ad in a newspaper or on the Internet;
• take contacts of a specialist from relatives or friends who have used similar services.

The cost of repair depends on the complexity of the breakdown. If you have to replace the wiring to fix the problem, the service will cost 1,600 rubles. Replacing the button will cost 1000 rubles. If a fault is detected in the control board, you will have to pay about 2,500 rubles. Prices do not include the cost of the parts themselves.

Signs that will help identify scammers:

• lack of data on the website: company name, TIN, ORGN, etc.;
• demanding money in advance;
• lack of price list, evasion of answer regarding the cost of repairs;
• lack of opportunity to leave feedback;
• price too low or too high;
• absence of any documents confirming the fact that the work was performed.

You should not give the equipment to an unfamiliar private repairman for repairs on his territory. Most types of work can be completed at the client's home.

Error resolution options

Problems with the power supply network often do not depend on consumers, but are caused by problems or mismatches on the line. To check the voltage value, you need to use a multimeter or tester. To do this, do this:

• set the device switch to measure alternating voltage;
• check its size by touching the socket contacts with probes.

If the device shows a voltage value 10% more or less than 220 V, then the reason for the error is clear.

There may also be cases of damage to room lines. To eliminate them, you need to understand electrics yourself or use the services of a specialist.

To ensure normal operating conditions for the washing machine, the following recommendations must be followed:

• Do not turn on several powerful electrical appliances at the same time;
• for a washing machine, connect your own line from a separate machine, which has a grounding conductor, and do not use common sockets or an extension cord.

Installing a stabilizer is the optimal solution to the problem of poor quality power supply, eliminating voltage surges. In this case, its high or low value is reduced to a normal value. Read about how to choose an RCD here.

As for the machine itself, it is recommended to repair it in the following sequence:

• to avoid a software failure, the machine must be turned off for 15 minutes and then turned on;
• then you should check the power cord with the plug visually and using a multimeter for integrity, and if damage is detected, replace them;
• Next, you need to “ring” the internal electrical circuit of the device, the noise filter, determine the reliability of all connections, if a break is detected, replace the wire;
• then, using a multimeter and visually, you should determine the operability of the electronic controller and, if necessary, resolder its elements or tracks or install a new control module;
• The last thing to check is the heating element, the malfunction of which is indicated by the knocking out of the difavtomat, the appearance of a code

To check the parts of the washing machine, you will need to disassemble it and then reassemble it. In this case, they act according to the following algorithm:

• turn off the power;
• remove the back cover of the case;
• disconnect the filter, heating element, individual wires of the electrical circuit;
• when faulty parts are identified, they are replaced and individual cores are twisted;
• connect all contacts in place;
• install the cover.

Analysis of various models has its own nuances. Along the way, you will need to remove various parts that will interfere with normal access to the units being repaired. In order not to forget or get confused, it is recommended to take photographs periodically.

As can be judged from the given algorithm for solving the problem, repairing a washing machine yourself is not an easy task, especially in the absence of the appropriate knowledge and experience. Often the appearance of the pf error is caused by a malfunction of the control module, which is difficult to repair without certain skills. If you do not have confidence in your own skills, then it is better to seek the help of specialists. Incorrect, careless actions can aggravate the problem, which will lead to even greater costs to fix the problem.

Causes

The causes of the problem that caused the pf error to appear on the machine display can be divided into external and internal. The first includes failures in the electrical network from which the apartment (or house) is powered.

1. Periodic imbalances in the network voltage: its increase by more than 5% of the operating value for the device, or a decrease exceeding 10% of the norm.
2. Short-term power outages.

A decrease in voltage causes the simultaneous inclusion of powerful electrical appliances in the network, for example, an electric oven, kettle, welding machine and others.

Internal reasons include the following:

• damage to the plug or power cord of the washing machine, which leads to the appearance of the pf code in any operating mode, at any stage of the process;

• failure of the control chip, which also causes an error without reference to the circumstances;
• violation of the integrity of the internal wiring of household appliances between the control module and the interference filter, as a result of which stops occur with any short-term opening of the contacts;
• burnout of the heating element resulting in a short circuit to the machine body.

In the latter case, the residual current device (RCD) or differential circuit breaker (difavtomat) is knocked out. After switching on, the pf code appears.