---
title: "Kenmore washer showing CL | WasherRepair.center"
description: "What CL means on Kenmore washers, what to check before booking, and when it is not a failure at all."
url: "https://washerrepair.center/error-codes/kenmore-cl/"
---

# Kenmore washer showing CL

CL shows that the Child Lock feature is active on the control panel.

## What CL actually means.

CL shows that the Child Lock feature is active on the control panel. The washer will not accept new selections until it is turned off.

Kenmore washer display

What to do when CL shows on the washer

### Kind of code Mode, not a failure

Something the washer does by design, or a setting somebody turned on — a child lock, a prompt to run a cleaning cycle, a paused cycle waiting for the door. No part has failed and nothing needs replacing.

### Usually leads to No repair

Press and hold the Child Lock button for 5 seconds.

### Shows up as Control Panel Not Responding

The washer's buttons or dial do nothing, the display freezes or goes blank, or settings will not change.

### Make Kenmore

The long-running Sears store brand, whose washers were produced by several different manufacturers.

### Source Sears PartsDirect: Kenmore 796 model front-load washer error codes (Wayback copy, 12.11.2019)

Kenmore front-load washers with model numbers starting with 796.

## Before you book, in this order.

Each step comes from Kenmore's own guidance for CL on its washers. Follow it to the end: the last card says whether this is a visit.

01

Press and hold the Child Lock button for 5 seconds.

02

Choose your cycle once CL disappears.

03

If the panel still does not respond, book a visit.

### Cleared?

No part had to be replaced. If a later load stops with water left in the drum or the cycle halts again, treat it as a new problem.

### What not to do

CL is not a frozen control board. It is a setting, and holding one button clears it.

## What you may notice with it.

The washer problems CL tends to arrive with. Answer these at the washer before anyone is booked.

[All problems](https://washerrepair.center/problems/)

Before you call

### [Control Panel Not Responding](https://washerrepair.center/problems/control-panel-not-responding/)

[All 5 causes, cheapest first](https://washerrepair.center/problems/control-panel-not-responding/)

It also comes with

- [**Washer Not Starting**](https://washerrepair.center/problems/washer-not-starting/)
- [**Washer Error Code**](https://washerrepair.center/problems/washer-error-code/)

Problem

### Control Panel Not Responding

5 causes, cheapest first

No repair indicated

## Nothing to repair.

Something the washer does by design, or a setting somebody turned on — a child lock, a prompt to run a cleaning cycle, a paused cycle waiting for the door. No part has failed and nothing needs replacing.

[How to read what your washer is telling you](https://washerrepair.center/problems/washer-error-code/)

## Kenmore washers.

The long-running Sears store brand, whose washers were produced by several different manufacturers.

[Kenmore washer repair](https://washerrepair.center/brands/kenmore/)

More Kenmore codes

[IE](https://washerrepair.center/error-codes/kenmore-ie/) [OE](https://washerrepair.center/error-codes/kenmore-oe/) [UE](https://washerrepair.center/error-codes/kenmore-ue/) [dE](https://washerrepair.center/error-codes/kenmore-de/) [LE](https://washerrepair.center/error-codes/kenmore-le/) [PE](https://washerrepair.center/error-codes/kenmore-pe/) [FE](https://washerrepair.center/error-codes/kenmore-fe/) [F5 E4](https://washerrepair.center/error-codes/kenmore-f5e4/)

Mode, not a failure on other makes

[ASKO Steril tub alert](https://washerrepair.center/error-codes/asko-steril-tub-alert/) [Electrolux SU dS](https://washerrepair.center/error-codes/electrolux-su-ds/) [Fisher & Paykel Sud LOC](https://washerrepair.center/error-codes/fisher-and-paykel-sud-loc/) [GE Profile Cycle Canceled Draining](https://washerrepair.center/error-codes/ge-profile-cycle-canceled-draining/) [GE CAnCELEd](https://washerrepair.center/error-codes/ge-canceled/) [LG SIGNATURE svd](https://washerrepair.center/error-codes/lg-signature-svd/) [LG Sud](https://washerrepair.center/error-codes/lg-sud/) [Maytag Int](https://washerrepair.center/error-codes/maytag-int/)

[All 18 codes of this kind](https://washerrepair.center/error-codes/#family-mode)

Kenmore builds this

### Front-load washer

A horizontal drum behind a sealed glass door, a rubber boot, a locking latch and a pump with a filter you can reach from the front.

Kenmore builds this

### Top-load washer

The upright washer with a lid on top, moving clothes either with a tall central agitator or with a low impeller plate in the bottom of the basket.

Kenmore builds this

### Stackable washer

The washer at the bottom of a stacked pair or a single-frame laundry center, repaired inside the closet or recess it was sized for.

## In Kenmore's own words

> The Child Lock control panel feature is enabled.

[Sears PartsDirect: Kenmore 796 model front-load washer error codes (Wayback copy, 12.11.2019)](https://web.archive.org/web/20191112232353/https://www.searspartsdirect.com/diy/error-codes/washer-repair/1234598/kenmore-796-model-front-load-washer/0582) [Sears PartsDirect: Kenmore 796 model front-load washer error codes (Wayback copy, 12.11.2019)](https://web.archive.org/web/20191112232353/https://www.searspartsdirect.com/diy/error-codes/washer-repair/1234598/kenmore-796-model-front-load-washer/0582)

Every code on this site is taken from the manufacturer's documentation, never from a forum or a parts listing. Kenmore front-load washers with model numbers starting with 796.

## Kenmore CL washer repair, where we come out.

The same visit in every metro below: the code, the model number, and a diagnosis before any part is ordered.

[All service areas](https://washerrepair.center/locations/)

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For the heart of your home.

## Questions about CL.

### Can I clear CL myself?

Press and hold the Child Lock button for 5 seconds.

### How do I turn off CL on my Kenmore?

Hold the Child Lock button for five seconds. The display clears and the panel takes selections again.

### Why did CL come on by itself on my Kenmore?

A five-second press on the Child Lock button turns it on, so an accidental long press is the usual explanation.

---

**[Read on the site: Kenmore washer showing CL | WasherRepair.center](https://washerrepair.center/error-codes/kenmore-cl/)**

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