Error code · Washer

Kenmore 796 Front-Load Washer Code CL: Child Lock Is On

Low risk · DIY check OK

Code: CL
Appliance: Washer
Brand: Kenmore
Warranty: 30-day workmanship

What CL means

On Kenmore front-load washers whose model numbers start with 796, an LG-built platform, CL does not mean something is broken. It shows that the Child Lock feature is switched on, so the control panel ignores selections. Full model numbers such as 796.40448900 and 796.31403410 follow this behavior. You may notice buttons that do nothing and a CL message instead of the cycle.

Common causes of CL

Child Lock switched on from the control panel
A bump of the Child Lock button during cleaning or loading

✓ One safe check you can try

1. Locate the Child Lock button on the control panel. 2. Press and hold the Child Lock button for 5 seconds. 3. Check that CL has left the display and then select your cycle. 4. If CL stays on after that, note it for us rather than pressing buttons repeatedly.

! Why to stop there

Whether the panel itself is registering presses correctly
The button may be stuck, which we check at the control panel
This is a user setting first, so we only visit if holding the button does not release it

Opening a panel yourself does not automatically cancel a manufacturer warranty, but it can cause accidental damage, and some manufacturers set their own service conditions. Check your warranty terms, or ask us, before deciding.

→Same appliance

Other Washer codes

SFKenmore 402 Front-Load Washer Code SF: Control board error SLKenmore Calypso Top-Load Washer Code SL: Excessive suds Spin LED onKenmore 110 VMW Top-Load Washer Spin Light On: Drain took too long Sud / SUDSKenmore Washer Codes Sud and SUDS: Excessive suds on 110, 796 and 402 front-loads tEKenmore 796 Washer Code tE: Thermistor and heating UEKenmore 796 Washer Code UE: Unbalanced load uLKenmore 110 Oasis Top-Load Washer Code uL: Unbalanced load Wash LED onKenmore 110 VMW Top-Load Washer Wash Light On: No fill or slow fill

CLCL questions

Is CL a failure?

No. It is the Child Lock feature, a user setting that keeps the buttons from accepting selections. Nothing needs repair when CL is the only message, and the washer will run normally once the lock is off.

How do I turn it off?

Press and hold the Child Lock button for 5 seconds, then check that the CL message goes away. After that, choose your cycle as usual and press Start.

What if holding it does nothing?

Then a stuck or unresponsive control button is possible, and we can look at the panel on a visit. Please do not press other buttons repeatedly, since that rarely helps and can hide the real cause.

Book a visit

Still unsure about CL?

A technician diagnoses it on site and gives you the price in writing before any work starts.

(713) 955-7152