Step-by-Step DIY Fix Guide
- SAFETY: No power disconnect needed.
- Locate the Child Lock button on your control panel (often labeled with a key icon or 'CL').
- Press and hold the Child Lock button for 3–5 seconds until the CL indicator disappears.
- On some models, Child Lock requires pressing two buttons simultaneously — check your owner's manual.
- Download your manual at bosch-home.com/us/owner-support/owner-manuals if needed.
If the warning comes back after restart
- If the door closes normally but the warning keeps returning, the latch or switch path becomes more likely than a simple alignment issue.
- If airflow still seems weak after the basic checks, the fan path or a deeper obstruction becomes more likely.
- If the warning returns immediately after a clean restart, the sensor or wiring path becomes more likely than a one-time glitch.
What This Error Means
CL on your Bosch washing machine means: The Child Lock feature is active. All control panel buttons are disabled to prevent accidental changes or starts. The machine detects this condition via its sensors and stops the current cycle to prevent further damage. The error will remain until the underlying cause is resolved.
The most frequent cause is child lock deliberately activated. Work through the causes listed below in order — the first cause is the most likely and the most straightforward to check.
Error CL is DIY-safe for most homeowners. The fix typically takes under 30 minutes and requires no specialist tools. Follow the steps below exactly — skipping steps is the most common reason the error returns.
The machine will not start or will pause mid-cycle when the door lock cannot be confirmed. Check for clothing caught in the door seal before assuming a mechanical fault — this is the cause in the majority of cases.
What users usually notice before this code
Bosch washing-machine warnings like this often appear after a fill problem, a drain slowdown, a badly balanced load, or a startup sequence that did not settle cleanly.
Common misdiagnoses
- Assuming the display code proves one exact failed part before the safe first checks are done.
- Replacing a lock or latch too early when alignment, trapped laundry, or startup conditions may still explain the warning.
- Treating a sensor-related warning as a guaranteed board failure before checking the simpler model-family causes first.
Most Likely Cause by Symptom
This display item is often a status or indicator message rather than a true fault.
Likely cause: Child Lock deliberately activated
Check first: SAFETY: No power disconnect needed.
Common Causes
- Child Lock deliberately activated
- Child Lock accidentally activated by pressing a button combination
What Not to Do
- Do not try to start a program while CL is active — the machine will not respond
Model and Display Variation Notes
Model-family notes
- Bosch washing machine display wording and code formats can vary by series.
- If your model behaves differently, check the owner manual before trying any deeper maintenance step.
Display and panel differences
- Panel wording can vary by series, so confirm the exact code pattern before buying parts.
Parts, Tools and Service Options
Manual and model check
Check your exact model and manual before ordering any Bosch washing machine parts.
This section stays model-first because exact manual and parts matching matters more than a generic replacement suggestion here.
When Not to Keep Troubleshooting
CL cannot be cleared following the owner's manual instructions — button or control board issue
How to Prevent It Recurring
- Familiarize yourself with the Child Lock button to avoid accidental activation
Related Error Codes
Drum Icon
The washing machine is reminding you to run a drum cleaning cycle to remove detergent residue and bacteria.
E:00 / -18
The washing machine pump is blocked and cannot drain water from the drum.
E:10
The pump for the automatic detergent dosing system (i-DOS) is blocked and cannot dispense detergent or softener. Appears on models with i-DOS feature.
E:30 / -10
The washing machine cannot fill with water properly. Multiple causes are possible — the display may also show a faucet icon alongside this code.
Helpful guides for this problem
Guide
What to check before replacing a dishwasher drain pump
The checks worth doing before you blame the drain pump and spend money on a fix that may not be the real problem.
Guide
Before calling appliance service: the safe checks worth doing first
The simple checks that can save time, money, and a messy support call before you commit to service or parts.
Guide
How to tell if a dishwasher problem is drainage or leak-protection related
How to tell whether a dishwasher water-related warning is about drainage or a more cautious leak-protection stop.
When not to keep pushing DIY troubleshooting
Use the code page for one careful first pass, then stop if the same warning returns or the appliance still cannot get back to normal operation.
Extra notes
- This page is based on Bosch support material and stays conservative where model-specific guidance may vary.
- The goal is to help you identify safe first checks before you move into parts, service, or model-specific manual lookup.
Source and model notes
Last reviewed: 2026-04-07
Based on: Based on Bosch support material and edited into consumer-safe guidance for the exact code family on this page.
Model coverage note: Bosch washing machine code meanings can vary by series, control panel, and model family, so use this page as a safe starting point rather than a replacement for the model-specific manual.
Important: FixThisError is an independent guide, not the manufacturer. Use your model-specific manual when the panel wording or behavior differs.
Always disconnect power before inspecting appliances. If unsure, contact a licensed appliance technician.