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Error code reference

Electrolux Dishwasher Error Code CL

Displayed when wash cycle has been completed and SANITIZE was not selected or SANITIZE temperature was not…

Electrolux codesElectrolux dishwasher codes

Displayed when wash cycle has been completed and SANITIZE was not selected or SANITIZE temperature was not reached; remains displayed for 10 seconds.

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What CL means on a Electrolux dishwasher

The CL indicator on an Electrolux dishwasher is a status notification rather than a fault code. It appears at the end of a wash cycle to inform the user that the completed cycle either did not include the SANITIZE option or that the internal water temperature did not reach the threshold required for a valid sanitize cycle. The display holds this notification for 10 seconds before clearing automatically. It is tied directly to the dishwasher's temperature monitoring system, which tracks wash water temperature throughout the cycle.

The SANITIZE function requires water to reach and maintain a specific elevated temperature during the final rinse phase in order to reduce bacteria to levels defined by NSF/ANSI Standard 184. If the water temperature falls short of that threshold, the dishwasher cannot confirm a successful sanitize result, and the CL indicator is shown as a disclosure to the user. This is a designed behavior, not an indication that something has failed or malfunctioned in most cases.

Common reasons the CL display appears include running a standard cycle without selecting the SANITIZE option, an incoming hot water supply that is too cool at cycle start, or a heating element that is underperforming and unable to boost water temperature sufficiently. In households where hot water temperature at the tap is set below the required level, the dishwasher may consistently display CL even when SANITIZE is selected. Reviewing cycle selection and incoming water temperature are the first practical steps before suspecting a component failure.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of CL

  1. 01

    SANITIZE option not selected

    Wiring / connection

    The most straightforward reason for CL is that the user ran a standard wash cycle without enabling the SANITIZE option. No component failure is involved, and selecting SANITIZE on the next cycle will address this.

  2. 02

    Incoming water temperature too low

    Wiring / connection

    If the home's water heater is set below the temperature required for sanitizing, the dishwasher cannot reach the necessary threshold even when SANITIZE is selected. Running the hot water at the kitchen sink for a minute before starting the dishwasher can help, and checking the water heater thermostat setting is recommended.

  3. 03

    Heating element underperforming

    Part replacement

    A heating element that is degraded or partially failed may not be capable of boosting water temperature to the sanitize threshold during the final rinse phase. This can be confirmed by testing the element for continuity and proper resistance with a multimeter.

  4. 04

    Water temperature sensor fault

    Part replacement

    If the thermistor or temperature sensor is reading inaccurately, the control board may not recognize that the water reached the required temperature even if it did. A faulty sensor can cause repeated CL displays when SANITIZE is selected and temperatures appear otherwise normal.

  5. 05

    Cycle interrupted or shortened

    Wiring / connection

    If the wash cycle was interrupted or paused and restarted, the dishwasher may not complete the full sanitize phase, resulting in the CL notification at the end. Allowing cycles to run uninterrupted ensures the sanitize sequence completes properly.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about CL

What does CL mean on a Electrolux dishwasher?
CL is an informational status notification that appears for 10 seconds at the end of a wash cycle. It indicates that either the SANITIZE option was not selected for that cycle, or the water temperature did not reach the level required to complete a valid sanitize cycle. It is not a fault code and does not indicate a malfunction on its own.
How do I fix the CL notification on my Electrolux dishwasher?
If CL appeared because you ran a standard cycle, simply select the SANITIZE option on your next wash. If you did select SANITIZE but CL still appeared, check that your home's hot water heater is set to a sufficient temperature and that hot water is reaching the dishwasher at the start of the cycle. If the issue persists across multiple sanitize cycles, the heating element or temperature sensor may need inspection.
Is it safe to use my dishwasher when CL is displayed?
Yes, the dishwasher is safe to use. CL is a notification about the sanitize result, not a warning about a hazardous condition. Your dishes are still cleaned by the wash cycle. The notification simply means the sanitation threshold was not confirmed for that particular cycle.
Will resetting my Electrolux dishwasher clear the CL display?
The CL notification clears on its own after 10 seconds and does not require a reset. It reappears each time a cycle ends without a confirmed sanitize result, so resetting the appliance will not prevent it from showing again if the underlying condition, such as a cool incoming water supply or a missing SANITIZE selection, is not addressed.
How much does it cost to repair an Electrolux dishwasher showing CL due to a component failure?
If the CL display is caused by a failed heating element, replacement parts typically range from around $30 to $100 depending on the model, with professional labor adding another $100 to $200. A faulty temperature sensor is generally less expensive, with parts often in the $20 to $60 range. Many CL cases involve no component failure at all and can be resolved at no cost by adjusting cycle selection or hot water supply temperature.

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