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LG CR

LG Dishwasher Error CR: Test Mode Active — Service Mode Display

Clear meaning, realistic next steps, and safe guidance without turning the page into a long repair manual.

What it means

The dishwasher has entered a factory test or service mode. All normal wash cycles are unavailable until the machine is returned to normal operating mode. This is not a hardware fault.

Severity

Low - usually safe to check with basic user-accessible cleaning or inspection on the LG dishwasher.

Can you fix it yourself?

Yes — DIY-safe

Most likely cause

A specific button combination was pressed that triggered the service test mode — often accidental during cleaning or panel adjustment

Estimated time for safe first checks: 1–5 min.

Step-by-Step DIY Fix Guide

  1. SAFETY: No electrical hazard — CR is a mode indicator.
  2. Disconnect power to the dishwasher at the circuit breaker or by unplugging for 60 seconds.
  3. Restore power — the machine will return to normal operating mode on startup.
  4. If CR reappears immediately after power is restored, press and hold the Start/Pause button for 5 seconds to exit test mode.
  5. If CR persists, refer to your LG owner's manual for the service mode exit sequence specific to your model number.

If the code comes back

  • CR persists after a power reset and the manual exit sequence

What This Error Means

Error CR on your LG dishwasher means: The dishwasher has entered a factory test or service mode. All normal wash cycles are unavailable until the machine is returned to normal operating mode. This is not a hardware fault. The dishwasher's self-diagnostic system has detected this condition and paused the current cycle.

The most frequent cause is a specific button combination was pressed that triggered the service test mode — often accidental during cleaning or panel adjustment. Work through the causes and fix steps below in order — most LG dishwasher errors are resolved without a service call.

Error CR is DIY-safe. No tools are required and the fix typically takes under 10 minutes. Follow all steps in sequence.

This is a mode indicator, not a hardware fault. The dishwasher is operating exactly as designed — the display is informational. Follow the steps above to return the machine to normal operating mode.

Most Likely Cause by Symptom

The LG dishwasher may stop, pause, or refuse to complete the cycle normally.

Likely cause: A specific button combination was pressed that triggered the service test mode — often accidental during cleaning or panel adjustment

Check first: SAFETY: No electrical hazard — CR is a mode indicator.

Common Causes

  • A specific button combination was pressed that triggered the service test mode — often accidental during cleaning or panel adjustment
  • A service technician left the machine in test mode after a repair visit

What Not to Do

  • Do not attempt to run a wash cycle while CR is displayed — the machine will not respond to normal cycle selections in test mode

Model and Display Variation Notes

Model-family notes

  • LG dishwasher 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 LG dishwasher 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

CR persists after a power reset and the manual exit sequence

How to Prevent It Recurring

  • Avoid pressing multiple control panel buttons simultaneously when cleaning the panel — this is the most common way test mode is accidentally triggered

Related Error Codes

Extra notes

  • This page is based on LG 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: 2026-04-08

Based on: Based on LG support material and edited into consumer-safe guidance for the exact code family on this page.

View LG US Official Support

Model coverage note: LG dishwasher 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.