LG UE
Unbalanced Load Error
Low severityVerified Diagnostic Guide
SeverityLow
What Your Machine Is Actually Telling You
UE means the load distribution is uneven enough that the machine can't safely spin at high RPM. LG's vibration sensors detected excessive wobble during the spin ramp-up.
uE vs UE (case matters on LG!):
- uE (lowercase u) = machine is TRYING to rebalance — it's adding water and redistributing. Wait, don't intervene.
- UE (uppercase U) = machine GAVE UP rebalancing — you need to manually redistribute.
LG uses Direct Drive motors with TrueBalance™ anti-vibration system. The motor is directly on the drum with no belt, and vibration is measured continuously.
Common causes:
1. One heavy item (35%) — single heavy towel, jeans, or bedding.
2. Too few items (20%) — small loads clump to one side.
3. Tangled items (15%) — knotted together in a heavy clump.
4. Machine not level (10%) — amplifies imbalance.
5. Shock absorbers worn (10%) — can't dampen vibration.
6. Suspension springs broken (5%) — drum hanging unevenly.
7. Shipping bolts installed (5%) — new washer not set up correctly.
uE vs UE (case matters on LG!):
- uE (lowercase u) = machine is TRYING to rebalance — it's adding water and redistributing. Wait, don't intervene.
- UE (uppercase U) = machine GAVE UP rebalancing — you need to manually redistribute.
LG uses Direct Drive motors with TrueBalance™ anti-vibration system. The motor is directly on the drum with no belt, and vibration is measured continuously.
Common causes:
1. One heavy item (35%) — single heavy towel, jeans, or bedding.
2. Too few items (20%) — small loads clump to one side.
3. Tangled items (15%) — knotted together in a heavy clump.
4. Machine not level (10%) — amplifies imbalance.
5. Shock absorbers worn (10%) — can't dampen vibration.
6. Suspension springs broken (5%) — drum hanging unevenly.
7. Shipping bolts installed (5%) — new washer not set up correctly.
What You're Probably Seeing Right Now
- Machine stopped during spin — UE on display.
- Loud banging or thumping during spin.
- Machine walked or shifted across the floor.
- You washed a single large item (comforter, rug).
- UE on every load — mechanical issue.
DIY Fix — From Easiest to Hardest
1
Redistribute the Load (2 minutes — Fixes 70%)
1. Pause the cycle.
2. Open the door (wait for lock release).
3. Untangle knotted items.
4. Spread laundry **evenly around the drum.**
5. Mix heavy with light items.
6. Close door and restart spin.
**LG rule of thumb:** Never wash a single heavy item alone — add 2-3 towels for balance.
2. Open the door (wait for lock release).
3. Untangle knotted items.
4. Spread laundry **evenly around the drum.**
5. Mix heavy with light items.
6. Close door and restart spin.
**LG rule of thumb:** Never wash a single heavy item alone — add 2-3 towels for balance.
2
Adjust Load Size
**Too few items:** Add 2-3 towels.
**Too many items:** Remove 1/3.
**Single heavy item:** Add similar-weight companions.
**King-size bedding:** Use largest cycle, half-fill with towels.
**Too many items:** Remove 1/3.
**Single heavy item:** Add similar-weight companions.
**King-size bedding:** Use largest cycle, half-fill with towels.
3
Level the Machine (5 minutes — Fixes 10%)
1. Place spirit level on top (side-to-side AND front-to-back).
2. Adjust leveling feet:
- Clockwise = lower.
- Counterclockwise = raise.
3. Tighten lock nuts.
4. Rock machine gently — should NOT wobble.
**LG anti-vibration pads** should be under each foot.
2. Adjust leveling feet:
- Clockwise = lower.
- Counterclockwise = raise.
3. Tighten lock nuts.
4. Rock machine gently — should NOT wobble.
**LG anti-vibration pads** should be under each foot.
4
Check Shipping Bolts (New Machines)
1. Look at the BACK of the machine.
2. There should be NO large bolts through the back panel.
3. If present: remove with wrench immediately.
4. These lock the drum for transport.
5. Install the plastic bolt hole covers.
2. There should be NO large bolts through the back panel.
3. If present: remove with wrench immediately.
4. These lock the drum for transport.
5. Install the plastic bolt hole covers.
5
Check Shock Absorbers / Springs (10 minutes)
If UE happens on every load:
1. Push down on drum firmly — release.
2. **One bounce** = shocks good.
3. **Multiple bounces** = shocks worn.
4. Tilt machine back: inspect shock absorbers.
5. Leaking oil = worn, replace ($30-70 pair).
1. Push down on drum firmly — release.
2. **One bounce** = shocks good.
3. **Multiple bounces** = shocks worn.
4. Tilt machine back: inspect shock absorbers.
5. Leaking oil = worn, replace ($30-70 pair).
When to Call a Pro
- •Shock absorbers — $80-$200 installed.
- •Suspension springs — $80-$180.
- •Drum bearing — $250-$500 installed.
- •Spider arm cracked — $200-$400.
What It'll Cost You
Swipe left to see full table
Frequently Asked Questions: Error UE
What does error code UE mean on a LG washing machine?
The laundry load is unbalanced, preventing spin.
What usually causes the LG UE error?
The primary cause is: Load is too small, too heavy, or unevenly distributed.. It may also be caused by temporary sensor misreadings or wiring connection issues.
How do I reset and clear error UE?
Redistribute the laundry evenly. Add or remove items to balance the load. If the error persists, unplug the washer from electrical power for 10 minutes to perform a complete logic board reset.
Is it safe to continue using the machine with error UE?
This code has a Low severity level. While the machine might run, resolving the issue early prevents long-term wear on internal parts.