LG Washer UE Code: Why Your Load Is Unbalanced

What does the UE code mean on an LG washer?

UE is LG's unbalanced-load error. On front-load models, LG says it "occurs when the laundry is piled up on one side of the drum," and that a load that is too large or too small can cause it too ^[1]. On top-load models, LG says the code appears "when laundry bunches up on one side of the tub or when the washer is not level" ^[2].

LG's front-load and top-load pages describe the same cause. For its SideKick pedestal washer, LG's code guide adds that the washer checks each load for balance before the spin, tries to adjust a load that is too far out of balance, and shows UE and pauses when it cannot ^[4]. The reason is simple physics: a wet towel stuck to one side is a heavy, off-center weight, and spinning it fast would shake the whole cabinet.

uE vs UE: lowercase and uppercase

The case of the letters matters on many LG top-load washers. LG's washer code guide says a small "uE" means the washer has detected an unbalanced load and is trying to rebalance it by adding water, and that it will try up to three times on its own. A capital "UE" with the cycle paused means the washer could not balance the load by itself and needs you to rearrange it. ^[4]

LG's top-load list describes the same process in cycles rather than retries: balancing can take up to two cycles and add about 10 minutes ^[2]. So a lowercase uE that clears by itself is normal; you only need to step in when the capital UE appears.

On front-load models, LG's guide also notes that a UE at the end of a cycle means the clothes are too wet ^[4]. Our interpretation: the washer gave up on its final high-speed spin to protect itself, so the laundry did not get spun out.

The same two letters mean a similar fault on other brands. Samsung washers also use UE, along with codes such as Ub and U6, for an unbalanced load ^[7]. If you are not sure which code you have, look it up in our error code lookup.

What causes an LG washer UE error?

LG's front-load UE page lists three causes: the laundry is out of balance, an unsuitable amount of laundry is in the tub, or the washer is not level ^[3]. In practice, the type of load matters as much as its size.

Cause	What you may notice	First fix
Laundry bunched on one side	Load wrapped around the agitator or wash plate, or stuck to one side of the drum	Pause, spread the items evenly, resume
Load too small	One towel, one pair of jeans or one knitted item	Add one or two similar items
Load too large or tangled	Drum packed to the top; sheets twisted together	Remove some items, keep about 2/3 full
One bulky item	Duvet or comforter	Wash it alone on the Duvet or Blanket/Duvet cycle
Padded jacket	Puffer or down jacket	Sportswear cycle or Mid spin; keep it fully under water on top-loads
Mixed heavy and light items	Jeans with T-shirts	Wash heavy and light items separately
Washer not level or floor unstable	Washer rocks, walks or bangs during spin	Adjust the leveling legs
Shipping bolts still in (new washer)	Severe shaking from the first load	Remove the bolts and cap the holes

Small and mixed loads. LG says that on small loads, even distribution "does not happen as easy as on normal loads," and that mixed fabric loads such as jeans and T-shirts can cause unbalanced rotation of the drum ^[4]. Its top-load list says a single knitted item can cause an imbalance, so wash at least two at a time ^[2].

Bulky and unsuitable items. LG's front-load page says to remove the stuffing from pillows and cushions and wash only the covers. It also warns that waterproof fabrics, foot mats and stuffed animals may damage the washer ^[3].

Laundry nets and laundry balls. Washing just one laundry net can unbalance the tub and trigger UE; fill each net only two-thirds full and wash it with other clothes. LG's top-load list also warns that too many laundry balls at once can cause vibration and noise ^[2].

How do you fix the LG washer UE code?

Start with the load, because LG lists it first and it needs no tools. Then move to leveling.

Step 1: Pause and spread the load

Press Start/Pause and wait for the door or lid to unlock. A front-load door may stay locked while there is water in the drum, so never force it. LG says to remove the laundry and put it back in, spreading it evenly, and to choose a suitable spin intensity ^[3]. Untangle sheets and pull long items out of any knot.

Step 2: Fix the load size

LG's front-load guides say to keep the drum about two-thirds full. ^[1] For an overloaded top-load tub, LG says to remove some laundry, spread out the rest and resume the cycle; for a small load, add more items and spread them evenly ^[2]. LG's code guide suggests adding one or two similar items or smaller pieces of clothing to balance a small load ^[4].

Step 3: Use the right cycle for bulky items

On front-load models, LG recommends the Duvet cycle for duvets and the Sportswear cycle, or a medium spin, for puffer and down jackets ^[3]. On top-load models, wash blankets one at a time on the Blanket/Duvet cycle, keep them below the plastic ring at the top of the tub, and make sure padded jackets are fully under water ^[2].

Then resume the cycle. If the capital UE returns with an evenly spread, two-thirds load, move on to leveling.

How do you level an LG washer to stop UE?

An unlevel washer lets the tub lean, so even a good load ends up off-center. LG's top-load list says that if the floor is not firm, too smooth or sloped, the washer may shift during operation ^[2].

1. Turn the washer off and unplug it before you move it or tip it. Get a helper; a washer is heavy.
2. Press down on diagonal corners. LG says to place your hands on diagonal corners and try to rock the washer ^[5].
3. Set a level on top. On front-load models, LG says the bubble should sit in the middle ^[1].
4. Use a wrench (some LG models include one) to adjust the leg on the side the washer tilts toward. LG says to keep the legs as close to the floor as practical ^[3].
5. On a top-load model, look down into the tub. LG says it should be centered, not leaning to one side; if it leans, adjust the legs again ^[5].

Could shipping bolts cause UE on a new LG washer?

They can cause the shaking that comes with it. LG's vibration guide says shipping bolts are fitted at the rear of the washer to hold the tub in place during transport, and that if they are not removed during installation, "the tub will create excessive noise and vibration during operation" ^[5]. LG's guide does not tie the bolts to the UE code by name; in our reading, a new washer that shakes hard and shows UE from its first loads should be checked for them first.

To check, open the door and move the tub forward and backward by hand. If the tub does not move, LG says the shipping bolts are still in; remove them from the rear with a suitable wrench and plug the holes with the caps provided. If you cannot remove them, LG says service is required ^[5]. Unplug the washer before you work at the back of it.

What if the LG UE code keeps coming back?

First, rule the load out. LG Canada's top-load UE guide says that if no noise is heard during the spin cycle while the tub is empty, the washer is operating normally ^[6]. A quiet empty spin points back to how the washer is loaded.

If UE or heavy shaking continues after you have balanced the load, leveled the washer and confirmed the bolts are out, LG's top-load list says to contact an LG service center ^[2]. LG's front-load list says a problem that continues after its steps may be a component malfunction that needs an LG technician ^[1]. LG does not name the part. In our reading, the springs, dampers or suspension that hold the tub, or a sensor, are what is left, and these sit inside the cabinet, so we would leave them to LG service rather than open the washer.

If the washer also won't spin or drain, our guides to a washer that won't spin and the LG OE code cover the overlap. Other LG codes have their own pages: IE for water inlet and LE for the motor. You can browse every LG appliance guide or all washer repair guides.