LG Washer UE Code Meaning & How to Fix it

Your LG washer just stopped mid-cycle, and now there's a "UE" flashing on the display. The clothes are soaking wet, the drum won't spin, and you're wondering if something is seriously wrong. Don't panic. The LG washer UE code is one of the most common error codes LG owners deal with, and in most cases, you can fix it yourself in under ten minutes.

UE stands for Unbalanced Error. It means your washer detected that the laundry inside the drum isn't evenly distributed, so it stopped the spin cycle to protect the machine from damage. If you're seeing the LG washer UE code for the first time or dealing with it repeatedly this guide covers exactly what causes it, how to fix it step by step, and how to make sure it doesn't keep happening.

What Does UE Mean on LG Washer?

When your LG washer displays the UE code, it's telling you the drum can't balance the load well enough to spin safely. At high spin speeds, even a slight imbalance creates strong vibrations that can damage the drum bearings, suspension system, and motor over time. The washer shuts down the cycle as a safety measure.

Here's something most people don't know: there's actually a difference between "uE" (lowercase u) and "UE" (uppercase) on LG washers, and it matters.

When you see "uE" with a lowercase u, the washer has detected an imbalance but is actively trying to fix it on its own. It will add small amounts of water and slowly rotate the drum to redistribute the load. You don't need to do anything yet — just give it a few minutes.

When you see "UE" with both letters uppercase, the washer tried to self-correct and failed. That's your cue to step in and fix the problem manually.

This distinction applies to both LG front-load and top-load washers, though the underlying causes can differ slightly between the two types.

Common Causes of the UE Error Code on LG Washers

Understanding why the ue error code lg washer displays helps you fix it faster and prevent it from returning. Here are the most common triggers.

Overloaded or Underloaded Drum

This is the number one cause. Stuffing too many items into the drum forces the laundry to clump together on one side during the spin cycle. On the flip side, washing a single heavy item like a comforter or a pair of jeans by itself creates an imbalance because there's nothing on the opposite side to counterbalance the weight.

Unevenly Distributed Laundry

Even with the right amount of laundry, the load can shift to one side. This happens frequently with heavy items like towels, blankets, and denim. Smaller items sometimes tangle into a tight ball that sits in one spot inside the drum, throwing off the balance entirely.

Washer Not Level on the Floor

If your washer isn't sitting perfectly level, the drum is already at a disadvantage before the spin cycle even starts. A slight tilt sometimes barely noticeable can be enough to trigger the LG washer UE code repeatedly. This is especially common after moving the washer, even just a few inches for cleaning.

Worn Suspension Rods or Shock Absorbers

LG washers use suspension rods (in top-loaders) or shock absorbers (in front-loaders) to stabilize the drum during high-speed spinning. After years of use, these components wear out. When they do, the drum swings too freely, and the washer can't maintain balance even with a perfectly distributed load. This is more common in machines that are five or more years old.

Damaged Drum Bearings

If you hear a grinding or rumbling noise along with the UE error, the drum bearings may be wearing out. Bearings allow the drum to rotate smoothly, and when they fail, the drum wobbles and creates constant imbalance.

Faulty Hall Sensor or Control Board

In rare cases, the sensor that monitors drum speed and position can malfunction and falsely trigger the LG washer UE code even when the load is perfectly balanced. If you've ruled out every other cause and the error keeps appearing, a faulty hall sensor or control board could be the culprit.

How to Fix the LG Washer UE Error Code

Now that you understand what triggers the UE error code on your LG washer, here's how to resolve it. Work through these steps in order. Most people solve the problem within the first three steps.

Step 1: Pause and redistribute the load. Press pause, open the door, and rearrange the laundry evenly around the drum. Spread heavy items apart and mix them with lighter pieces. For front-loaders, make sure nothing is balled up or pressed against the door seal.

Step 2: Check your load size. If the drum is packed tight, remove some items and run them in a separate cycle. If you're washing a single bulky item like a blanket, add two or three towels to help balance the weight. The drum should be about two-thirds to three-quarters full for optimal balance.

Step 3: Level the washer. Place a bubble level on top of the machine, checking both side-to-side and front-to-back. If it's off, adjust the four leveling feet at the bottom of the washer. Use a wrench to loosen the lock nut, then turn the foot counterclockwise to raise it or clockwise to lower it. Once all four feet are solid on the ground and the bubble is centered, tighten the lock nuts back up.

Step 4: Run a calibration cycle. LG washers have a built-in calibration mode that resets the drum's balance detection. To run it, make sure the drum is empty, then turn the washer on. Press and hold the Spin Speed and Soil Level buttons simultaneously for about three seconds until "CB" or "Cb" appears on the display. Press Start. The drum will rotate slowly for a few minutes. This recalibrates the sensors and often resolves persistent UE errors.

Step 5: Inspect the suspension rods or shock absorbers. Open the washer cabinet (usually by removing the back panel or top panel, depending on your model). Push the drum firmly with your hand and let go. If it swings back and forth more than once or twice, the suspension components are likely worn and need replacement. Look for visible cracks, broken plastic clips, or dampeners that have lost their resistance.

Step 6: Test with an empty spin cycle. Close the door with nothing inside and run a spin-only cycle. If the UE error appears on an empty drum, the problem is mechanical it's not about the laundry. At this point, you're looking at suspension, bearing, or sensor issues.

When to Call a Professional

Most UE errors are solved by redistributing the load or leveling the machine. But if you've worked through every step above and the LG washer UE code keeps returning, it's time to bring in a technician. We offer same-day LG washer repair , you can contact us if the error appears on an empty drum, if you hear grinding or banging during the spin cycle, or if the suspension rods and shock absorbers show visible damage.

Recommend: If the UE error keeps coming back even after balancing the load, it may be linked to deeper internal issues, and you can learn more about possible causes in our guide on LG washer mechanical problems.

How to Prevent the LG Washer UE Code From Coming Back

Prevention is simpler than most people think. Once you've cleared the LG washer UE code, these habits will keep it from returning. Always wash bulky items like comforters, sleeping bags, and heavy jackets with a few smaller items mixed in to balance the drum. Avoid wrapping sheets or large blankets around the agitator in top-load machines instead, place them loosely around the drum.

Re-level your washer every six months, or any time it gets moved for cleaning or maintenance. Run the calibration cycle after installation, after any repair, or if you notice the machine vibrating more than usual.

Most importantly, respect the load capacity. Every LG washer has a recommended maximum load weight listed in the owner's manual. Consistently exceeding it doesn't just cause UE errors it accelerates wear on the bearings, suspension, and motor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does UE mean on my LG washer?

UE means Unbalanced Error. The washer stopped the spin cycle because the laundry inside the drum is unevenly distributed and creating too much vibration.

Why does my LG washer keep showing the UE code?

If the UE error code on your LG washer keeps coming back, it usually points to a leveling issue, consistently overloaded drums, or worn suspension components. Work through the fixes above in order to identify the root cause.

Can I still use my LG washer with the UE error?

You can continue using it after fixing the imbalance, but don't ignore the error long-term. Repeated imbalanced spin cycles damage bearings and suspension parts, leading to expensive repairs.

How do I reset the UE code on my LG washer?

Redistribute the laundry evenly and restart the cycle. If that doesn't work, unplug the washer for 60 seconds, plug it back in, and try again. For a deeper reset, run the calibration cycle described above.

Is the UE error covered under LG warranty?

The error itself is usually caused by user-correctable issues like load balance. However, if the root cause is a defective motor, sensor, or suspension component, it may be covered under LG's parts warranty depending on your model and purchase date.