Error Code UE
The UE code means the washer drum is spinning unevenly and the machine cannot reach full spin speed. LG displays a lowercase "uE" while it tries to rebalance automatically. If it fails after several attempts, the code changes to uppercase "UE" and the cycle stops. Clothes remain wet because the final spin never completes.
Common Causes
Unevenly distributed load: Heavy items like towels or jeans bunch on one side of the drum. A single heavy item with no counterweight triggers the sensor immediately during spin.
Overloaded or underloaded drum: Packing the drum past capacity prevents items from redistributing. A single item like a bath mat also causes imbalance because there is nothing to offset its weight.
Washer not level: If the machine rocks on the floor, the drum starts off-balance before it even spins. Uneven flooring or improperly adjusted leveling feet cause this.
Worn suspension rods or shock absorbers: Front-load LG washers use shock absorbers; top-load models use suspension rods with dampening balls. Worn components let the drum swing too far during spin, triggering the UE code even with a balanced load.
DIY Troubleshooting
Pause and redistribute the load: Press Pause and wait for the door to unlock. Open the door and spread the clothes evenly around the drum. Break up any tangled clumps. If you washed a single heavy item, add two or three bath towels to balance the weight. Close the door and press Start to resume.
Reduce or increase load size: An overstuffed drum cannot redistribute. Remove items until the drum is about three-quarters full. For single-item washes, add a few similar-weight items so the drum has enough mass on all sides.
Level the washer: Place a bubble level on top of the washer, front-to-back and side-to-side. Adjust the four leveling feet by turning them clockwise to raise or counterclockwise to lower. Each foot has a lock nut — hold the foot in place with pliers and tighten the lock nut against the washer base with a wrench. Rock the washer by hand. It should not move at all.
Inspect suspension rods or shock absorbers: For top-load models: unplug the washer and open the top panel by removing the screws at the back of the top plate. Look at the four suspension rods connecting the outer tub to the cabinet. Press down on the tub and release — it should bounce once and stop. If it keeps bouncing, the dampening balls on the rods are worn. For front-load models: tilt the washer back and inspect the two shock absorbers at the bottom. Push on the drum and watch the absorbers compress and rebound. A leaking or collapsed absorber needs replacement.
Check the rotor position sensor: If the load is balanced and the machine is level but UE persists, the hall sensor (rotor position sensor) on the drive motor is sending bad speed data to the control board. This requires a multimeter test or professional diagnosis.
Professional Repair
Call a technician if the UE code appears with every load regardless of size or distribution. Worn shock absorbers, failed suspension rods, or a bad hall sensor all require part replacement. TruePro's $59 diagnostic fee is credited toward the repair, and all work carries a 90-day warranty on parts and labor. Same-day service is often available in LA County, Orange County, and Ventura County. Call 877-378-3111. First-time customers save 15% on labor with code NEW15.
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FAQ
What does LG error code UE mean?
The UE code means the washer drum is spinning unevenly and the machine cannot reach full spin speed. LG displays a lowercase "uE" while it tries to rebalance automatically. If it fails after several attempts, the code changes to uppercase "UE" and the cycle stops. Clothes remain wet because the final spin never completes.
Can I fix error code UE myself?
1. Pause and redistribute the load: Press Pause and wait for the door to unlock. Open the door and spread the clothes evenly around the drum. Break up any tangled clumps. If you washed a single heavy item, add two or three bath towels to balance the weight. Close the door and press Start to resume. 2. Reduce or increase load size: An overstuffed drum cannot redistribute. Remove items until the drum is about three-quarters full. For single-item washes, add a few similar-weight items so the drum has enough mass on all sides. 3. Level the washer: Place a bubble level on top of the washer, front-to-back and side-to-side. Adjust the four leveling feet by turning them clockwise to raise or counterclockwise to lower. Each foot has a lock nut — hold the foot in place with pliers and tighten the lock nut against the washer base with a wrench. Rock the washer by hand. It should not move at all. 4. Inspect suspension rods or shock absorbers: For top-load models: unplug the washer and open the top panel by removing the screws at the back of the top plate. Look at the four suspension rods connecting the outer tub to the cabinet. Press down on the tub and release — it should bounce once and stop. If it keeps bouncing, the dampening balls on the rods are worn. For front-load models: tilt the washer back and inspect the two shock absorbers at the bottom. Push on the drum and watch the absorbers compress and rebound. A leaking or collapsed absorber needs replacement. 5. Check the rotor position sensor: If the load is balanced and the machine is level but UE persists, the hall sensor (rotor position sensor) on the drive motor is sending bad speed data to the control board. This requires a multimeter test or professional diagnosis.
How much does it cost to fix error UE?
Typical repair costs: DIY: $0 - $50 | Pro: $150 - $350. Free diagnostic with approved repair.
Estimated Cost
DIY: $0 - $50 | Pro: $150 - $350
Free diagnostic with approved repair
Need Help With This Error?
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