Error Code UE
Your Samsung washer displays UE when the drum load is unevenly distributed during the spin cycle. The washer attempts to redistribute the load by tumbling at low speed up to three times. If the vibration sensor still detects excessive imbalance after these attempts, it stops the spin and displays the UE code. The washer is protecting itself and your floor from violent shaking.
Common Causes
Unevenly distributed laundry: A single heavy item like a comforter, bath mat, or pair of jeans clumps to one side of the drum. The weight imbalance creates excessive vibration at spin speed.
Overloaded or underloaded drum: Too many items pack the drum so tightly that clothes cannot shift to balance. Too few items (one or two pieces) do not provide enough distributed weight for stable spinning.
Washer not level: The machine is rocking on the floor because the leveling feet are not adjusted properly or the floor itself is uneven. An unlevel washer amplifies any load imbalance.
Worn shock absorbers or suspension springs: Front-load washers use two shock absorbers on the bottom and springs on top to dampen drum movement. When these wear out, the drum bounces excessively during spin even with a balanced load.
Shipping bolts still installed: New washers ship with 3 to 5 transit bolts that lock the drum in place. If these bolts were not removed during installation, the drum cannot move freely and every spin triggers a UE code.
DIY Troubleshooting
Redistribute the load: Open the door and rearrange the clothes evenly around the drum. Separate heavy items (jeans, towels, blankets) and spread them on opposite sides of the drum. Close the door and press Start to resume the cycle.
Adjust the load size: If the drum is packed tight, remove some items and run two smaller loads. If you are washing only one or two items, add a few towels to provide balanced weight distribution. Samsung recommends filling the drum to about three-quarters full.
Level the washer: Place a bubble level on top of the washer from left to right and front to back. If the bubble is off-center, tilt the washer and turn the leveling feet. Each foot has a locknut. Loosen the locknut with a 17mm wrench, then turn the foot clockwise to lower it or counterclockwise to raise it. Once level, tighten the locknuts against the base. Rock the washer by pushing opposite corners. It should not wobble at all.
Check for shipping bolts: Look at the back panel of the washer. Shipping bolts are large hex-head bolts with plastic spacers, usually bright colored. If they are present, remove them using a 17mm socket wrench. Pull out the bolts and plastic spacers. Keep them in case you move the washer later. Samsung includes plastic caps to plug the holes.
Inspect the shock absorbers: Tilt the washer back carefully and look underneath, or remove the front panel by unscrewing the screws along the bottom edge. The two shock absorbers connect the outer tub to the base frame at an angle. Push down firmly on the empty drum and release. The drum should bounce once and settle. If it bounces repeatedly or feels loose, the shocks are worn and need replacement.
Check suspension springs (front-loaders): Remove the top panel (two Phillips screws at the rear). Look at the springs connecting the tub to the cabinet frame at the top. There are usually two to four springs. Check for stretched, broken, or disconnected springs. A missing or broken spring causes the tub to hang unevenly and triggers UE during every spin.
Professional Repair
Call a technician if shock absorbers or suspension springs need replacement, if the UE code appears with every load regardless of size and distribution, or if you hear loud banging from the drum during spin. TruePro's $59 diagnostic fee is credited toward the repair. We provide 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.
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FAQ
What does Samsung error code UE mean?
Your Samsung washer displays UE when the drum load is unevenly distributed during the spin cycle. The washer attempts to redistribute the load by tumbling at low speed up to three times. If the vibration sensor still detects excessive imbalance after these attempts, it stops the spin and displays the UE code. The washer is protecting itself and your floor from violent shaking.
Can I fix error code UE myself?
1. Redistribute the load: Open the door and rearrange the clothes evenly around the drum. Separate heavy items (jeans, towels, blankets) and spread them on opposite sides of the drum. Close the door and press Start to resume the cycle. 2. Adjust the load size: If the drum is packed tight, remove some items and run two smaller loads. If you are washing only one or two items, add a few towels to provide balanced weight distribution. Samsung recommends filling the drum to about three-quarters full. 3. Level the washer: Place a bubble level on top of the washer from left to right and front to back. If the bubble is off-center, tilt the washer and turn the leveling feet. Each foot has a locknut. Loosen the locknut with a 17mm wrench, then turn the foot clockwise to lower it or counterclockwise to raise it. Once level, tighten the locknuts against the base. Rock the washer by pushing opposite corners. It should not wobble at all. 4. Check for shipping bolts: Look at the back panel of the washer. Shipping bolts are large hex-head bolts with plastic spacers, usually bright colored. If they are present, remove them using a 17mm socket wrench. Pull out the bolts and plastic spacers. Keep them in case you move the washer later. Samsung includes plastic caps to plug the holes. 5. Inspect the shock absorbers: Tilt the washer back carefully and look underneath, or remove the front panel by unscrewing the screws along the bottom edge. The two shock absorbers connect the outer tub to the base frame at an angle. Push down firmly on the empty drum and release. The drum should bounce once and settle. If it bounces repeatedly or feels loose, the shocks are worn and need replacement. 6. Check suspension springs (front-loaders): Remove the top panel (two Phillips screws at the rear). Look at the springs connecting the tub to the cabinet frame at the top. There are usually two to four springs. Check for stretched, broken, or disconnected springs. A missing or broken spring causes the tub to hang unevenly and triggers UE during every spin.
How much does it cost to fix error UE?
Typical repair costs: DIY: $0 - $60 | Pro: $175 - $350. Free diagnostic with approved repair.
Estimated Cost
DIY: $0 - $60 | Pro: $175 - $350
Free diagnostic with approved repair
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