Quick answer: UE on an LG washer means an unbalanced load. Open the door, rearrange the clothes evenly and press Start/Pause. If the load is very small, add one or two similar items. A small “uE” on the display isn’t an error: it means the washer is rebalancing by itself.
What does the UE error code mean on an LG washer?
When the clothes bunch up on one side, the drum can’t spin safely. LG washers try to rebalance automatically, up to three times on top loaders, and show a small uE while they do. If they can’t fix it, they show UE and stop or shorten the spin. According to LG, if UE appears at the end of a cycle, the clothes are still too wet because the final spin couldn’t run.
Common causes:
- A very small load, or one heavy item like a bath mat or a comforter
- Mixed loads of heavy and light items
- Bedding that wraps around the agitator or bunches up
- An overloaded drum
- A washer that isn’t level
- On new washers, shipping bolts that were never removed (front load)
- Worn suspension parts (rods, springs or shock absorbers)
How to fix the LG washer UE error, step by step
1. Rearrange the load
- Press Start/Pause and wait for the door to unlock.
- Untangle the clothes and spread them evenly.
- If the load is small, add one or two similar items (towels work well).
- Close the door and press Start/Pause.
2. Wash similar items together
Wash heavy items like towels and jeans separately from light ones. Wash bulky items like comforters on their own, using the Bedding or Bulky cycle if your washer has one.
3. Level the washer
- Put a bubble level on top of the washer.
- Adjust the leveling feet until it’s level side to side and front to back.
- Push on the top corners diagonally: the washer shouldn’t rock.
- Tighten the lock nuts on the feet.
LG also recommends a firm, level floor and about 4 inches (10 cm) of space behind the washer.
4. Remove the shipping bolts (new front loaders)
If a brand-new front-load washer shakes violently from the first spin, check the back for transit bolts with plastic spacers. Remove them with a wrench, cover the holes with the caps provided and keep the bolts for future moves.
5. Check the suspension
If UE keeps coming back with balanced loads on a level washer, or the tub bangs during spin, the suspension may be worn: rods on top loaders, springs and shock absorbers on front loaders. These are usually replaced as a set, using your model number. A technician can confirm it.
How to reset an LG washer after a UE error
- Turn the washer off and unplug it (or switch off the breaker).
- Wait at least 10 seconds; for motor-related codes, LG suggests letting it rest longer.
- Plug it back in, turn it on and start a short cycle, like Rinse+Spin.
A reset clears the code but not the cause. If the same code keeps coming back, LG recommends closing the water faucet, unplugging the washer and calling for service.
LG washer UE error: frequently asked questions
What is the difference between UE and uE?
A small “uE” means the washer is rebalancing on its own; no action needed. A capital “UE” means it couldn’t rebalance and you should rearrange the load.
Why are my clothes soaking wet after a UE error?
The washer skipped or shortened the final spin to protect itself. Rearrange the load and run a Spin cycle.
Other LG washer error codes
See the full list of LG washer error codes, or jump to the most common ones:
- OE: the washer isn’t draining.
- IE: the washer isn’t filling with water.
- LE: the motor is overloaded or locked.
Sources: LG US Help Library (washer error code list and troubleshooting guides). Always unplug the washer before opening any panel.