If the LG WM4500HBA fills and washes but will not spin, LG's own list points at load balance first: a UE (unbalance) error means the load is too small, heavy items are mixed with light ones or the load is tangled, and the washer will not spin until it is redistributed. After that come dE (door open), LE (motor locked, stand for 30 minutes and restart), and oversudsing, where the washer stops the spin to prevent leaking. The washer spins to 1300 rpm, so anything holding it back is worth a real check.
Differential
Likely causes of “LG front-load or top-load washer will not spin or leaves clothes soaking wet”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
An unbalanced or too-small load
What separates it UE shows and the spin starts, stops and refills to try again
How to confirm Open the door once it unlocks and spread the load; add items of similar weight to a load of one or two items
- 2
A door that is not secured
What separates it dE, dE1, dE2 or dE4 shows and the spin never starts
How to confirm Close and secure the door; if the message keeps appearing, unplug the washer and call for service
- 3
Oversudsing that stopped the spin
What separates it The SUD message shows and suds are visible at the door glass
How to confirm Turn the washer off and on, run the Rinse+Spin cycle and use less HE detergent next time
- 4
A locked motor
What separates it LE shows and the drum will not turn at all
How to confirm Let the washer stand for 30 minutes, then restart the cycle; call for service if LE returns
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The message on the display and whether it blinks
- What was in the load: a small load, a single heavy item or a tangled mix
- Whether the washer stood for 30 minutes after an LE and whether suds showed at the door
Try in this order
0 of 5 completedStop the cycle and read the message
ReversiblePress Start/Pause and note whether the display shows UE, dE, LE or SUD. Each has a different fix in LG's error table, so do not guess.
Rebalance for UE
ReversibleWhen the door unlocks, open it and untangle the load, then mix light and heavy articles so the weights are similar. LG says a load that is too small does not allow the washer to balance, so add items to it.
Secure the door for dE
ReversibleClose the door firmly with nothing caught under the seal. LG says to unplug the washer and call service if the dE message keeps appearing.
Clear suds for SUD
ReversibleTurn the washer off and back on, then run the Rinse+Spin cycle. If suds are detected during spinning the washer stops to prevent leaking, so use less HE detergent next time.
Rest the motor for LE
ReversibleAllow the washer to stand for 30 minutes and restart the cycle. If LE is still displayed, call for service.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Balance and spin
- The washer stops and refills to redistribute an unbalanced load; a message UE blinks when it cannot. A small load of one or two items is the usual cause.
- Tools and supplies
- Towels for a small load, a bubble level and a flashlight to read the display.
- Parts for this problem on the WM4500HBA (RepairClinic, 2026-09-20)
- motor rotor bolt assembly, part number 4040FR4051C, at $15.96; door lock assembly, part number EBF61315802, at $135.40; shock absorber, part number ACV72909506, at $47.40.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit models WM6500HBA, WM5500HWA, WM4200HWA, WM4000HWA, WM3600HWA, WM3400CW, WM8900HBA, WM9500HKA, WM6998HBA, WKEX200HBA, WKEX300HBA, WT8405CW, WT7900HBA, WT7300CW, WT7150CW, WT6105CW, WD300CV.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If LE returns after the washer has stood for 30 minutes, unplug the washer and call LG service
- !If the drum will not turn by hand with the washer off, or grinding comes from the drum, stop and call service
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
LG USA support page listing this model's manuals and warranty.
Parts and list prices as shown on RepairClinic's parts search for this model number on 2026-09-20.
Exact questions
Common questions
What does UE mean on an LG WM4500HBA?+
An unbalance error: the load is too small, heavy articles are mixed with lighter items, or the load is out of balance and needs to be redistributed.
Why does the washer stop for a few minutes and then restart?+
A motor protection device has activated to prevent overheating; the manual says this is normal.
What happens if suds build up during the spin?+
The washer stops the spin to help prevent leaking; turn it off and on and run Rinse+Spin.
How fast does this washer spin?+
Its maximum spin speed is 1300 rpm, according to the specification table.
What if the power went out mid-cycle?+
A PF message means a power failure or inadequate electrical service may have occurred; press Start/Pause to restart the cycle.