On the covered LG top-load washer platform, UE means an Unbalance Error — LG's own wording. LG states it is displayed when laundry bunches on one side of the tub or the washer is not level. First, check whether a large item such as a blanket was washed on the Cotton/Normal cycle — LG names that specifically as a cause.
Differential
Likely causes of “LG top-load washer code UE”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
Large items washed on Cotton/Normal
What separates it A blanket bunches to one side and the drum shakes
How to confirm LG says to wash blankets and large items one at a time on the Blanket/Duvet cycle and to press the laundry down once the tub fills
- 2
A laundry net used wrongly
What separates it A single net is washed alone or with a blanket
How to confirm LG says to wash one or two nets with other items but not with a blanket, and to fill nets only to 2/3
- 3
A small load, a tangled load or a knitted item alone
What separates it A single knitted item or very few pieces are in the drum
How to confirm Add items, spread them evenly, and wash at least two knitted items
- 4
A washer that is not level, or worn suspension
What separates it The drum bangs violently in the spin, which points to a washer that is not level, or worn suspension
How to confirm Level the washer; the Sears table says to replace suspension rod/spring assemblies if the tub bangs violently
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The exact characters shown on the display: UE or uE
- What was in the load, including any bulky or waterproof items
- Note whether the drum bangs violently before you start troubleshooting
Try in this order
0 of 6 completedWhat to do first
ReversibleCheck whether a large item such as a blanket was washed on the Cotton/Normal cycle — LG names that specifically as a cause.
Correct only the documented fault domain
ReversibleRedistribute the load and check the washer is level; LG notes washing two blankets together, or blankets mixed with other items, unbalances the tub.
Wash large items alone
ReversibleWash one blanket or sheet at a time on the Blanket/Bedding cycle, fold it and load it below the plastic ring at the top of the tub, and press it down once the tub fills. Do not wash electric blankets, mats, curtains, rubber mats or bathroom rugs.
Use nets and small loads properly
ReversibleFill a laundry net to only 2/3, wash two or three nets that are 2/3 full at a time, and add a few items to a very small load, spreading them evenly.
Level the washer
ReversibleMake sure the washer is level; a floor that is soft, too smooth or sloped lets it shift during the spin.
Let the washer rebalance, then test empty
ReversibleLG says the washer supplies water and moves the tub to redistribute laundry, which can take up to two cycles and add about 10 minutes; to test the washer, run the spin cycle with an empty tub.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Displayed as
- UE or uE.
- Parts named by the service table
- Suspension rod/spring assembly.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !Wait for the drum to stop and unplug the washer before you reach in to move the load
- !Contact an LG service center if the code persists after balancing
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Where the manufacturer's article stops. The 2/3 net rule and the 10 minute rebalancing are LG's own.
Exact questions
Common questions
What does UE mean on a LG top-load washer?+
an Unbalance Error — LG's own wording. LG states it is displayed when laundry bunches on one side of the tub or the washer is not level.
How do I wash blankets?+
One at a time on the Blanket/Duvet cycle, below the plastic ring.
What if the tub bangs?+
The Sears table says one or more suspension rod/spring assemblies may need replacing.
Are uE and UE the same?+
Yes.
How long can rebalancing take?+
Up to two cycles, adding about 10 minutes to the spin.