On the covered LG washer platform, uE, UE, Ub means an unbalanced load — LG's own wording. LG names the causes as laundry piled on one side of the drum, incorrect use of a laundry net, items unsuitable for machine washing, or a washer that is not level. First, open the door and redistribute the load evenly around the drum.
Differential
Likely causes of “LG washer code uE, UE, Ub”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
Laundry piled on one side of the drum
What separates it The drum thumps in the spin and the load is lopsided when you open the door
How to confirm Pause, take the laundry out and spread it evenly in the drum; LG says to pick a spin cycle suited to the load afterwards
- 2
A load that is too big or too small
What separates it The washer holds a single heavy item or a few pieces
How to confirm LG says the washer performs best at about 2/3 of the drum capacity; add a few towels to a small load
- 3
Items not suited to machine washing
What separates it The load includes pillows, mats, carpets or electric blankets
How to confirm For pillows and cushions remove the stuffing and wash only the cover; LG says bathroom mats, carpets, electric blankets and curtains can be damaged
- 4
A laundry net used wrongly
What separates it A single full net is being washed on its own
How to confirm LG says to fill a net only to 2/3 and to wash two or three nets with some clothes
- 5
A washer that is not level
What separates it The washer rocks or thuds in the spin, which points to a washer that is not level
How to confirm Rock the washer front to back and side to side, and adjust the leg on the low side with a wrench
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The exact characters shown on the display: uE, UE or Ub
- What kind of items were in the load
- Whether the washer rocks when pushed
Try in this order
0 of 6 completedWhat to do first
ReversibleOpen the door and redistribute the load evenly around the drum.
Correct only the documented fault domain
ReversibleRemove items unsuitable for machine washing and check the washer is level on a solid floor.
Redistribute the load
ReversibleLG says a UE means the laundry piled up on one side of the drum despite the drum's efforts. Pause the washer, take the laundry out and distribute it evenly, then select an appropriate spin cycle.
Adjust the load size
ReversibleAim for about 2/3 of the drum. For blankets LG says to use the Duvet cycle at medium spin, and for padded and down jackets the Sportswear cycle at medium spin.
Level the washer
ReversiblePlace a level on the front of the top plate and then vertically in the middle; the bubble should sit in the middle. Adjust the legs with a wrench so they all press firmly on the floor.
Check items and nets
ReversibleRemove items that are unsuitable for machine washing, and use the right net size at no more than 2/3 full, washed with other clothes.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Displayed as
- uE, UE or Ub.
- Parts named by the service tables
- None on the front-load tables; the load and the levelling.
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
- !Stop and have the washer inspected if it bangs against the cabinet even with a balanced load, since the Sears tables point to the suspension
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Where the manufacturer's article stops. The 2/3 drum guideline and the Duvet and Sportswear cycle advice are LG's own.
Exact questions
Common questions
What does uE, UE, Ub mean on a LG washer?+
an unbalanced load — LG's own wording. LG names the causes as laundry piled on one side of the drum, incorrect use of a laundry net, items unsuitable for machine washing, or a washer that is not level.
What is the ideal load size?+
About 2/3 of the drum, according to LG.
How do I level the washer?+
Use a wrench to adjust the leg on the side the washer tilts toward and check with a level on the top plate.
Are uE, UE and Ub the same?+
Yes for this page; LG lists them together.
What does the Sears table add?+
Heavy items mixed with light ones may not balance, and the washer must be properly leveled.