Is your LG Washer displaying a UE code? This indicates that the machine has detected an unbalanced load. When this occurs, the washer will try to fill the drum with water to help separate the tangled clothing pieces and re-distribute them to balance the load.
It will repeat this process up to 3 times, and if it’s still unable to balance the load, the error code will change from uE to UE and completely stop washing until you manually address the issue.
Needless to say, this can be a frustrating problem after you return to your washer, only to find it hasn’t finished the wash cycle.
If you are experiencing this error, then don’t worry! We’re here to help. In this article, we examine and explain in detail why this code occurs and how to get it fixed and back in working order.
What Causes LG Washer UE Code?
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This code is not always caused by something as simple as bundled-up clothes. So let’s first explore the potential causes of this problem so you can correctly diagnose what’s causing this problem to occur.
1. Bundled-up Clothes
This is the most common cause of a UE error code.
When clothing items or sheets get tangled up inside the washer drum, they can cause an uneven load distribution that is potentially harmful to the washer as it causes excessive vibration and stresses the internal components.
Sometimes this problem can be fixed by manually pulling the clothes apart, but if the problem keeps recurring, further steps will need to be taken to prevent the clothes from entangling inside the washer drum.
2. The Washer Isn’t Level
Washers are designed to perform optimally when completely level with the floor.
So when the washer is sitting at an angle, it may cause excessive vibration, walk itself across the floor, leak, or rock back and forth as it operates, which is harmful to the machine.
The washer control board will detect this unwanted movement and display this error code to protect itself. You’ll need to level the washer so it can run smoothly.
3. A One-off Error or a Glitch
As modern washers utilize many sensors and computer-controlled components, sometimes this error can be thrown up as a one-off problem or a glitch without any real cause behind it.
Simply power cycling the washer can often be enough to get rid of this error code.
4. There’s an Issue With the Rotor Nut
The rotor nut physically mounts the drum to the rotor assembly. If this nut wears down, comes loose, or gets damaged in any way, it may cause the drum to not operate smoothly and trigger the UE error code.
5. The Suspension Rods Have Worn Out
Top-loading washers utilize suspension rods to help dampen the vibrations caused by the fast-spinning drum. Over time these suspension rods may wear down and cause excessive vibration, thus triggering the UE code.
6. The Shock Absorbers Have Worn Out
Instead of suspension rods, front-loading washers utilize shock absorbers to help balance the drum as it spins.
Similarly, these can wear down over time and introduce heavy vibration into the washer, which will need addressing.
7. A Hall Sensor Issue
The purpose of a hall sensor is to monitor the drum’s rotation speed to ensure it’s spinning optimally based on the chosen wash setting and how many clothes have been loaded into the washing machine.
When the hall sensor runs into problems, it may cause the drum to spin too fast, triggering the UE code.
8. A Control Board Error
If the washing machine consistently throws up the error even after addressing all faulty components, it may mean the control board has gone bad. As the control board is a complicated component to diagnose and repair, the usual solution is just to replace the entire board.
9. Your Washer Needs a Software Update
Some LG top loader washers utilize a smart balance feature, a computer-controlled adjustment to help keep the washer running smoothly.
This problem has been addressed in a software update issued by LG, so if your washer hasn’t been updated in a while, it may need updating to the latest firmware.
How to Fix LG Washer UE Error Code
Now that you better understand what causes this problem, let’s look at how to fix these problems and remove the UE code from your LG washing machine.
1. Re-balance the Load
Most of the time, the UE code simply means the clothes have bundled up and need re-distributing. To fix this, simply pause the wash cycle using the front panel, manually pull the clothes apart, and spread them evenly around the washer drum.
You should also make sure any delicate items or items with tassels or ties on are placed into netted bags so they can’t cause any further problems.
2. Level the Washer
If the washer isn’t level with the ground, it can cause problems with excessive vibration and movement of the washer. So you need to ensure the washer’s perfectly level with the ground.
Start by taking a spirit level and identifying which corners of the washer are too low. Then you can adjust each leg of the washer individually until it’s level with the floor.
3. Power Cycle the Washer
Sometimes this error may be caused by a simple glitch in the software system.
However, simply resetting the machine might not be enough. So in this situation, we can perform a power cycle or ‘hard reset’ of the washer, which may help remove this error.
All you need to do is turn the machine off and completely unplug it from the power supply. Once it’s unplugged, wait 2-3 minutes for the capacitors to completely discharge, then plug it back in and start the washer back up.
4. Tighten or Replace the Rotor Nut
If the rotor nut is loose or damaged, it will cause the washer to vibrate. So the nut should be inspected and fixed accordingly.
- Start by turning the LG washer off and unplugging it from the power supply.
- Then you should remove the side panels to reveal the stator assembly.
- Locate the rotor nut (refer to your user manual if needed).
- Inspect the rotor nut carefully; if it’s loose, you should re-tighten it. You should replace it with a new one if it looks damaged or worn.
- You should also inspect the mounting nut and ensure all the bolts that attach the stator to the washer are secure.
- Now you can re-attach the side panels and power the washer back up.
5. Inspect and Replace the Suspension Rods
If your top-loading washer makes strange noises and vibrates too much, the suspension rods may be worn out and require replacing. To do this, you’ll need to remove the side panels of the washer and inspect the suspension rods.
Look for signs of wear or damage. If they look old, then they should be replaced with new ones.
6. Inspect and Replace the Shock Absorbers
If you have a front-loading washer, your machine will utilize shock absorbers instead of suspension rods.
To address this problem, you’ll need to remove the side panels and inspect the shock absorbers for wear or damage. If they appear in bad shape, they will need to be replaced with new ones.
7. Replace the Hall Sensor
If the hall sensor runs into problems, the washer drum may not operate at the correct speed for the given wash cycle type you have selected.
- Start by removing the 4 screws on the back of the washer to gain access to the rotor.
- Remove the rotor assembly bolt and wire harness to reveal the hall sensor.
- This sensor should then be tested with a multimeter for functionality. If it’s found to be faulty, it must be replaced with a new one.
- Install the new sensor in its place and ensure that all tabs are locked securely into place.
- Now you can re-assemble and test if the new sensor is working.
8. Replace the Control Board
If the control board runs into problems, it will usually need replacing.
As this is quite a complicated process, we recommend contacting LG customer support, who will help arrange for a replacement board and have a trained technician come and replace it for you.
9. Update your LG Washer’s Software
Ensuring your washer’s software is up to date is very important as it addresses issues that may cause the UE code to occur. Once again, you should contact LG customer support, who will assist you with this process, as a technician will need to install the new board for you.
Preventing the LG Washer UE Code from Recurring
If you try to wash too many or too few clothes at once, they may get bundled up and thrown around the washer drum. Do not fill the washer any more than 75% in a single wash cycle.
Remember, it’s always better to wash 2 loads rather than 1 overfilled load.
When you start the wash cycle, ensure all the clothes are evenly distributed around the wash drum and that any loose delicates or items with strings/tassells are kept in netted back.
Adrian is an ISCET licensed professional that has completed the National Appliance Service Technician Certification Exam and has the expertise to diagnose and repair any appliance. He is well-versed in the latest technologies and techniques and is always up-to-date on the latest industry standards.
