LG Washing Machine UE Error: Meaning, Causes & Safe Checks

UE Usually simple Usually fixable yourself

Quick answer

LG UE is an unbalance error: the laundry has bunched on one side of the drum, or the load is too big or too small. Pause the machine, spread the laundry out, aim to fill the drum about two-thirds, and check the washer is level. If UE keeps appearing with normal loads, request an LG repair.

Check your model

LG UK confirms what UE means, but some of the steps below come from a LG page for another country. They are general checks, and your UK manual takes priority. Check your manual, or LG UK support with your model number.

What UE means on a LG washing machine

The laundry has bunched up on one side of the drum, so the machine can’t spin safely.

Applies to: LG front-loading washing machines. LG UK names the code; the step-by-step guidance comes from an LG page for another market.

What you might notice

Likely causes

What you can safely check yourself

Stop and call a qualified engineer if:
  • The code or problem comes back after you’ve done the safe checks on this page.
  • The next step would mean removing a cover or panel, or working on the pump, valves, heater, motor, door lock or wiring. That is a job for a qualified engineer.
  • The appliance is still under warranty. Contact the manufacturer first, because DIY work can affect your cover.

Work through these in order. Stop as soon as one of the signs above applies.

Rebalance the load

  1. When the machine lets you open the door, untangle the laundry and spread it evenly around the drum.
  2. If you are washing one heavy item, such as a bath mat or a large towel, add two or three similar towels so the weight balances.
  3. Check the load suits the programme. Very small loads and overstuffed drums can both cause balance problems. Your manual gives the maximum load for each programme.
  4. Restart the spin.

For this fault: LG: fill the drum about two-thirds. Wash laundry nets with other clothes rather than on their own, and use the duvet or bedding programme for blankets.

Check the machine is level and on a firm floor Take care

Before you start
  • Switch off and unplug the appliance at the wall socket before you touch hoses, filters or the back of the machine. Make sure your hands and the plug area are dry.
  1. Rock the machine gently from each corner. It should not wobble.
  2. Put a spirit level on top, front to back and side to side.
  3. Adjust the feet until it is level and all four feet are firmly on the floor, then tighten the lock nuts as your installation guide shows.
  4. Wooden or springy floors make vibration worse. Manufacturers suggest a hard surface, ideally in a corner.

When to call an engineer

If the checks above don’t clear UE, or any of the stop signs apply, contact LG or a qualified appliance engineer. Have the model and serial number from the rating label ready, and start with LG UK support.

Repair or replace?

UE is usually something you can sort out yourself with the checks above, so a repair visit is rarely needed. We don’t publish repair prices because they vary by area, part and model.

Related problems

Related codes

Questions people ask

Which items cause UE most often?

LG lists bath mats, rugs, rubber-backed mats, waterproof clothing and stuffed items among things that unbalance the drum or shouldn’t be machine washed at all.

Different code or symptom? Use the fault finder, see all LG washing machine codes, or read how LG codes work. Not sure it’s safe? Read our safety information.

Sources

Last checked against these sources: .

We write every page in our own words from manufacturer guidance and check it against the sources above. If your manual says something different, follow your manual. How we check.