LG Washer UE Error Code (Unbalanced Load)
FixCode Guide may earn a commission when you buy parts through links on this site, at no extra cost to you.
Quick answer: UE means the washer couldn't balance the load for spin. Start by redistributing the laundry (about 2/3 drum full, no single bulky item), leveling the washer and confirming shipping bolts are removed. If UE appears even with a small or empty load, suspect worn shock absorbers/dampers, suspension, or the motor's hall (rotor position) sensor.
Work through the steps in order — the free checks come first, parts last.
Test order: easiest & free first
- Redistribute and resize the loadFREE · 2 min
Pause, untangle and spread the laundry evenly. LG recommends filling to about 2/3 of drum capacity; too small or too large a load can trigger UE. Don't wash one bulky item (comforter, rug, single laundry net) alone — add a few similar items. - Remove shipping bolts and foam blockFREE · 10 min
New or recently moved washer? Front-loaders ship with bolts in the rear panel and a foam block under the tub. Unscrew the bolts counter-clockwise, fit the hole caps, and (with a helper) tilt the washer back to check for the foam block. LG warns that leaving them in causes severe vibration and can permanently damage the washer. - Level the washerFREE · 10 min
Put a level on top, front-to-back and side-to-side. Adjust the feet until all four sit firmly (no rocking), then tighten the lock nuts. Weak or springy floors and pedestals make vibration worse. - Run an empty rinse & spinFREE · 15 min
If UE or heavy banging happens with the drum empty, the cause is mechanical or a sensor, not your laundry — continue below. - Check the shock absorbers / dampers (front-load)TOOLS
Push the drum down firmly: it should not bounce more than once. With panels off, wipe each shock's shaft with a paper towel — oil means it's failed. Detach one end and pump it by hand; there should be strong resistance both ways. If any fail, iFixit advises replacing all of them. - Inspect suspension springs (and top-load suspension rods)TOOLS
Look for stretched, broken or unhooked tub springs. On top-load models, worn suspension rods let the tub sway and can cause UE — look up the correct rod kit by your model number. - Test the hall sensor (rotor position sensor)MULTIMETER
Mounted on the stator behind the rotor (direct-drive models). A faulty sensor leaves the board "blind" to drum position, so it misjudges load and balance. Unplugged: Reliable Parts' LG tech sheet (WM2801, sensor 6501KW2002A) gives about 10 kΩ from the common terminal to each of the two signal pins; iFixit cites 5,000–15,000 Ω. Open (OL) = bad. A good resistance doesn't fully clear it; the powered test (10–15 V DC supply, pulsing output while turning the rotor) involves live voltage. - Last resort: motor (stator/rotor) or control boardPART · $$$
Check the rotor bolt is tight and the stator isn't cracked. The motor runs on high DC voltage (Reliable Parts warns ~310 V DC on the motor lines) — don't probe it live; consider a technician.
⚠ Safety: Unplug the washer and shut off the water before removing panels. Tilting a washer takes two people. The motor circuit carries high DC voltage that can be fatal — leave live tests to trained technicians.
Parts that can cause UE
| Part | LG # | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hall sensor (rotor position sensor) | 6501KW2002A | Cited for WM2801-series front-loaders (Reliable Parts tech sheet). Confirm fit for your model. | Check price [PLACEHOLDER – no affiliate link] |
| Shock absorbers / dampers | Look up by your model number | Usually replaced as a full set | Check price [PLACEHOLDER – no affiliate link] |
| Suspension springs / rods | Look up by your model number | Rods are top-load; springs front-load | Check price [PLACEHOLDER – no affiliate link] |
LG uses different parts across models and revisions. Always look up by your model number or match the number printed on the old part.
💡 Find your model number: On LG front-loaders the label is usually inside the door frame or on the back; on top-loaders, under or behind the lid or on the back panel. It looks like
WM3400CW — include any suffix when searching parts.Watch it done
Video by LG DIY Service on YouTube. FixCode Guide isn't affiliated with this channel.