Kenmore Washer UE Code: Meaning & Fixes
- Meaning
- Unbalanced load: the washer couldn't balance the load for the spin after several attempts and stopped.
- Can I fix it?
- Yes, usually a DIY fix
- Seen on
- Kenmore and Kenmore Elite front-load washers with model numbers starting 796 (built by LG), including the 796.4044 and 796.4130 series. Whirlpool-built Kenmore washers (model numbers starting 110) use different codes, such as F21 for a long drain.
UE on a Kenmore 796-series front-loader means the load is out of balance, or too small to balance. The washer tries several times to restart the spin before it stops and shows UE. Pause the cycle, wait for the door to unlock, spread the load evenly or add 1 or 2 similar items, then restart.
Try this first
- Pause the cycle and wait for the door to unlock.
- Untangle the load and spread it evenly around the drum.
- For a small load, add 1 or 2 similar items.
- Wash a single heavy item, such as a bath mat or robe, with other items.
- Restart the cycle.
What causes UE
| Cause | What you notice | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Load too small | UE with only a few items | Add 1 or 2 similar items |
| Load bunched or tangled | Thumping, then UE | Sheets or clothes wrapped in a ball |
| Single heavy item | UE when washing a bath mat or robe | Mix with similar-weight items |
| Washer not level | Rocking or walking during spin | All four leveling feet firm on the floor |
| Shipping bolts still fitted | Heavy vibration on a new washer | Bolts at the back of the cabinet |
Fix it step by step
Tap a step number to tick it off as you go. Ticks stay on this device.
-
Pause and open
Press Start/Pause and wait until the door unlocks.
-
Rearrange the load
Untangle sheets and clothes and spread them evenly around the drum. If the load is very small, add 1 or 2 similar items. Wash heavy single items like bath mats or robes with other items of similar weight.
-
Restart the cycle
Close the door and press Start/Pause. The washer will try to balance the load again before it spins.
-
Check the leveling
If UE keeps coming back with normal loads, check that all four leveling feet rest firmly on the floor and that the floor doesn't flex. On a newly installed washer, make sure the shipping bolts were removed.
When to call a technician
UE is a load condition, not a sign of a broken part. If it appears with normal, mixed loads on a level washer with the shipping bolts removed, have a technician check the suspension.
Questions people ask
Is UE a sign of a broken motor?
No. Kenmore lists UE as an out-of-balance or too-small load. Fixing the load usually clears it.
Why does UE show with only one or two items?
A very small load can't be balanced. Kenmore suggests adding 1 or 2 similar items.
Is UE the same as LE?
No. UE is an unbalanced load. LE is a motor error with its own steps.