GE Washer Error Code 26: Out of Balance in Final Spin (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)

What the code means

GE Appliances' Technical Service Guide 31-9327 for UltraFresh front-load washers (GFW510, GFW550, GFW650 and GFW850 models) lists fault code 26 as "Out of Balance (OOB) Ended Final Spin", with the trigger condition "Washer detected an out of balance load and was unable to reach final target spin speed." On the washer itself this usually shows up as a blinking Spin light: GE's Consumer Help Indicator explains that when the washer detects an out-of-balance load, the Spin light blinks for the rest of the cycle while the washer tries to rebalance, and in some cases it can't balance the load and spin up to full speed, so clothes come out wetter than normal. Code 26 is the stored record of that happening in the final spin. On these models stored codes are read in Consumer Fault Code Mode: from idle with all lights off, hold Start for 10 seconds until all lights come on, then press Start to step through the codes; a blinking dash means there are no more. The same guide uses code 22 for an out-of-balance load during the dry load sensing step at the start of the cycle. Sears PartsDirect's code chart for older GE GFW front-loaders also lists 26 (or 31) as out of balance during the final spin; on the newer UltraFresh models, 31 is a different fault (main board self-check), so don't assume 31 means imbalance there.

Likely causes

• Clothes bunched on one side of the drum, often from one heavy item such as a blanket, comforter, bath mat, rug or a few heavy towels
• A load that's too small, just one or two heavy items, which GE says can be harder to balance than a fuller load
• An overloaded drum, which leaves the clothes no room to spread out
• The washer isn't level, or one of the four legs isn't firmly on the floor so the washer rocks
• A soft or springy floor that lets the washer move during spin
• A loose or damaged basket, or friction that keeps the basket from spinning freely, which GE's service guide lists as checks for out-of-balance codes
• A loose speed sensor connection at the motor, which GE lists for the related out-of-balance code 22

Safe DIY checks

1. Open the door, pull the clothes apart and spread them evenly around the drum. If it's one heavy item, add a couple of towels to balance it, or wash it with similar items.
2. Take some items out if the drum is packed full.
3. Run a Drain & Spin cycle and watch it. GE's guide says the basket should reach final spin speed without the Spin light blinking.
4. Press down on each corner of the washer and try to rock it. If it rocks, adjust the leveling legs until all four touch the floor firmly, then tighten the lock nuts. Check it with a level front to back and side to side.
5. With the washer empty and unplugged, turn the drum by hand. It should turn smoothly and quietly, without rubbing, wobble or scraping.
6. Run an empty rinse and spin. GE says that if the vibration is normal with no load, the imbalance was caused by the wash load.

Parts that commonly fix it

Always match the part number to your exact model.

Related codes

• 38 / E38 GE Washer 38 / E38
• E18 Bosch Washer E18
• E11 Electrolux Washer E11
• E1 Frigidaire Washer E1
• E2 Frigidaire Washer E2
• E4 Frigidaire Washer E4

All GE codes →

Sources

1. GE Appliances Technical Service Guide 31-9327 Rev. 1, UltraFresh Front Load Washer (April 2020): fault code 26 Out of Balance (OOB) Ended Final Spin and actions, fault code 22 OOB during dry load sense, code 31 main board self check, Consumer Fault Code Mode (ApplianceAid copy)
2. GE Appliances: Washer Consumer Help Indicator (Spin light blinking means out-of-balance, may not reach full speed, redistribute and run Drain & Spin)
3. GE Appliances: Front Load Washer Walking, Vibrating, Shaking, or Moving (redistribute load, empty rinse and spin test)
4. GE Appliances: Front Load Washer Troubleshooting (load too large or too small to balance)
5. Sears PartsDirect: GE GFW front-load washer error codes (26 or 31, out of balance during the final spin)