Kenmore Washer Error Code UE: Unbalanced Load, Won't Spin (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)

What the code means

The Kenmore Elite 796.4100 Use and Care Guide explains that the washer has an imbalance detection and correction system: when heavy single items (a bath mat or bath robe) throw the drum too far off balance, the washer makes several attempts to restart the spin, and if it still detects an imbalance it stops and shows the error code. The same table lists "load is too small" as a cause and says to add 1 or 2 similar items. Sears PartsDirect, Kenmore's longtime parts and repair arm, lists UE on Kenmore 796 front loaders as "Unbalanced load." UE is a 796-series (LG-built) code, so confirm your model number on the label inside the door frame before following this page.

Likely causes

• A single heavy item, such as a bath mat, bath robe or comforter, that the washer can't balance on its own
• A load that is too small (one or two items), which can't be spread evenly around the drum
• A tangled sheet or balled-up jeans pulling one side of the drum down
• An overstuffed drum that leaves no room for the load to redistribute
• Heavy items mixed with light ones in the same load
• A washer that rocks or isn't level because a leveling leg isn't firmly on the floor
• Shipping bolts left in after installation, or a slippery floor that lets the washer move
• Less often, a broken damper (shock absorber) or suspension spring

Safe DIY checks

1. Open the door, untangle the load and spread it evenly around the drum, then restart the spin or the cycle.
2. If the load is only one or two items, add a towel or two (or similar garments) so the washer can balance it. Kenmore's guide says to add 1 or 2 similar items for a load that is too small, and to avoid washing single items.
3. If the drum is packed, take some items out. Sears PartsDirect notes that oversized loads can trigger UE, and suggests loading items loosely until the basket is full.
4. Wash heavy items with other heavy items rather than mixing one heavy piece with light clothes.
5. Check that the washer doesn't rock: press down on opposite top corners. If it moves at all, adjust the leveling leg, then tighten its lock nut. Sears PartsDirect says to check level with a bubble level front to back and side to side and adjust if it's off by more than a quarter bubble.
6. On a new install, make sure the shipping bolts were removed (Kenmore's guide lists leftover bolts and packaging as a cause of vibration). On slippery floors, Kenmore's guide recommends non-skid pads under the feet.

Parts that commonly fix it

Always match the part number to your exact model.

Related codes

• dE1 Kenmore Washer dE1
• F21 Kenmore Washer F21
• F5 Kenmore Washer F5
• IE Kenmore Washer IE
• LE Kenmore Washer LE

All Kenmore codes →

Sources

1. Kenmore Elite 796.4100 Front-Loading Washer Use and Care Guide, troubleshooting table (load too small: add 1 or 2 similar items; load out of balance: imbalance detection and correction system, several restart attempts, then error code), leveling, non-skid pads and shipping bolts
2. Sears PartsDirect: Kenmore 796 model front-load washer error codes (UE unbalanced load; level the washer, add towels to a small load, untangle and adjust the load)
3. Sears PartsDirect: Kenmore front-load washer UE error code (balance the load, oversized loads, level the legs, quarter-bubble check, broken damper shock or suspension spring)