Fixing A Samsung Washer UE Error Code | Made Easy

Have you ever tried to start a wash cycle only to see a UE error code displayed on your washing machine just when it was about to start spinning? This is a common error that might leave you thinking that there’s something seriously wrong with your machine. Thankfully, the Samsung washer UE error code can usually be fixed within a few minutes. Read on to find out how you can solve this common error code.

What Does A UE Error Code Mean

The UE error code message is displayed when there is an imbalance in the washer drum. You will get this code in the first few minutes after the wash cycle begins. If you have an old Samsung washing machine (any model made prior to 2007), you will get an E4 error code instead of a UE message. Some new models display a UB error code to indicate an imbalance in the drum.

Fix Common Samsung UE Error Code Problems

The majority of issues that trigger the UE error code are simple problems related to an unbalanced load, and I will address these first. For example, common causes include:

1. The wash load is too small
2. The drum is overloaded causing instability
3. Clothes in the drum are twisted resulting in an uneven spin
4. The washer needs levelling to improve stability

There are however other more serious mechanical failures that trigger this code too. Later in this troubleshooting guide, we will work through each, to help you conclude whether it is best for you to seek assistance from a professional appliance technician. But let’s get to work on the easy wins:

1. Wash Load Too Small

Sometimes, you only want to wash a few items in your machine. Unfortunately, this can lead to getting a UE error code displayed on your Samsung washer. When the wash load is too small, your appliance might struggle with it. There is a chance that the machine won’t register the problem initially and will start a wash cycle only to stop it later on.

If a wash load is too small, your washer may stop the spin cycle before it finishes. It’s important to be mindful of how many items you place in your washing machine. Too much is equally bad as too little.

Check your wash load, does it look a bit lightweight? If so, add small towels to distribute the weight balance.

2. Drum Overloaded

It’s tempting to throw in as many clothes as can fit in your washer. Apart from the fact that your washing machine may stop before or during a spin cycle, it can also cause damage to the appliance. Overloading your Samsung washer will put additional stress on the tub bearings and the drive motor, leading to a noisy spin or registering the UE error code.

Overloading the drum can often result in your clothes not receiving enough agitation or movement within the wash cycle, meaning they will not be as clean as they should be. Manufacturers state a maximum drum load weight capacity. Typically this will be somewhere between 12-20 lbs (6-100 kg) depending on the size of your machine.

It can sometimes be the case that lighter loads, of high volumes of bed sheets or other relatively dense materials, can trigger this code, as the water is absorbed by an excessive amount of fabric or material in the drum.

There should always be space between the drum and the top of the clothes pile. There is something called a 1-hand rule when it comes to filling the drum with clothes. It says that you should be able to comfortably place your hand inside the drum after you load it. If you cannot comfortably place your hand inside the loaded drum, you should remove some items.

Clothes rely on a small amount of friction inside the drum for the removal of stains and dirt. When you put too many items in your machine, the friction can increase and may lead to your wardrobe getting damaged. Not to mention that zippers on some items may latch onto other clothing and cause damage.

Finally, pieces of clothing can get stuck when the machine is overloaded and cause drainage problems. If your washer doesn’t drain properly, your clothes will remain wet after the spin cycle ends.

3. Clothes Twisted or Unbalanced in Drum

Clothes can get twisted and tangled if you combine heavy and light items in one load. It’s important to make sure a wash load is balanced before you start a cycle. Lengths of thick or heavy fabrics, such as denim jeans, bath towels and bed sheets are usually more prone to tangling or twisting. So try to limit how many of each of these types of items you place in each wash.

It’s a simple fix, just remove any tangled items and redistribute them evenly, and consider reducing the number of twistable items in each load. Another fabric that you should pay attention to is items that have laces, strings or maybe bedrobe belts. Consider putting them in a washing machine bag to ensure they don’t get tangled up.

4. Washer Needs Levelling Or On Uneven Floor

If you notice your washing machine vibrating heavily or producing more noise than it should, it is generally an indication that it is on an uneven floor or needs the feet levelling. The movement of an uneven spin can lead to a UE error code being displayed on the machine.

It’s easy to check whether your washer is level, simply press down on top of the appliance and see whether you experience wobbling in a certain direction. Another way to check if the machine is level is by using a spirit or bubble level. Place it on top of the appliance and check whether the bubble is centred. If it’s not, you can adjust the feet until your Samsung washer is firm and no longer rocks or wobbles when you attempt to move it by hand.

Less Common Mechanical Causes

If you have taken the above measures into consideration and have a level washing machine, it may indicate there is a mechanical problem with either the washer suspension or the control module. Remember the UE error code display tells us there is a problem with the washer stability when running a program. So let’s take a look into the two other possible causes for this error code.

5. Defective Shock Absorber

There is a chance you’re getting a UE error code due to a defective shock absorber in your washer. If you notice that your washing machine is wobbling heavily during a wash cycle or if you hear a loud knocking noise coming from the appliance, it’s likely due to a faulty shock absorber. In this is the case, you should aim to replace this component as soon as possible to prevent it from damaging other parts of the machine.

Checking The Shock Absorbers

1. First, unplug the washer from the main power outlet
2. Remove the screws that secure the front panel on the appliance with a screwdriver
3. Then remove the front panel and you’ll see the shock absorbers connected to the drum
4. Inspect the absorbers for any signs of leaking oil, or if they have become detached from the machine, or broken in any way
5. Carefully, but firmly move the washer drum back and forth to test the shock absorber damping effect. If you feel firm resistance, but show clear signs of good movement, then that component is fine. If you feel one is soft, it may have leaked oil. If one has no movement it may have ceased and will need replacing.

Watch the video below to find out how to check if the shock absorbers in your washing machine are broken.

How to check if Wash Machine's "Shock Absorbers" are Broken

6. Control Module Failure

Without the control module in your Samsung washing machine, the appliance would not be able to display any error codes. This is an extremely important component inside your washer that gives and receives signals from different electrical parts, modules, and sensors. The control module can become defective over time and start giving wrong signals.

If the shock absorber in your washing machine is in good condition, your wash load is perfectly balanced, and your appliance is level, the only thing that could be causing you to see a UE error code message is a control module failure. Still, it’s best to check whether or not the module is defective. You can do this with a digital multimeter.

Testing a Failed Control Module

The process of testing a control module with a multimeter is simple and won’t take up too much of your time. Here’s how you can do it.

1. Start by making sure that the machine is not plugged into a power source.
2. Grab a screwdriver to unscrew the screws holding the control panel.
3. After you remove the panel, you will see the control module right behind it.
4. Set your multimeter to the lowest ohm setting and connect its leads to the module’s terminals.
5. If you get a reading of a very high number or infinity, it means that the module has failed and should be replaced.

Here’s a great video on how to test a washing machine control module for continuity.

Washing machine PCB control circuit board troubleshooting testing fault finding

Reference

Samsung – What is UE Error Message