An LG washer that will not spin or drain is usually telling you why on the display. LG machines show an error code, and two of them cover most no spin calls: OE (it cannot drain) and UE or uE (the load is unbalanced). Reading the code sends you straight to the fix, and the most common one, a clogged drain pump filter, is free. Here is what each code means and how to clear it. Want it handled today across Greater Boston? Call (617) 778-2904.
What your LG code means
| Code | Meaning | First thing to check |
|---|---|---|
| OE | Will not drain | Drain pump filter, then the drain hose and standpipe |
| UE / uE | Unbalanced load | Redistribute the load, check the machine is level |
| IE | Will not fill | Water supply valves and inlet hoses |
| LE | Motor locked or overloaded | Reduce the load; if it repeats, call for the motor or hall sensor |
| dE | Door or lid not locking | The door lock assembly |
| CL | Child lock is on | Not a fault, hold the child lock buttons to clear |
OE, the number one cause: clean the drain pump filter
Because an LG washer has to drain before it can spin, an OE code stops the spin too. On LG front loaders, and many top loaders, there is a drain pump filter behind a small door at the bottom front. It catches coins, hair pins and lint, and when it clogs the machine throws OE. Lay down a towel and a shallow pan, twist the filter out slowly, and clear it. On a large share of LG no spin calls this is the whole fix. If the filter is clean, check the drain hose behind the machine for a kink and the standpipe for a clog, which is a frequent hidden cause in older Boston multifamily homes with narrow shared drain lines.
UE, the second cause: an unbalanced drum
An LG washer will not spin up a load it senses is lopsided, to avoid damaging itself, and it shows UE or uE. A wad of towels on one side, a single heavy item, or a machine that is not level will all trigger it. Open the door, redistribute the load, and make sure the washer sits level on all four feet. Front loaders on the upper floors of a triple decker are especially prone to this on a bouncy floor.
When to call a technician
Clearing the pump filter, redistributing a load and checking hoses are all safe to do yourself. Call if the code returns after those steps, if you get a repeating LE (motor) or a door lock dE that will not clear, or if the drum will not turn by hand. Our diagnostic is 99 dollars and waived with the repair. We service LG top load and front load washers across Cambridge, Somerville, Newton, Medford and every town we serve. See our washer and dryer repair page, the general washer not spinning or draining guide, and if you are weighing a fix against a new machine our repair or replace guide. Call (617) 778-2904 or book online.
Common questions
What does OE mean on an LG washer?
OE means the washer cannot drain, which also stops it from spinning. The most common cause is a clogged drain pump filter behind the small door at the bottom front. Clear it first, then check the drain hose for a kink and the standpipe for a clog.
Why does my LG washer keep showing UE?
UE or uE means the load is unbalanced. Redistribute the laundry so it is not bunched on one side, avoid washing a single heavy item alone, and confirm the machine is level on all four feet. On a bouncy upper floor this code is common and usually not a fault.
Can I fix an LG washer that will not spin myself?
Often yes. Cleaning the drain pump filter, redistributing an unbalanced load and checking the hoses solve most no spin cases for free. If you get a repeating motor code (LE) or a door lock code (dE) that will not clear, that is the point to call a technician.