Troubleshooting the UR Error Code on Samsung Washers

Seeing a cryptic error code flash on your washing machine display can be frustrating. The UR error is one of the more common codes that Samsung washer owners encounter. Don’t stress – this error is usually easy to diagnose and resolve yourself without calling for service. This guide will explain what the UR error code means, what causes it, and how to troubleshoot and fix it so you can get your Samsung washer functioning properly again.

What Does the UR Error Code Mean on a Samsung Washer?

The UR error code indicates an unbalanced load or spin condition in your washer. Essentially, it means the washer detects that laundry is unevenly distributed within the drum during the spin cycle. This uneven distribution of weight can prevent the tub from spinning smoothly. The UR code is the washing machine’s way of alerting you that it cannot properly spin out the water with the current load configuration.

Other manufacturers may use different codes, but the UR code is exclusive to Samsung washers. It’s one of the most common error codes across all of Samsung’s washing machine models. The UR sensor diagnoses the balance issue during the spin cycle so the washer won’t risk damaging itself by trying to spin an unbalanced load at high speeds.

While frustrating, the UR code protects the mechanical components of your washer. Repetitive imbalanced spins stresses the motor and transmission and can shorten the lifespan of your machine. So try not to get too annoyed by the UR code – it’s your washer’s way of safely alerting you to reconfigure your laundry.

What Causes the UR Error Code on Samsung Washers?

There are a few common causes of the dreaded UR error code:

Improper Loading

The most common cause of the UR error is an uneven distribution of laundry within the stainless steel wash drum. Loading too many small lightweight items like socks, underwear, and shirts without enough large and heavy items can result in an imbalanced tub. The heavy items like towels, jeans, and linens provide “ballast” to balance out lighter items during the spin. Too many lightweight items crowded to one side of the tub can place excessive strain on the suspension and bearings during spin cycles. Taking time to properly load your washer ensures clothes and heavy items are interspersed evenly throughout the drum.

Heavy and Bulky Items

Washing bulky, heavy items like comforters, thick towels, rugs, or canvas sneakers can sometimes trigger the UR error. These thick and heavy items hold a lot of water and don’t distribute their weight evenly when wet. Try loading only 1-2 of these heavy items and fill out the rest of the drum with lighter items to balance out the load. You may need to run bulky heavy items in a separate wash cycle if the UR error persists.

Tangling and Knotting

Items that tangle around the central agitator or wrap around the drum may cause localized imbalances that result in UR errors. Knotted sheets and blankets, twisted robes and towels, and balled up clothes can cling to one section of the drum. Untangling items before loading and periodically checking on load configurations can help prevent tangles that lead to the UR code.

Broken Suspension Components

The suspensions system is designed to allow the steel drum to spin freely while limiting excessive vibrations during the spin cycle. If any of the suspension rods, springs, or dampeners are damaged, it may allow the drum to wobble around an axis resulting in UR errors. Replacing any damaged suspension components may be required to get balanced spins.

Worn Bearings

The bearing help the inner tub and outer drum spin smoothly around a shared axis. If bearings become worn out or damaged, it can change the center axis the drum spins around. This may result in imbalanced loads triggering the UR sensor. Replacing worn drum bearings can realign the rotational axis and eliminate chronic UR errors.

Step-by-Step Guide to Troubleshoot and Fix UR Errors

Whenever your Samsung washer flashes the UR code, try these basic troubleshooting steps:

1. Redistribute the Load

The easiest first step is to redistribute the laundry within the drum. Open the washer and manual move items around so heavy and light items are mixed evenly. Check for any dense tangles of sheets or fabrics wrapping around the agitator and untangle them. Remove any exceptionally bulky or heavy items like comforters for washing separately. Close the drum and restart the spin cycle to see if manually optimizing the load distribution prevents the UR error from coming back.

2. Adjust the Load Size

The UR error may be caused by overloading the drum with too many lightweight articles. Try removing a portion of the small loose items like hand towels and shirts. The drum may be so tightly packed that these items can’t redistribute normally during the spin. Reduce the load size and restart the spin cycle to see if it runs balanced with fewer articles. Consider washing smaller loads if the UR error continues.

3. Check under the Drum for Debris

Pocket change, stray screws, or other small objects can sometimes find their way under the stainless steel drum. If debris gets lodged under the drum, it can scrape against the outer tub during spins and cause the drum to wobble off-axis. Carefully lift the drum and inspect underneath for any foreign objects. Remove any debris and run a spin cycle without laundry to confirm the drum spins normally before replacing your wash.

4. Inspect the Shock Absorbers

Faulty shock absorbers can allow the drum to wobble excessively and trigger UR errors. Open the cabinet and visually inspect each of the suspension rods and shocks. Check for any oil leaks,loose components, or obvious damage. The shocks should still be stiff and hold the drum suspended when manually pressed down. If any shock seems compromised, replacement kits are readily available for your Samsung washer.

5. Check the Motor Coupling

The motor coupling connects the drive shaft to the drum. If this rubber coupling is worn out or broken, it can cause the drum to wobble unevenly as it spins. Inspect the rubber coupling for cracks or deterioration. If the coupling seems damaged, replacement kits are inexpensive and can easily be changed on most Samsung washers.

6. Replace the Bearings

If other troubleshooting steps fail to resolve chronic UR errors, worn drum bearings are likely the culprit. The bearings allow the inner and outer drums to spin concentrically around the same center axis. Damaged bearings can allow the drum to wobble unevenly and register as an imbalance. Drum bearing kits include replacement seals and are straightforward to change on most Samsung washers. Replacing worn bearings realigns the drum and typically resolves persistent UR error codes.

By methodically trying these troubleshooting tips, you should be able to diagnose and repair Samsung UR error causes on your own. Always unplug the washer before conducting any repairs for safety. With some basic mechanical DIY skills, you can often fix UR errors without the hassle and expense of calling a washing machine repair company.

Preventing Samsung Washer UR Errors

While the UR error code can be annoying, it is easily avoidable by following best laundry loading practices:

• Mix large and small items – Load a few big towels, jeans, or blankets with smaller items like socks and shirts. The big items provide ballast to balance lightweight clothes during spins.
• Try not to wash single heavy items – Washing just one big comforter, rug, or canvas tote can sometimes trigger the UR code. Add a few lighter items to balance out the load.
• Load loosely and evenly – Evenly distribute laundry around the drum instead of crowding all items to one section. Loosely load clothes instead of tightly packing the drum.
• Untangle knotted items – Shake out and untangle twisted sheets, towels, and shirts with knots or balls of fabric that could lead to localized imbalances.
• Clean out pockets – Remove wallets, change, keys, and other objects that could get lodged under the drum.
• Check drum padding – If rim padding around the drum is worn or degraded, replace it to prevent off-axis wobble during spins.

What Does the UR Error Code Mean on a Samsung Washer?

The UR code indicates the washer’s load is out of balance and unequally distributed within the drum. This prevents the machine from spinning smoothly. The UR sensor detects the imbalance during the spin cycle and safely shuts down the motor to protect the mechanical components from damage.

While annoying, the UR code is actually helpful – it’s protecting your washer from damage caused by an unbalanced high-speed spin. As a technician, I appreciate Samsung’s UR sensor as it can prevent costly repairs down the road.

Troubleshooting the UR Code

There are a few basic things owners can try themselves to resolve a Samsung washer’s UR code:

• Redistribute the load – Manually shuffle around towels, sheets and mix large and small items. Ensure nothing is wrapped around the agitator.
• Adjust load size – Remove some smaller loose items if the drum is overly full. Try washing fewer articles at once.
• Check under drum – Use a flashlight to inspect for any debris trapped under drum. Remove any foreign objects.
• Inspect shocks – Check the suspension rods and shock absorbers for damage or leaking oil. Replace any faulty shocks.
• Check motor coupling – Examine the rubber motor coupling for damage or cracks. Replace if deteriorated.
• Replace bearings – Worn drum bearings can cause chronic UR errors. Fairly easy for homeowners to replace.

With some basic mechanical troubleshooting, homeowners can often resolve Samsung washer UR codes themselves without professional repair. I’m always happy to save people money and teach them how to maintain their own appliances!

Preventing UR Errors

The best way to avoid UR error codes is by loading the washer properly:

• Mix large and small items to balance the load.
• Try not to wash single heavy items like rugs.
• Load loosely and evenly distribute laundry in drum.
• Untangle knotted sheets, towels or clothes.
• Clean out pockets so debris doesn’t get trapped under drum.

Proper loading goes a long way to preventing pesky UR codes on your Samsung washer. But when the UR error does pop up, use my troubleshooting tips to get your washer spinning smoothly again!

By loading your Samsung washer properly and performing regular maintenance, you can avoid those pesky UR error codes! But when the UR error does strike, this guide outlines proven troubleshooting tips to diagnose and resolve the problem. With a few simple DIY repairs, you can often fix UR errors yourself and save the hassle and expense of professional washing machine repair.