A dishwasher may stop while in the middle of a cycle. This functionality fault could be due to an error code. Your dishwasher’s display will tell you which error code has been triggered, and seeing as you’ve found this article, I’m guessing it’s the one we’re going to talk about.
Error code E4 shows a problem with the water supply within the unit. It can be an obstruction in the drain. The most common solution to fix this malfunction is to ensure that the water supply is under the correct pressure, check leakages and open blockages.
Your dishwasher will always detect a problem and raise the alarm. There are solutions you can apply yourself to get your unit working again.
This article will discuss the causes and solutions of error code E4 in different dishwasher brands.
What Do You Do When Your Dishwasher Displays Error Code E4?
Error code E4, in most cases, indicates a water supply error. This means that the unit has an overflow of water.
Due to this fault, the dishwasher goes into defrost mode, its system gets too cold, and it stops functioning.
There are several solutions to fix error code E4 in dishwashers. They include:
- Connecting the drain hose correctly
- Draining the kitchen sink completely
- Cleaning all the filters present in the dishwasher and changing them regularly
- Ensuring that the condenser coils and evaporator are ever clean
The water supply within the dishwasher should be moderate. As too high or too low water pressure causes the code to trigger.
If the error persists after trying the tips above, you should unplug the dishwasher, clean out all the water and leave it for some time.
After everything in the unit dries off completely, plug your dishwasher to check whether it will work.
It would be best if you consider calling an appliance technician to repair the unit in severe cases.
How to Fix Error Code E4 on Different Dishwasher Brands
Different dishwasher brands display error code E4 for diverse reasons, and the solutions are not the same.
1. Kenwood Dishwasher
The error code E4 on a Kenwood dishwasher signifies a flood code. A possible leak brings about the flood in the dishwasher. The water then finds its way to the lowest point of the unit (below the wash area).
The area where the leaking water settles is where all the functions of the Kenwood dishwasher are. The sensor in the dishwasher detects the presence of water; hence the unit displays error code E4.
Below are the solutions you can apply to clear the error code on your Kenwood dishwasher.
Let the dishwasher rest: You can opt to leave your dishwasher idle for some hours or rather some days, depending on the nature of the leak.
The water evaporates when the unit rests, and the error code will disappear.
Tilt the dishwasher: Alternatively, you can tilt the Kenwood dishwasher in a position where the water leaves the sensor switch area.
When the water leaves the sensor area, the sensor will automatically reset, and the error code will clear.
Fixing error code E4 on a Kenwood is quite simple. This is because the error is due to the accumulation of water around the working area of the unit.
Whenever fixing this error code, always make sure to unplug the unit from the power source.
2. Samsung Dishwasher
The Samsung dishwasher error code E4 indicates that the unit’s system is not detecting enough water supply. Several reasons could result in inadequate water supply in this Samsung unit.
The possible causes of the unit failing to detect water supply and their solutions are;
Clogged filters: You should ensure that you clean the filters at the connection point of the hose regularly.
Clean filters that protect the valve from physical dirt, allowing water to flow adequately within the unit.
Wiring fault: Any fault to the wiring connected to the control board causes error code E4 in Samsung dishwashers.
Always check with the circuit analyzer that the connecting loops at the valve winding are reliable and not faulty in any way.
You should call a Samsung repair technician if the wiring damage is extreme.
Drain fault: The drain is a critical system of the dishwasher.
Make sure that the drain hose has a proper installation. Improper installation of the drain hose causes error code E4.
Inlet valve failure: When checking for any faults in the valves, use a circuit analyzer to examine the resistance of each solenoid coil.
If any solenoid had a blow-up, it would result in the inlet valve not opening to let water into the dishwasher. This brings up error code E4 in Samsung dishwashers.
In case of an inlet valve failure, call a repair technician because the entire valve assembly will require a replacement.
3. Fisher and Paykel Dishwasher
Fisher and Paykel dishwasher displays error code E4 when the drain hose is not installed properly.
When the hose is installed higher than it should be, the drain gets an obstruction, and water floods because the unit cannot drain the water out.
Alternatively, the accumulation of debris on the dishwasher filters causes a malfunction in these units.
The simplest solution to clear this error code is by connecting the drain hose as per the installation instructions.
You can also reset the dishwasher using the following steps:
- Press the power button with a key and lock image for one minute
- Turn off power to the unit by pressing the power button
- After five minutes, restore power by pressing the power button again
- Check whether the dishwasher is functioning normally.
4. Bosch Dishwasher
When there is a water flow failure, Bosch dishwashers display error code E4. Apart from water flow failure, using hard water in these units possibly leads build-up of calcium on the sensor wheel.
Due to clogging, the dishwasher undergoes a breakdown.
These faults are not complex, and you can repair them by yourself. The tips below should help you resolve error code E4 on a Bosch dishwasher.
Clean the sprinkler: Calcium build-up causes corrosion in the sprinkler. The clogged sprinkler fails to function well. Cleaning it helps to remove the clog.
You should remove the sprinkler, brush its nozzles thoroughly with a brush and finally rinse it with running water.
It will help if you consider using an acid cleaner or vinegar because they help remove calcium build-up efficiently.
In extreme cases of calcium build-up, the sprinkler breaks and will require a replacement.
Regular dishwasher cleaning: To prevent the regular occurrence of error code E4 on your Bosch dishwasher, you should clean the unit often.
Regular cleaning removes clogs and any food particles stuck in the dishwasher.
Breakdowns due to error code E4 can result in flooding damaging your Bosch dishwasher. That is why it is advisable to switch off your dishwasher whenever error code E4 occurs.
5. Compact Dishwasher
Compact dishwashers display error code E4 due to several reasons.
These reasons include improper connection of the drain hose, which causes water to accumulate in the unit and hence triggers the signal to show error code E4.
You should ensure that you install your drain hose correctly to clear this error. Also, ensure that all the filters in the drain are clean as they can lead to drain obstruction.
Once you’ve checked that the drain hose is okay, ensure that the water drains completely.
6. Whirlpool Dishwasher
When the signals in your Whirlpool dishwasher detect an overflow of water, it emits an error code E4. The clogging of the filters typically causes this overflow.
Food particles in the dishes clog the filters, and this error occurs.
The steps below illustrate how you should go about clearing error code E4 in your Whirlpool Dishwasher.
- Please turn off the dishwasher and ensure that it is empty
- Remove the filters and clean any food residues present on them
- Put water in the two tubes present at the bottom of the dishwasher’s neat
- Close the door and turn the unit on to empty the water out
- Let the dishwasher rest for thirty minutes before putting it back to use.
This procedure clears out any foreign particles present in your Whirlpool dishwasher.
7. Kitchen Aid Dishwasher
Your Kitchen Aid dishwasher will display error code E4 when you fail to connect the water supply correctly.
Too high or too low water flow pressure within the unit causes a malfunction.
To remove the error code, you should:
- Switch off your dishwasher from the power supply
- Turn off the water supply.
- Ensure that the water is flowing at the required pressure (not too high and not too low)
Final Word
When your dishwasher is not working, the most common reason will be an error code.
Although some dishwasher malfunctions may require a technician, you necessarily do not need a technician to fix an error code on your dishwasher.
Dishwashers are vital in the kitchen, and the best thing you can do is familiarize yourself with the cause of error code 4E and how to fix it as per your brand.