Most washing machines these days come with a display panel that is present near the control panel on top of the machine. This is designed to show necessary information such as water temperature, timer duration etc. They also show certain 2 digit codes that are generally a combination of a number and alphabet or both alphabets. These codes pop up whenever the machine is not working properly. These codes are designed to tell you what problem your machine is facing.
Most companies have their unique error codes designed for their models but there are certain codes that are found on most washing machines. One of them is a 4C or a 4E error. This is a common error that occurs in a washing machine. In this article, we will understand what this error means and how you can resolve this issue.
What is a 4C Error?
A 4C or 4E error indicates that there is a problem with the water supply to the machine. The washer is not receiving a smooth and uninterrupted supply of water. You will generally see this error when you are starting a fresh load of clothing. This is because the washer cannot fill water in order to start the cycle. There can be a few reasons why your washer is facing a water supply issue, let us look at them;
1. The Water Hoses are Bent:
This is a pretty common reason for the 4C error. It happens when the water hose or pipe is bent or twisted at some point. This blocks proper water flow and creates a disruption that prevents the water from smoothly moving into the machine. This also reduces the water pressure which makes it difficult for the water to come into the machine.
To correct this, you need to check the water pipe. First, you need to switch off the washer and remove it from the power outlet. Now gently bring the washer forward to see behind it. After this, you can see if the water supply pipe is tangled or bent in any place. This pipe is also removable in most cases, you can remove the pipe to check for any blockage inside it.
2. Low Water Pressure:
If you live in a place that has low water pressure then also the 4C error will pop up often. This is because due to the low pressure the water is not going into the washer properly. A regular washing machine needs a water pressure of 0.5 to 8 bar to function properly. If your water pressure is lower than that, you can use a water pressure booster pump to increase the pressure. If you frequently get the 4C error then low water pressure might be the cause.
3. The Supply Valve is Blocked:
The supply valve is placed on the source of water for your washing machine. In general, this is present on the tap from where your machine is getting water. This valve can also be blocked sometimes or simply not completely open. Just twist the ply valve to see if it is completely open and the water is coming at a good speed. You should also check the source of water i.e tap to see if the water is flowing properly from the tap.
4. Check the Mesh Filter:
There is a mesh filter behind the washing machine which is connected to the water supply hose. Sometimes, this filter can also be blocked which results in slow water intake in the machine. This is especially important if you live in an area with a hard water supply as they tend to block filters faster. To check the mesh filter you need to first ensure that the washing machine is switched off and unplugged, then;
- Remove the L shaped nozzle from the water supply hose at the back of the machine.
- Using a pair of pliers, remove the mesh filter. This mesh filter is attached to the water intake nozzle behind the machine.
- Once you have removed the mesh filters, you can run them under water to clean them. You can also use a soft-bristled brush to remove any accumulated dust or debris from the filter.
- Now attach them back and connect the L shaped nozzle again. Ensure that they are tight so that there is no water leakage later.
5 Check the Soap Dispenser:
The soap dispenser or the detergent container can also be the reason why you are seeing the 4C error. This happens when the soap dispenser is dirty or blocked. You can clean the soap dispenser under hot water to see if the4C error resolves itself.
Here’s a small summary of what you do if you notice a 4C error in your machine:
- Check the water pressure to see if it’s too low
- Check the water inlet hose/pipe for damage, kinks or blockage
- Check the water supply tap to ensure its fully opened
- Check and clean the mesh filter behind your machine
- Check to see if the soap/detergent dispenser drawer is dirty or blocked
4C error is a common error in a washing machine and can be resolved easily in most cases. If your machine is still showing a 4C error after checking and cleaning all the things mentioned above, then there might be an internal issue with the machine and you need to check it with a professional. Alternatively, you can call the customer service tech support and talk to them to figure out why the error is occurring. They might be able to guide you as to how you can resolve the issue.
