Error 4E in a Samsung washing machine

Published: 25 Nov 2021

You started the laundry: collected the laundry, threw it into the washing machine and turned on the program. The door of the machine was locked, but the water supply did not start, and the code 4E lit up on the display of the Samsung washing machine. A message appears on the screen when the wash starts or before rinsing.

When the Samsung SMA shows error 4E almost immediately after starting the program, the sunroof glass and laundry are dry, and the water is not bubbling. When the code pops up before rinsing, the washer drains dirty water and cannot get clean water. We'll talk about what to do with error 4E in this article.

From the experience of the masters! The message on the display may look different: 4E, 4C, E1. It's all the same mistake. The encoding depends on the Samsung SMA model and year of manufacture.

What does error 4E mean on a Samsung washing machine?

Coding 4E means that a water supply error occurred. The washer was unable to fill the tank within the allotted time.

The machine should start filling with water within two minutes of pressing the start button. If this does not happen, the control unit sends an error signal to the display module, and the display shows the code EC. The delay in collecting water before rinsing should also not exceed the specified time.

Also, the Samsung machine writes the following error when the equipment draws water too slowly.

AC6, AC or AE – no signal between boards

The meaning of such indicators is the lack of communication in the control of the washing machine. Sometimes the crash and error display is false. In this case, it is enough to restart the washing machine, after which it will continue to work without problems. If the fault does not disappear after restarting, this may indicate a need for diagnostics.

Modern technologies will help you repair your washing machine yourself.

Usually this problem is solved by stripping the contacts, restoring the wires or replacing the cable. It may also be necessary to replace one or more burned-out elements in modular circuits - diodes, resistors and others.

If you were unable to resolve the error on your Samsung washing machine yourself, do not despair.

If the processor fails, the control chip cannot be restored, and the control module will have to be replaced completely.

Error 4E - when you can fix it yourself

Codes 4E, 4C or E1 on the Samsung washing machine display may not be associated with a breakdown. Often the reasons are hidden outside, and you can eliminate them without the help of a specialist. These are the cases.

There is no water in the house or apartment. Open the faucet in the bathtub or sink to check if there is water. If it is not there, the Samsung washing machine will not start washing and will show the water supply error 4E. If there is no water in the apartment, contact the management company. In a private house with a water well, check the pump, power supply and other water supply components.
Weak water pressure in the water supply. Because of this, the machine does not have time to fill the tank to the level required for washing in the allotted time, which is why it displays the water supply error CHE. Call the management company to ask about low pressure if you live in an apartment, or check the pump, power supply and other elements of the water supply system if you have a private house with a water well.
The water supply to the machine is shut off or the valve is not fully open. When the shut-off valve is partially open, the pressure is weak, and the Samsung washing machine does not have time to draw the amount of water required for washing in a given period of time, which is why it displays error 4E. If the water is completely shut off, the machine does not fill with water at all, and an error message appears almost immediately after starting the program. Open the valve completely. If it sticks and won't turn to the open position, replace the stopcock yourself or call a plumber.

The inlet hose is kinked or pinched. A kinked or pinched hose does not allow water to pass through properly. Therefore, the washer does not have time to fill the required amount and goes into error. Straighten the hose. If necessary, remove objects that are squeezing it or move the machine away from the wall so that the hose is not pinched.
The inlet valve strainer is clogged. The filter protects the valve mechanism from small debris contained in tap water. Over time, the mesh becomes so clogged that the water pressure into the machine drops significantly. Therefore, the Samsung washing machine does not have time to draw water in the prescribed time, and error 4E appears. Take out the filter mesh and clean it. To remove dirt, you can soak it in a solution of citric acid or use a thin needle. After cleaning, rinse the filter under the tap and replace it.
The drain is not connected correctly. The error appears when the drain hose is lowered too low and water flows out of the tank by gravity into the drain while the tank is filling. Therefore, the Samsung machine constantly adds water, but its level does not stay at the required level. As a result, the washer stops and issues 4E. Raise the drain hose to the desired height, make a loop and secure it. Detailed installation instructions are in the instruction manual for your machine.
One-time failure of the control unit. A Samsung washing machine may show code 4E on the display if the control unit fails. A surge in current or voltage while the program is running can cause a random error message that is not actually there. Turn off the SMA from the network for 10-15 minutes, then turn it on again and run the program. If there was a one-time “glitch”, then the random error will disappear and the washing machine will fill with water normally.

8C1, 8C, 8E or 8E1 – problems related to the tachometer

This group of codes indicates that the vibration sensor is not functioning properly. In new generation Samsung washing machines it is called a tachometer and controls not only the vibrations of the drum itself, but also the engine speed. Most often, these types of errors appear if serious repairs are required and a professional technician is called.

Symbols freeze and there is no backlight - this may indicate moisture has entered the control panel

However, there is also one simple problem that causes them to appear: an overloaded drum. The motor may not be able to handle the load and may not be able to rotate a weight that significantly exceeds the maximum load specified in the machine manual.

Only a professional can quickly restore the machine’s functions.

However, if the amount of laundry being loaded has decreased and the error does not disappear, it is better to call a specialist. Most likely, you will need to clean the surfaces on the motor shaft, replace the tachometer, brushes, drive belt, or even the motor itself.

Some breakdowns can be costly to you.

Important! The errors of the Samsung washing machine of earlier models indicated in this group have different codes, but at the same time indicate the same errors. 3E, 3E1, 3E2, 3E3, 3E4, 3C, 3C1, 3C2, 3C3, 3C4 in equipment manufactured before 2013 are equivalent to indicators 8C1, 8C, 8E or 8E1 in new models, and indicate a problem with the tachometer.

Possible faults requiring repair

Have you checked all the reasons when it is not a problem, but the error code appears again? This means that the error is associated with some kind of malfunction, and the help of a specialist will be required.

There are not many breakdowns associated with code 4E. We have collected them in a list and arranged them by frequency of occurrence.

Faulty water supply valve - from RUB 1,400*

The valve is responsible for supplying water to the washing machine. A working unit has two positions - closed and open. The valve may have one, two or three sections and a corresponding number of control electromagnetic coils. In the unit, most often, a coil is lit, which opens the flow of water when voltage is applied to it, so the washing machine does not draw water, and error 4E is displayed.

The valve opens upon command from the control module after pressing “Start” or when changing the program stage (from washing to rinsing). Water flows through the valve fitting into the desired compartment of the detergent dispenser.

In a two-section valve, the first section is responsible for the preliminary wash, the second for the main wash. To fill the tank for rinsing, both sections must turn on. If the pre-wash section fails, the machine normally draws water for washing, but no water is supplied for pre-wash and rinse.

In a three-section valve, the sections correspond to the dispenser compartments: prewash, main wash and rinse. If the rinse compartment coil fails, then during the wash (both preliminary and main) the valve operates normally, but no water flows into the rinse.

A broken fill valve is the most common cause of error 4E on a Samsung washing machine.

SIGNS

The Samsung washing machine shows 4E, but does not draw water at all or only during rinsing. If you stand next to the equipment for a few minutes after starting the program, you will notice that there is no usual murmur of water when typing.

HOW TO FIX

The valve needs to be replaced. The unit cannot be repaired.

The control unit has failed - from 1800 rubles*

The control unit gives the valve a signal to open and close the sections. If the part of the module responsible for drawing water breaks down, the valve is left “without guidance” and water is not poured into the machine.

In the control module:

tracks oxidize, peel off or burn;
radioelements fail: capacitors, resistors, etc.;
the legs and contacts of the elements burn or oxidize;
microprocessor fails.

SIGNS

SMA Samsung does not take in water and displays error 4E.

HOW TO FIX

The technician uses a multimeter to test the valve control section on the board and finds damaged tracks and faulty elements. Burnt radio components are replaced with new ones, the tracks and contacts of the elements are cleaned and soldered. If the scale of damage is too great or the microprocessor has failed, the control unit is replaced with a new one.

Damaged wiring or contacts in the valve circuit - from RUB 1,400*

The EC error appears when there is damage to the wiring or contacts on the cable between the control module and the intake valve. Wires may touch vibrating parts and become chafed over time. In private homes, sometimes mice or rats chew on the wiring. The contacts on the cable with wires burn, oxidize, or weaken due to vibration.

SIGNS

The Samsung washing machine does not fill with water and displays the EC error.

HOW TO FIX

It is necessary to check the wiring and contacts in the area from the control board to the fill valve and identify where the signal is broken. A broken wiring can be eliminated by twisting the wires or replacing the cable.

Corroded or burnt contacts are cleaned, soldered and tightened. In extreme cases, the entire contact group changes.

EB, BC2, bE3, bE2, bE1 and bE – switching and control errors

The interpretation of such error codes on the display of a Samsung washing machine can be different.

If you understand the washing machine’s instructions, you will significantly save both time and money.

Among the reasons for their appearance, the following should be noted:

Triac malfunction. Its stability is very important, since this spare part turns the machine engine on and off, and also controls its speed.
Problems with the unit buttons, including the “start” button.
One-time failure of the control module.

Take care of your washing machine to extend its life.
If the triac malfunctions, unfortunately, you will not be able to fix the problem yourself. It can break down for many reasons, including voltage surges, a faulty socket, a short circuit, and others. The technician will determine what exactly contributed to the problem and tell you how to protect the equipment from breakdowns in the future.

A good technician will quickly fix the washing machine error.

If the reason for displaying code values is sticking or lack of contact with one of the buttons, then, to troubleshoot problems, you can press it several times and hold it in different positions. If this does not help, the button will have to be replaced with a new one.

FC or FE – fan related problems

Problems in this group may appear in machines that have the “drying clothes” option. The appearance of such indicators indicates that there are problems with the fan. If this is only a one-time failure of the control module, after a reboot the equipment will work without interruption.

A serious malfunction requires professional repair.

Otherwise, there may be several causes of problems and, accordingly, ways to eliminate them:

The starting capacitor is faulty - it will have to be replaced.
Broken drive belt - a new one will need to be installed.
Failure of the fan motor - in this case, the entire fan assembly will need to be replaced.
Loss of signal in the fan electrical network - it is necessary to clean or replace damaged contacts on the starting capacitor.

Decoding codes

Codes 4E / E1 / 4C / CHE indicate problems with the water supply complex. This means that 2 minutes after starting the program, the filling level of the washing machine has not passed the first control mark or the amount of liquid pumped in during the first 10 minutes of operation of the device is not enough to perform the selected mode. As a result, washing does not start or stops until the cycle is completed. As the experience of Real Service technicians shows, such breakdowns are often caused by the carelessness of users, so they can be fixed by washing machine owners themselves without the intervention of experts in restoring household appliances.

UE, E4 or UB – imbalance occurs in the drum

Error ue and similar ones on a Samsung washing machine indicate that there is an imbalance in the drum, which produces a significant load on the rotation axis. Most often, the indicators in question are informative, and after rebooting, the washing machine works without problems.

The specialist will accurately determine the cause of the problem and suggest repairs.

However, there are a number of reasons why such errors may appear again:

Uneven distribution of laundry inside the drum. An imbalance can occur due to different sizes of items being washed, causing one part of the drum to weigh significantly more than the other.
Exceeding the permissible amount of laundry in the drum specified in the instructions.
The surface on which the washing machine is installed is not level enough. In this case, the indicator usually lights up during a spin cycle.

Taking good care of household items will increase their service life.
Like any household appliance, a Samsung washing machine requires care, timely maintenance, and following instructions and rules during operation. The occurrence of problems can be minimized if you treat it with care. However, even if the system has failed, this is not a reason to panic. The main thing is to react in time, understand the problem that has arisen and find the right solution!

AC6, AC or CE – hot water fill

Typically, the appearance of such indicators on the display is accompanied by draining of water. If too hot water gets into the Samsung washing machine, it signals this and stops working. To solve this problem, it is enough to check which pipe the unit is connected to.

Schematic drawings will help you quickly understand the structure of the machine, and therefore, its repair.

If hot water is poured into the pipe for any reason, this must be corrected by connecting the machine to the correct pipe.

Note! If water is poured into the washing machine from a cold tap, but the problem does not go away and the system continues to show an error, you need to seek help from a specialist.

Call a professional technician if you notice any problems with your device.
Possible problems in this case:

Malfunction of the temperature sensor - thermistor.
Damage to the heating element.
Control board failure.

ED, DC2, DC1, DC, dE2, dE1, dE – hatch door lock

As a rule, such error codes appear at the very beginning of the washing machine’s operation, immediately after it is turned on, or, less often, after completing a full program cycle, when the washed laundry needs to be removed. These lights mean there is a problem with the hatch door.

Door blocking is the most common problem in washing machines.

Most often, additional symptoms of this problem are the following:

Inability to physically close the unit hatch door.
There is no door lock, which is necessary to start washing.
The hatch does not open after completing the full program cycle.

Before calling a technician, try to figure out the problem yourself.
Usually this problem can be solved on your own. To do this, it is enough to do the following:

Check what exactly is preventing the hatch door from closing. Perhaps some of the laundry is stuck and is interfering with the normal operation of the mechanism.
Carefully inspect the hatch. The presence of deformation may contribute to the occurrence of this problem.
Check if everything is normal with the wires that are connected to the hatch and are responsible for blocking it. Often it is enough to correct them.

Most often, a washing machine breakdown requires contacting a specialist.
If you cannot correct the situation on your own, the hatch door requires repair. Usually it involves replacing hinges or a lock, or restoring damaged wiring.