What E04 actually means
The dishwasher has spotted a problem with the valve that switches water between the upper and lower spray arms, so it has stopped the programme.
ElectriQ dishwashers use a water distribution (diverter) valve to send the pumped water to the top basket or the bottom basket at different points in the wash. The control board expects that valve to move to a known position and confirm it; when it doesn't, the machine flags E04 and abandons the cycle. It is treated as the highest-priority fault on these boards, so if anything else is wrong at the same time, E04 is the code you'll see.
What E04 looks like on a ElectriQ dishwasher
Most people find this page having searched for what the machine is doing rather than the code itself. On a ElectriQ dishwasher, E04 usually shows up as one or more of these:
- Dishwasher door won't open
- Door won't lock or click shut
- Door lock light flashing
- Door stuck shut with the load inside
- Won't start even with the door closed
- Dishwasher not draining
- Water left in the tub at the end of the cycle
- Stops mid-cycle full of water
Recognise any of those? That is this fault, and the rest of this page explains what causes it and what you can check yourself.
What usually causes it
- The diverter valve is stuck with limescale, grease or bits of food debris and can no longer turn
- Corrosion on the valve spindle, which can also show up as a leak or overflow warning
- A failed motor or position sensor inside the valve assembly
- Wiring or connector fault between the valve and the control board
- Control board no longer reading the valve position correctly
What you can safely check yourself
Work through these in order. Anything beyond this — panels off, testing parts, anything to do with the wiring — is an engineer's job, and not one to attempt with the machine plugged in.
- Turn the machine off at the wall for a minute, then switch back on and start a short programme — the code sometimes clears if it was a one-off
- Take out the bottom filter assembly, rinse it under the tap and clear any debris from the sump area you can reach by hand
- Check both spray arms spin freely and that their holes aren't blocked with food or scale
- Look under the machine and around the door for any sign of water, as a seized valve can also cause leaks
Which ElectriQ models show E04
E04 means the same thing on all 3 of these models. If yours is not listed, the explanation above still applies — the code is set by the control board, not the model number.
EQ60DWINT16 · EQ60DWINTP · EQDW60PW
Common questions about ElectriQ E04
What does E04 mean on a ElectriQ dishwasher?
The dishwasher has spotted a problem with the valve that switches water between the upper and lower spray arms, so it has stopped the programme. ElectriQ dishwashers use a water distribution (diverter) valve to send the pumped water to the top basket or the bottom basket at different points in the wash. The control board expects that valve to move to a known position and confirm it; when it doesn't, the machine flags E04 and abandons the cycle. It is treated as the highest-priority fault on these boards, so if anything else is wrong at the same time, E04 is the code you'll see.
Can I fix ElectriQ E04 myself?
There are 4 checks you can safely do yourself first.
- Turn the machine off at the wall for a minute, then switch back on and start a short programme — the code sometimes clears if it was a one-off.
- Take out the bottom filter assembly, rinse it under the tap and clear any debris from the sump area you can reach by hand.
- Check both spray arms spin freely and that their holes aren't blocked with food or scale.
- Look under the machine and around the door for any sign of water, as a seized valve can also cause leaks.
This one usually needs an engineer once you have tried them.
How much does it cost to repair ElectriQ E04?
£66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.
Tried the checks and it's still showing E04?
This one usually needs an engineer once you have tried the checks above. Then it wants someone who can open it up.
What it costs, before you call: the price is the same whatever the fault turns out to be — £66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.
Our own engineers, not a call centre. We cover Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire — most dishwasher faults are seen same day or next day.
Call 0115 648 0929 Book online — postcode and number is all we need
Outside our area? The explanation above still stands — take it to a local engineer and tell them the code. Knowing it saves them time and you money.
Other ElectriQ dishwasher codes
- ElectriQ E06 — The dishwasher has lost the signal from its water temperatur…
- ElectriQ E07 — The dishwasher has lost a sensible reading from its water te…
- ElectriQ E08 — The dishwasher has lost control of the valve that switches w…
- ElectriQ E09 — The dishwasher thinks one of its buttons is being held down …
- ElectriQ E02 — The dishwasher isn't getting the water it expects, so it has…
- ElectriQ E03 — The water isn't getting hot when it should, so the dishwashe…
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