What F04 actually means
The washing machine's control electronics have reported a fault and stopped the cycle.
F04 is an electronic module fault — the main control board has either failed a self-check or lost proper communication with one of the parts it controls. Hisense's own instruction is to switch the machine off for a few seconds and try again; if the code comes straight back, the board or its wiring needs looking at properly. It can occasionally be a one-off glitch caused by a power dip rather than a genuine failure.
What usually causes it
- A momentary glitch or power dip upsetting the control board
- A faulty main control board
- A loose or damaged connection between the board and a component (motor, sensor, heater)
- Damp or water having reached the electronics after a leak
- A failing component making the board flag an error
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 programme dial to Off, or switch the machine off at the socket, for a minute, then restart and select a cycle again.
- If the code clears, run a short cycle to see whether it stays away.
- Check the machine isn't standing in water or damp underneath — if it is, leave it switched off at the wall.
- Make sure it's plugged straight into the wall socket rather than through an extension lead or adaptor.
When to call someone
This one usually needs an engineer once you have tried the checks above. We cover Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire, and it's £66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it — £84 in total if it's repaired on the visit with no parts needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.
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 Hisense washing machine codes
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- Hisense F08 — The machine has detected the motor drawing too much current …
- Hisense F09 — The machine has stopped because the mains voltage reaching i…