What E04 actually means
The dryer has lost a sensible signal from its programme selector dial, so it doesn't know which cycle you've asked for and stops.
The control board watches the programme selector and, if the signal reads as short circuit or open circuit for about ten seconds, it halts the drying cycle and puts E04 on the display. On Hoover condenser dryers this is a control fault rather than anything to do with drying performance e be able to be commanded at all \u2014 the drum will usually stop mid-cycle or refuse to start.
What E04 looks like on a Hoover tumble dryer
Most people find this page having searched for what the machine is doing rather than the code itself. On a Hoover tumble dryer, E04 usually shows up as one or more of these:
- Keeps saying empty the water container
- Water container light stays on
- Water in the bottom of the dryer
- No function at all
- Dead — nothing lights up
- Lights flashing and nothing happening
- Programme won't start
- Machine tripping the electrics
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
- Worn or failed programme selector switch behind the dial
- Damaged wiring or a loose plug between the selector and the control board
- A knob that has been forced or turned past its stop, damaging the selector
- Damp or condensation affecting the selector contacts
- Faulty main control module misreading the selector
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 dryer off at the wall for a minute, then switch back on and reselect the programme \u2014 occasional one-off readings do clear
- Turn the dial gently to a different programme and back to see whether the fault only appears in one position, which is useful information for the engineer
- Make sure the knob is pushed fully onto its spindle and not catching on the fascia
Which Hoover models show E04
E04 means the same thing on all 2 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.
VHC680C · VTV590NC
Common questions about Hoover E04
What does E04 mean on a Hoover tumble dryer?
The dryer has lost a sensible signal from its programme selector dial, so it doesn't know which cycle you've asked for and stops. The control board watches the programme selector and, if the signal reads as short circuit or open circuit for about ten seconds, it halts the drying cycle and puts E04 on the display. On Hoover condenser dryers this is a control fault rather than anything to do with drying performance e be able to be commanded at all \u2014 the drum will usually stop mid-cycle or refuse to start.
Can I fix Hoover E04 myself?
There are 3 checks you can safely do yourself first.
- Turn the dryer off at the wall for a minute, then switch back on and reselect the programme \u2014 occasional one-off readings do clear.
- Turn the dial gently to a different programme and back to see whether the fault only appears in one position, which is useful information for the engineer.
- Make sure the knob is pushed fully onto its spindle and not catching on the fascia.
This one usually needs an engineer once you have tried them.
How much does it cost to repair Hoover 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 tumble dryer 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 Hoover tumble dryer codes
- Hoover E05 — The dryer has lost a sensible reading from the temperature s…
- Hoover E06 — The dryer's main circuit board has failed its own internal m…
- Hoover E07 — The dryer isn't getting enough air through it, and it's blam…
- Hoover E08 — The dryer has overheated and a one-shot safety fuse on the h…
- Hoover E09 — The dryer has spotted a problem with its thermal cut-out — t…
- Hoover E10 — The dryer has stopped because it isn't sensing a normal load…
- Hoover E11 — The dryer has detected that it's getting too hot at the back…
- Hoover E13 — The dryer has lost a sensible reading from one of its temper…
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