What E04 actually means
The machine can't balance the washing in the drum, so it won't spin.
On Samsung machines this is the unbalanced load warning (shown as UE or E4 depending on the display). Before it spins up to high speed, the machine senses how the load is sitting in the drum; if the weight is bunched to one side it stops rather than risk hammering the drum and bearings. You'll typically find the cycle has finished the wash and rinses but left the clothes soaking wet.
What usually causes it
- One heavy item on its own, such as a bath mat, duvet or single pair of jeans
- Washing knotted or bunched into a ball on one side of the drum
- Very small load, or a load of mixed heavy and light items
- Machine not sitting level, or standing on a soft or springy floor
- Less often, the drum suspension or the sensing electronics
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.
- Open the door and redistribute the washing by hand, unrolling anything twisted or balled up, then run a spin on its own
- If you're washing a single bulky item, add a couple of towels to help it settle
- Check the machine isn't rocking on the floor and that it isn't touching the units either side
- Turn it off at the wall for a minute and restart to clear the code
When to call someone
This sometimes clears with the checks above. If it comes back, it needs looking at properly. 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 Samsung washing machine codes
- Samsung 1E — The machine can't tell how much water is in the drum, so it …
- Samsung 2E — The machine hasn't managed to empty its water within the tim…
- Samsung 3E — The machine can't tell how fast the drum motor is turning, s…
- Samsung 4E — The machine hasn't taken in enough water in the time it allo…
- Samsung 5C — Your Samsung washer can't get the water out of the drum, so …
- Samsung 5E — The machine has tried to pump the water out and, after about…
- Samsung 8E — The machine has drawn more electrical current than it should…
- Samsung DE — The machine can't confirm the door is shut and locked, so it…