Samsung E04 washing machine: what it means & what to check

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 E04 looks like on a Samsung washing machine

Most people find this page having searched for what the machine is doing rather than the code itself. On a Samsung washing machine, E04 usually shows up as one or more of these:

Machine 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
Very noisy on spin
Banging or knocking
Moving across the floor

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

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

Common questions about Samsung E04

What does E04 mean on a Samsung washing machine?

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.

Can I fix Samsung E04 myself?

There are 4 checks you can safely do yourself first.

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.

This sometimes clears with those checks. If it comes back, it needs looking at properly.

How much does it cost to repair Samsung 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 sometimes clears with the checks above. If it comes back, it needs looking at properly. 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 washing machine 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 Samsung washing machine codes

All Samsung fault codes and repairs →

What this looks like when it happens

Repairs we cover near you

Written by the engineers at ASAP Repairs, 0115 648 0929. We repair these machines for a living in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire.

Samsung E04 error — washing machine