What C04 actually means
C04 isn't a fault — it's one of the steps in Whirlpool's built-in service test, the part that spins the drum up and measures how unevenly the load is sitting.
On Whirlpool Zen-type washers, holding the buttons in a certain sequence puts the machine into a diagnostic mode where the display steps through C01, C02, C03 and so on. C04 is the longest of those steps: it weighs the imbalance in the drum, shows it on the display in kilograms and grams, then drives the motor up to the machine's maximum spin speed before reporting any related faults it found (F06, F07, F28 and F34 are the ones tied to this test). If you're seeing C04 during a normal wash, the machine has almost certainly been knocked into test mode rather than developed a fault.
What C04 looks like on a Whirlpool washing machine
Most people find this page having searched for what the machine is doing rather than the code itself. On a Whirlpool washing machine, C04 usually shows up as one or more of these:
- Drum not turning
- Won't spin
- Hums or buzzes but nothing moves
- Turns one way only
- Very noisy on spin
- Banging or knocking
- Moving across the floor
- Load left soaking wet because it won't spin up
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
- Test mode entered by accident — a button held down too long, or a child pressing the panel
- An engineer or previous owner left the machine in diagnostic mode
- A power interruption during a cycle leaving the control in the service menu
- A genuine motor or drum imbalance problem picked up by the test, which will show as an F-code (F28 or F34) at the end
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, leave it a minute, then switch back on and select a normal programme — that clears test mode in most cases
- If the drum reading looks wildly uneven, take the load out and redistribute it; a single heavy item like a duvet or bath mat will always read badly
- Check the machine is sitting level and not rocking on the floor, and that nothing is wedged under a foot
- Don't overload it — an overloaded drum will fail an imbalance check even when the machine is healthy
Common questions about Whirlpool C04
What does C04 mean on a Whirlpool washing machine?
C04 isn't a fault — it's one of the steps in Whirlpool's built-in service test, the part that spins the drum up and measures how unevenly the load is sitting. On Whirlpool Zen-type washers, holding the buttons in a certain sequence puts the machine into a diagnostic mode where the display steps through C01, C02, C03 and so on. C04 is the longest of those steps: it weighs the imbalance in the drum, shows it on the display in kilograms and grams, then drives the motor up to the machine's maximum spin speed before reporting any related faults it found (F06, F07, F28 and F34 are the ones tied to this test). If you're seeing C04 during a normal wash, the machine has almost certainly been knocked into test mode rather than developed a fault.
Can I fix Whirlpool C04 myself?
There are 4 checks you can safely do yourself first.
- Turn the machine off at the wall, leave it a minute, then switch back on and select a normal programme — that clears test mode in most cases.
- If the drum reading looks wildly uneven, take the load out and redistribute it; a single heavy item like a duvet or bath mat will always read badly.
- Check the machine is sitting level and not rocking on the floor, and that nothing is wedged under a foot.
- Don't overload it — an overloaded drum will fail an imbalance check even when the machine is healthy.
This sometimes clears with those checks. If it comes back, it needs looking at properly.
How much does it cost to repair Whirlpool C04?
£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 C04?
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.
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What this looks like when it happens
- washing machine not spinning
- washing machine making a loud noise
- washing machine will not turn on
- washing machine beeping or bleeping