What E04 actually means
The dishwasher has decided there is water where there shouldn't be — in the base of the machine — and has shut itself down to stop a leak spreading.
There is a float switch sitting in the base tray of the dishwasher. If water collects down there, the float rises and trips the switch, and the control board refuses to start the programme or fill any further. On the compact Midea-built countertop machines sold under the Zanussi name this shows as an anti-flood trip, and the machine usually won't begin a cycle at all rather than stopping partway through.
What E04 looks like on a Zanussi dishwasher
Most people find this page having searched for what the machine is doing rather than the code itself. On a Zanussi dishwasher, E04 usually shows up as one or more of these:
- Dishwasher not draining
- Water left in the tub at the end of the cycle
- Stops mid-cycle full of water
- Standing water in the bottom
- Not filling with water
- No water going in
- Takes for ever to fill
- Stops right at the start of the cycle
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
- A small leak inside the machine dripping into the base tray
- The float switch stuck in the raised position after an earlier spill
- Water tipped into the base while the machine was carried or tilted, giving a false trip
- A leaking hose connection or pump seal inside the cabinet
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 it off at the socket for a minute, then power it back up — if the base is dry and the float has settled, the fault can clear
- Check underneath and around the machine for any water on the worktop or floor, which points to a genuine leak rather than a false trip
- On a countertop model, make sure it has been sitting level and hasn't been tipped or carried with water still inside
- Check the fill and drain hoses at the tap and sink end for drips or a loose connection
Common questions about Zanussi E04
What does E04 mean on a Zanussi dishwasher?
The dishwasher has decided there is water where there shouldn't be — in the base of the machine — and has shut itself down to stop a leak spreading. There is a float switch sitting in the base tray of the dishwasher. If water collects down there, the float rises and trips the switch, and the control board refuses to start the programme or fill any further. On the compact Midea-built countertop machines sold under the Zanussi name this shows as an anti-flood trip, and the machine usually won't begin a cycle at all rather than stopping partway through.
Can I fix Zanussi E04 myself?
There are 4 checks you can safely do yourself first.
- Turn it off at the socket for a minute, then power it back up — if the base is dry and the float has settled, the fault can clear.
- Check underneath and around the machine for any water on the worktop or floor, which points to a genuine leak rather than a false trip.
- On a countertop model, make sure it has been sitting level and hasn't been tipped or carried with water still inside.
- Check the fill and drain hoses at the tap and sink end for drips or a loose connection.
This one usually needs an engineer once you have tried them.
How much does it cost to repair Zanussi 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 dishwasher 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 Zanussi dishwasher codes
All Zanussi fault codes and repairs →