E4 Error Code on a Dishwasher — What It Means Across Brands
E4 by brand — quick reference
| Brand | E4 meaning | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Bosch | Spray arm performance low / water distribution fault | Medium |
| Samsung | Spray arm performance low | Medium |
| LG | Spray arm blocked or water pressure insufficient | Medium |
| Miele | Water intake issue / intake valve fault | High |
| AEG / Electrolux | Overflow / water level too high | High |
| Whirlpool | Spray arm rotation fault | Medium |
Bosch / Samsung / LG / Whirlpool — spray arm fault
For these brands, E4 typically indicates the spray arm isn't rotating freely or water pressure at the arm is below the threshold required for effective washing.
Causes:
- Spray arm holes blocked by limescale or food debris
- Spray arm physically obstructing a tall item in the rack
- Low water pressure at the inlet (below 0.5 bar)
- Inlet filter (on the water supply hose) clogged
Fix:
- Remove upper and lower spray arms (usually unscrew anti-clockwise or lift off).
- Hold each arm under the tap and use a toothpick to clear each jet hole.
- Check that the arm spins freely when reinstalled.
- Check the inlet hose filter — a small mesh screen at the back of the machine where the water supply connects. Unscrew the hose and pull the filter out with pliers.
- Confirm water pressure at your tap is adequate.
Direct error code pages: Bosch E4 · Samsung E4 · LG E4.
Miele — water intake fault
On Miele dishwashers E4 points to a water fill problem — the machine isn't receiving water, or the fill valve isn't closing properly. This is a higher-severity code because it can sometimes indicate an overfill risk.
Steps:
- Check the water supply valve under the sink is fully open.
- Inspect the inlet hose for kinks.
- Run a power cycle — if the code returns within the same fill phase, the inlet solenoid valve may need replacement.
AEG / Electrolux / Zanussi / Indesit — overflow or high water level
On Electrolux-platform brands (AEG, Zanussi, Indesit), E4 indicates the water level sensor has detected too much water — an overflow condition. This is serious.
Immediate steps:
- Turn off the dishwasher and shut the water supply valve.
- Do not open the door immediately — water may spill.
- Check the base tray by tilting the machine slightly — if water drains out, the leak sensor was triggered correctly.
- Inspect the door seal, hose connections, and the inlet valve (a faulty inlet valve can fail to close, causing overfill).
Browse all AEG and Zanussi error code guides.
Identifying your exact model
The model number sticker is usually on the inner door edge, visible when you open the dishwasher door. You can also find it inside the soap dispenser pocket on some models. Always use the model number when looking up error codes — the same code can mean different things across model generations within the same brand.
Frequently asked questions
Can I still use my dishwasher with an E4 code showing?
For spray arm codes (Bosch, Samsung, LG) the machine will still wash but results will be poor. For overflow codes (AEG, Miele), stop use immediately until the cause is identified.
How do I clear the E4 code after fixing the problem?
On most brands, the code clears automatically when the fault condition is resolved. Run a short cycle. If the code doesn't reappear, the fix was successful.
E4 appeared after I loaded the dishwasher differently — why?
A tall item (pan, cutting board) probably blocked a spray arm. Remove the item, spin the arms by hand before starting the next cycle, and redistribute the load.