Samsung Washer 4C Error
What it means
The 4C error (shown as 4E on some older Samsung washers) means the washer is not filling with water correctly. The machine didn't receive enough water — or any water — within the expected time. It's almost always a water-supply problem like a closed tap, a kinked hose, or a clogged inlet filter, and it's usually a quick DIY fix.
The bottom line on the 4C error
The 4C error — 4E on older Samsung washers — means the washer did not fill in time, usually a supply problem: a closed tap, kinked hose, or clogged inlet filter. The surprise is that it appears even with the water on, when a clogged filter or low pressure starves the fill.
Start free: open both taps fully, straighten the hoses, and rinse the inlet mesh filters — that clears most 4C errors with no parts. If the inlet valve has failed, the part is only $30 to $60 and a repair rarely tops $300, so it is worth fixing rather than replacing.
4C snapshot
Our own at-a-glance triage of the 4C error, from the verified data on this page. See error-code rankings → · How we score →
Common causes of the 4C error
- Water supply tap (faucet) not fully turned on
- Kinked, bent, or crushed water inlet hose
- Clogged mesh filter screen in the inlet hose or valve
- Low household water pressure
- Frozen water line in cold weather
- Faulty water inlet valve (less common)
Which Samsung washers get the 4C error
4C (older units show it as 4E) turns up on both Samsung front-loaders (WF-series) and top-loaders (WA-series such as the WA52M8650AV), across roughly the last decade of models. High-mineral (hard-water) areas see it more often because the inlet mesh filters scale up faster.
How to fix the Samsung Washer 4C error
- 1Unplug the washer firstFor safety, disconnect the washer from power before checking hoses and valves, especially if you'll be moving the machine.
- 2Open the water taps fullyCheck that both the hot and cold water taps behind the washer are turned on all the way. Partially open valves restrict flow and trigger 4C.
- 3Straighten the fill hosesInspect the water inlet hoses for kinks, bends, or crushing behind the machine and straighten them so water can flow freely.
- 4Clean the inlet mesh filtersTurn off the taps, unscrew the fill hoses from the back of the washer, and use needle-nose pliers to pull out the small mesh filter screens. Rinse away any debris or mineral buildup, then reinstall them and reconnect the hoses snugly.
- 5Reset and testPlug the washer back in and start a rinse/spin or short cycle to confirm it fills normally and the 4C error is gone. If it persists, unplug for 5 minutes to fully reset the control board, then retry.
🧰 When to call a professional
If the taps are open, the hoses are clear, and the filters are clean but 4C keeps returning, the water inlet valve or control board may have failed. That's an internal repair best handled by an appliance technician.
Samsung 4C vs Samsung SC (5C) vs Samsung dC: how they compare
How this code stacks up against related error codes for difficulty, urgency, and cost.
| Samsung 4C | Samsung SC (5C) | Samsung dC | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY difficulty (1–5) | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| Urgency (1–5) | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Typical cost | $ | $$ | $ |
How much does it cost to fix the 4C error?
| DIY parts | $0–$60 |
| Professional repair (parts + labor) | $150–$300 |
| New appliance replacement | $650–$1,300 |
Repair or replace?
Most 4C fixes are free — opening the tap, unkinking the hose, and rinsing the mesh filters solves it with no parts. If the water inlet valve has actually failed, the part is only about $30–$60 but a technician adds $150–$250 labor. Since a full valve repair rarely tops $300, it's almost always worth fixing rather than replacing, unless the washer is old and showing other faults too.
Common replacement parts for the 4C error
| Water inlet valve | $30–$60 | The main failed part when cleaning doesn't clear 4C | |
| Inlet mesh filter screens | $5–$15 | Cheap; replace if torn while cleaning | |
| Water fill hose | $15–$35 | If kinked or split behind the machine |
Prices are typical retail ranges and vary by model and supplier — always confirm the exact part number for your appliance before buying.
Samsung 4C error — FAQ
＋ − What does the 4C code mean on a Samsung washer?
It means the washer isn't getting water in time — a water-supply issue. Older models show this same fault as 4E.
＋ − Can I fix the Samsung 4C error myself?
Usually yes. Most 4C fixes are simple: open the water taps, unkink the hoses, and clean the inlet mesh filters. No special tools are needed beyond pliers.
＋ − Why does 4C show up when my water is on?
Even with the taps open, a clogged inlet filter, a kinked hose, or low water pressure can starve the machine of water and trigger 4C. Clean the filters and check the hose path first.
Sources & manufacturer references
This guide is independently written and not affiliated with Samsung. Always unplug appliances before servicing and follow your model's manual. Error codes and steps can vary by model — when in doubt, consult a qualified technician.