We have examined more than 30 digital error codes and light combinations in Samsung dishwashers. Though some are more complex, most only need minor corrections.
In this article, we are going to take a closer look at the 4C error code, its meaning, and more importantly, how to resolve it.
How to Fix a 4C Error Code on Your Samsung Dishwasher
The 4C error code means that your dishwasher is having a water supply issue. This is usually related to a plumbing problem or a faulty water supply hose.
Power off your dishwasher and make sure that the water supply is on. Check your house’s water pressure and inspect the supply hose for bents, clogs, or damage.
Damaged components need to be fixed or replaced. Once done, restart your dishwasher.
If the error code hasn’t disappeared, you may be looking at other faulty parts in your dishwasher’s water supply system. Keep reading to learn more.
What Causes the 4C Error Code and How to Resolve It
There are several components that are responsible for the water supply in your dishwasher. When they fail, your dishwasher won’t be getting enough water to function properly.
We’ve listed each one in the table below, as well as added troubleshooting methods you can perform to fix the error.
| Cause | Solution |
| Plumbing Issue | Check your house’s water pressure. Make sure that the water supply tap is turned on. |
| Malfunctioning Control Board | Reset your dishwasher by unplugging it for a few minutes and turning it back on. |
| Clogged or Bent Water Supply Hose | Make sure that the dishwasher isn’t sitting on top of the supply hose. Straighten any bents or kinks and connect the hose securely. |
| Clogged Mesh Filter | Take out the mesh filter and clean it carefully in running water. Reinstall the filter properly after cleaning. |
| Faulty Water Inlet Valve | Check the water inlet valve for continuity. If damaged, have it replaced by a professional. |
If you need a more detailed guide on troubleshooting, continue reading.
Plumbing Issue
One of the common reasons your dishwasher lacks the water it needs to function normally is a plumbing issue.
If the water pressure from your house’s pipes is too low, the water supply in your dishwasher would have the same issue as well.
Solution: Before you start inspecting inside your dishwasher, check that your plumbing system itself isn’t failing.
The quickest way to check this is to turn one of your faucets on, preferably, the one at the kitchen sink.
If the water pressure is fine, then it’s highly likely that the dishwasher itself is the cause of the error.
However, if the water pressure is low or there is no water at all, then check if the water supply tap is closed or if there are any clogs or damages in the water pipes.
It is also possible that an ongoing construction nearby is affecting your water supply at home, so keep an eye out or ask around to make sure.
If you are sure that you haven’t been cut off from the main water supply and that there isn’t anything wrong with the plumbing, then you are looking at a mechanical issue.
Here are a few dishwasher components that may cause the error when damaged.
Malfunctioning Control Board
It is not unusual for the dishwasher’s control system to malfunction. In fact, this is one of the most likely culprits behind errors on the panel.
A control board may malfunction for several reasons.
It is possible that the control board is simply lagging in carrying out the commands. This usually happens when you press too many buttons and the dishwasher is having trouble carrying them all out.
A malfunctioning control board might also be a sign of age or wiring issues.
Unless there is visible damage and the panel needs to be replaced, troubleshooting a malfunctioning control board is quite simple.
Solution: Simply turn off your dishwasher and unplug it. After a couple of minutes, plug it back in and reboot it. This should reset your control board and flush out any residual commands.
If there is visible damage to your control board, such as worn-out wiring, call an appliance repair expert to help you diagnose the problem and fix it.
Clogged or Bent Water Supply Hose
Another common suspect for a 4C error code is a faulty water supply hose.
Since it allows the water from the pipes to pass through and go to the dishwasher, this hose plays a crucial role in your dishwasher’s water supply needs.
Because the supply hose has a fairly small diameter, a small bend can be serious enough to cause a lack of water supply.
Solution: Check that there are no kinks or bends in the water supply hose that may be restricting the flow of water into the dishwasher.
If you can’t see any kinks or damage on the hose, it is possible that it may be clogged by foreign material. To test this, conduct the following steps:
- Step 1: Close the tap and disconnect the hose from the dishwasher.
- Step 2: Place the open end of the hose in an empty container.
- Step 3: Open the tap and check if the water is able to freely pass through the hose.
- Step 4: If the water pressure is lower than normal, check and remove any clogs.
- Step 5: Repeat steps 3-4 until the hose is clear of blockages.
Afterward, reinstall the supply hose properly and lock it in place.
A loose connection may cause the water to slip into the gaps, restricting the water supply of your dishwasher. This could also trigger your leak sensor and lead to another error.
If the water supply hose has no damage, no clogs, and is installed correctly but you are still getting the 4C error, you might be looking at another faulty component: the mesh filter.
Clogged Mesh Filter
The mesh filter is located in between the water supply hose and the inlet valve. It acts as the first line of defense against unwanted filth that’s coming from the water supply line.
Because of its function, the mesh filter can be easily clogged by all the sifted dirt. This is especially true for homes with hard water that carries various types of mineral deposits.
Luckily, the mesh filer can be easily taken out for cleaning.
Solution: Turn off your dishwasher. Then, remove the supply hose and use a pair of pliers to pull the mesh filter out from the intake valve. Clean the mesh filter in running water.
Be gentle when handling the mesh filter in order not to widen the gaps or accidentally poke a hole in it.
Faulty Water Inlet Valve
The water inlet valve allows the water coming from the supply hose to enter the dishwasher.
It regulates the amount of water that will fill the tub through a timer or electronic signal from the control panel.
Unsurprisingly, one of the common problems the water inlet valve suffers from is clogging.
This usually happens when your mesh filter is already damaged and the contaminants are now lodged in the valve instead.
But if the valve is squeaky clean but is not working properly, it might be damaged.
A malfunctioning inlet valve may be stuck in a closed position, blocking the water from getting to the tub and causing the 4C error.
Alternatively, it could also be stuck in an open position and filling your dishwasher with more water than it needs to operate properly.
Solution: Check the inlet valve for continuity. Here’s how to do it with an ohmmeter testing tool:
- Unplug your dishwasher then disconnect the water supply hose in order to access the inlet valve.
- Connect the multimeter and test each solenoid for continuity by touching probes.
- If the solenoid is functioning, you should be able to read around 2-4 k Ohms on the multimeter.
For those who are not so experienced with a testing tool, there are telltale signs that you can watch out for to know that your inlet valve is malfunctioning.
Here are a few of them:
- The water leaks from the inlet valve and fills the dishwasher even if the machine is turned off.
- There are leaks and puddles of water on the floor near the dishwasher.
- It takes too long for your dishwasher to reach the right amount of water for a cycle.
Unfortunately, repairing a water inlet valve needs expert skills and technical know-how. So instead of D-I-Ying it, we recommend that you call a professional.
And that’s how you fix the 4C error code on your Samsung dishwasher. If you’re still seeing the code after checking everything we suggested, it may be time to call the Samsung Support Center or your local appliance experts.
Everyone needs help from time to time. So there’s no shame in asking for an extra pair of eyes and hands to get your dishwasher back in perfect shape!
