Samsung Dishwasher 4C Error Code — What It Means
The 4C code (shown as 4E on older units) is a water supply fault. The control board times the fill, and if the tub does not reach the target level fast enough it stops and posts 4C.
In most homes this is a flow problem at the supply, the hose, or the inlet valve rather than a failed control board.
Common Causes
- Supply valve partly closed The shutoff valve under the sink is not fully open, so flow is too low to fill in time.
- Clogged inlet screen Sediment builds up on the inlet valve screen and chokes the water flow into the tub.
- Kinked or crushed fill hose A bent or pinched supply hose behind the unit restricts water and trips the timer.
- Auto-shutoff or FloodSafe hose Safety hoses can throttle flow or trip closed and create a false 4C reading.
- Failed water inlet valve A weak or stuck inlet valve solenoid does not open enough to fill the tub on schedule.
- Low household water pressure A pressure drop from other fixtures or a main issue starves the fill cycle.
Step-by-Step Fix
- Turn off the dishwasher and confirm the under-sink supply valve is fully open with the handle in line with the pipe.
- Pull the unit out and check the fill hose behind it for kinks, bends, or crush points.
- Shut off water, disconnect the fill hose, and clean the inlet valve screen under running water.
- Soak a scaled screen in white vinegar for about 15 minutes to clear mineral buildup, then refit it.
- If a FloodSafe or auto-shutoff hose is fitted, swap in a standard supply hose and retest.
- Run a cycle and watch the fill. If it still posts 4C with good supply, replace the water inlet valve.
- Reset by holding Start or Cancel for about 3 seconds before the next test cycle.
Parts Often Needed
| Part | Notes |
|---|---|
| Samsung dishwasher water inlet valve | Amazon | Match the valve to your exact model number, since the body and coil vary by series. |
| Dishwasher fill hose | Amazon | Standard braided supply hose to replace a kinked or auto-shutoff hose. |
| Inlet valve screen or filter | Amazon | Only needed if your model uses a serviceable separate screen. |
When to Call a Pro
If the supply valve is open, the hose is clear, and a new inlet valve does not clear the code, the fault may sit in the wiring harness or control board. At that point a technician can meter the valve and board to confirm the failed part before you spend more on guesses.