A Samsung dishwasher will often display an error code when something is amiss. One common error code is 4C, which begs the question, what does the Samsung dishwasher error code 4C mean, and what causes it?
The error code 4c on a Samsung dishwasher means the dishwasher is not getting enough water, and it could be because of an issue with the water inlet hose, the water supply valve, or the water pressure.
While failed water supply forms the bulk of the reason behind the error code 4c, it’s not the only trigger. Sometimes the 4c code appears due to an electronic glitch, power fault, or control board malfunction, issues which are fixed mostly by a reset.
So, you can’t overlook the three issues just because the error code often points to a water supply problem. On that note, I’ll explain what to do in each case.
In a rush? Below are the quick fixes to the six issues behind the dishwasher error code 4c:
Quick Troubleshooting Guide for the Samsung Dishwasher Error Code 4C
| – | Likely Cause | Quick Fix |
| 1. | Water inlet hose issue (clogging, bending, or folding) | Unclog the water inlet hose if it’s clogged, and straighten out any bends or folds |
| 2. | Water supply valve fault (closed, frozen, or defective valve) | Open the supply valve if it’s closed, melt any ice clog, and replace it if it’s defective |
| 3. | Low water pressure (below 50 psi) | Adjust the water pressure to 50-120psi |
| 4. | Electronic Glitch | Reset the dishwasher |
| 5. | Power fault | Reset the dishwasher |
| 6. | Control Board Malfunction | First, reset the dishwasher, and if it doesn’t work, replace the control board |
What Does the Code 4c Mean On a Samsung Dishwasher?
The error code 4c usually pops up on a Samsung dishwasher when the dishwasher detects a failed water supply. Simply put, it means your Samsung dishwasher isn’t getting enough water.
It could be because of an issue with the water inlet hose, water supply valve, or insufficient water pressure. If that’s not the case, which is quite rare, the error code could indicate an electronic glitch, power fault, or control board malfunction.
Let’s discuss all these six likely causes next.
Why Your Samsung Dishwasher Has the Error Code 4C
Below are six likely explanations for the error code 4c on a Samsung dishwasher:
1. Water Inlet Hose Issue
It’s essential for the water inlet hose not to interfere with the water supply to the dishwasher. That won’t happen, however, if the water inlet hose is clogged, bent, or folded. In such a case, water won’t get into the dishwasher, which may trigger the popping up of the error code 4c.
Note that the water supply hose may clog by ice, and if so, you should warm it at around 0-600C. The easiest way is to soak it in hot water (about 0-600C hot) for some time.
2. Water Supply Valve Issue
If there’s an issue with the water supply valve, the dishwasher won’t get any water. Over time, the water inlet valve clogs with dirt. If so, it doesn’t allow water to pass through.
The water supply valve, like the water inlet hose, could also obstruct with ice; if so, you’ll need to warm it up (at around 50-600C) to get the ice blockage out. First, soak a towel in hot water (50-600C) and then use it to wrap the iced valve for a few minutes.
If it’s not an obstruction, then it’s likely that the water inlet valve itself is damaged, and you can tell that by testing it for continuity with a multimeter. The lack of continuity ratifies that.
And if the issue is neither of the two, it’s highly likely the water inlet valve is closed and thus needs opening.
3. Low Water Pressure
Samsung dishwashers operate best at a 50-120 psi water pressure range. If the pressure is lower than 50 psi, it won’t be enough to allow water to flow to the dishwasher.
Remember, you can use the water pressure gauge to determine the dishwasher’s water supply. If the water pressure is lower than 50 psi, it’s likely due to:
- The water shut-off valve is off
- Multiple running taps
- Insufficient home water pressure
- Blocked path
4. Electronic Glitch
If the issue has nothing to do with a failed water supply, it could be an electric bug, which happens to every electrical appliance. In such a case, all it takes is a complete reset, which I’ll explain later,
5. Power Fault
If the error code 4c sometimes has nothing to do with the water supply or electronic glitch, it could be a power supply issue. If so, check its power supply and possibly reset the dishwasher.
6. Control Board Malfunction
The last consideration is the control board. If the control board has an issue, you cannot use the dishwasher to do anything, as the control board is its heart and engine.
Sometimes the issue is trivial, requiring you to unplug the dishwasher for 10-15 minutes and then plug it back. If that doesn’t work, you’ll need to replace the dishwasher.
How to Fix Samsung Dishwasher Error Code 4c?
Given the discussed issues, here’s how you can reset the error code 4c on your Samsung dishwasher:
Step 1 – Check the water inlet hose for fault
It’s essential to inspect the water inlet hose for the following issues:
- Clogging
- Bending
- Folding
Consider unblocking the water inlet hose if it’s clogged. Remember to use hot water (0-600C) if it’s ice-clogged, and preferably soak it in the water.
Meanwhile, straighten it out, however, if it’s either bent or folded to ensure smooth water flow.
Step 2 – Check the water supply valve for fault
If the issue is not with the water inlet hose, it’s likely with the water supply valve. Like the water inlet hose, the water supply valve may clog, especially the filter part. And if so, you should clean it to unclog it.
Sometimes, the water valve clogs up by freezing. If so, soak it in warm water or hold a towel soaked in hot water (0-600C) around it.
If that’s not the case, the supply valve could be damaged, necessitating a replacement.
Step 3 – Check the water pressure
The water pressure should be sufficient to drive water into your dishwasher. Ideally, the pressure should be 50-120 psi. Anything below 50 psi may prevent the dishwasher from getting enough water.
It may mean doing the following if the water pressure is not enough:
- Open the tap or water shut-off valve if it’s off
- Close some of the taps if multiple taps are running
- Unblock the water supply path if it’s blocked
- Adjust your home water pressure
Step 4 – Reset the dishwasher
Once you rule out a water supply fault, it may help to reset the dishwasher to fix an electronic hitch or power fault. Additionally, you can troubleshoot the control board by quickly resetting it if it’s only an ordinary malfunction. If it’s not, consider the next step.
Step 5 – Replace the control board
Consider replacing the dishwasher control board as a last resort. But to ensure you are replacing a faulty control board, ask for an expert’s help checking it for fault.
Note:
If you still have the same error code after doing the above, you may consider getting a new dishwasher. But first, talk to Samsung or have a local dishwasher expert check the dishwasher for hidden faults and try to troubleshoot them. Meanwhile, you can put your Samsung dishwasher in diagnostic mode to see if there are other hidden faults to share with the expert.
People Also Ask
1. Why Does My Samsung Dishwasher Say 4c?
Your Samsung dishwasher says 4c because there’s an issue with the water supply. It seems like your dishwasher is not getting any water, and it could be because of a clogged or defective water inlet valve, a kinked or blocked water inlet hose, or low water pressure.
2. How Do I Reset the Code 4c On My Samsung Dishwasher?
You can reset the code 4c on your Samsung dishwasher by unplugging it for 10-15 minutes and then plugging it back in. If the code doesn’t reset, check the dishwasher’s water supply and ensure the dishwasher is getting enough water.
3. How Do I Reset My Samsung Dishwasher Code?
You can reset your Samsung dishwasher code by unplugging it for 1-5 minutes. If it doesn’t reset after plugging it back, plug it out again but for 10-15 minutes. If unsure, check out the dishwasher manual to locate a reset procedure that Samsung recommends and follow it.
4. How Do I Force My Samsung Dishwasher to Drain?
You can only force your Samsung dishwasher to drain by addressing the cause of the drainage. It could be that the drain hose is kinked or blocked, and if so, straighten it or unclog it, depending on the issue. It could also be that the drain filter is dirt-clogged. If so, clear it.
5. What Is the Common Problem with Samsung Dishwashers?
Samsung dishwashers suffer different issues that you can troubleshoot. It could be that the dishwasher won’t clean, dry, or drain. It could also be that the dishwasher is noisy or a case of the dishwasher not starting. Whatever the case, you can troubleshoot your dishwasher DIY and save money and time.
6. Why Is My Samsung Dishwasher Running But Not Draining?
Your Samsung dishwasher is running but not draining because there’s a vast clogging. It could be that the dishwasher pump is heavily clogged and thus won’t pump wastewater. It could also be an issue with a clogged drain pipe. And if none of those, the dishwasher pump could be faulty.
7. What Is the Life Expectancy of a Samsung Dishwasher?
Samsung dishwashers are amongst the most reliable dishwashers on the market. You can expect a Samsung dishwasher to last ten years or more with good maintenance. That means cleaning the dishwasher regularly, loading it properly, or replacing faulty components as soon as you notice them.
Closing Thought:
Now you know the meaning of the Samsung dishwasher error code 4C and how to fix it. Start by checking the dishwasher’s water supply to ensure the dishwasher gets water.
Once you rule out a water supply fault, consider an electronic bug, power fault, and control board malfunctioning, and you can troubleshoot them by resetting the dishwasher.
However, you may need to replace the control board if the reset doesn’t work on the control board.