4E (shown as 4C or nF on some models) means the washer didn’t detect enough incoming water within its expected window. Samsung’s own troubleshooting treats this as a water supply issue first: hoses, valves, and inlet filters, not an internal washer fault.
Samsung Washer Error Code 4E (Not Filling)
4E means the washer isn’t getting enough water in time. Samsung’s fix starts with the supply hoses and valves, not the washer itself.
Meaning
Possible causes
No cause is certain until it has been checked on the appliance.
- Very likely Water supply valves not fully open
- Likely Kinked, bent, or pinched supply hose
- Possible Debris clogging the inlet filters where the hoses connect
Tools needed
- Bucket
- Adjustable pliers
- Small brush
First checks
- Confirm both hot and cold water valves behind the washer are turned fully open, and stay open while a cycle runs.
- Check both supply hoses for kinks, and make sure hot is connected to the hot inlet and cold to the cold inlet.
- With the water supply off, disconnect the hoses and inspect the small mesh filters inside the inlet connections for debris. Clean them if clogged, this is a common cause Samsung specifically calls out.
- Power cycle the washer: unplug or switch off the breaker for 1 minute, then restore power and run a cycle.
Step-by-step diagnosis
- Check both valves behind the washer are fully open, and that they stay open. A valve that vibrates closed over time is easy to miss.
- Confirm hot is on the hot inlet and cold on the cold. Hoses swapped at installation will fill a cold cycle from a hot line that may be shut off entirely.
- Run both hoses through your hand looking for kinks and pinches.
- Close the water, put a bucket down, and disconnect both hoses at the machine.
- Pull the small mesh filters out of the inlet ports and brush them clean. Samsung calls this out specifically, and on hard water they clog within a couple of years.
- Reconnect, open the valves slowly, then cut power for a minute and restore it.
- Run a rinse and watch water actually arrive in the drum.
What not to do
- Requesting a part replacement before checking the inlet filters. Samsung lists debris in the filters as a specific, common cause of this exact code.
- Leaving Flood Safe hoses installed if the washer came with them. Samsung's own instructions say not to use these hoses on this platform.
When to stop
- Valves open, hoses clear, filters clean, and 4E still appears.
- One inlet fills and the other does not, which points at that side's valve.
An error code varies by brand
The same code can have a different meaning depending on the brand and model. Always check your appliance's manual before acting.
Related problems
LowWashing Machine Won’t Start? 6 Causes Ranked by Likelihood (With Tests)
Most washers that won't start have a door that isn't fully closed, a tripped breaker, or an engaged control lock, rarely a…
LowWashing Machine Stuck on Spin Cycle? 6 Causes Ranked by Likelihood
A washer stuck on spin is usually re-attempting because of an unbalanced load or an unconfirmed lid/door switch, rarely a failed motor.
LowLG Washing Machine Not Draining: Reset, Filter Location & Error Codes
LG front-load washers have a pump filter behind a small hinged door at the bottom front, very similar to Samsung's layout. The…
Related guides
When to call a professional
If the simple checks turned up nothing, if the repair involves electricity, gas, or the sealed refrigerant system, or if you have any doubt at all: stop there and hand the appliance over to a qualified technician.
