Powerpoint dishwasher E4 error code

The solution below applies to a Powerpoint dishwasher but is probably a generic one for E4 problems - given that brandnames are frequently badges of convenience for made-in-china products.


The problems cause and solution goes as follows:

Problem:
Any water that leaks (for whatever reason) from the internals of the machine finds it's way down to the lowest point of the machine - down under the washzone and into the area where all the workings of the machine are located. There's a sensor there (a polystyrene float operated switch in fact) that detects this water - causing the machine to empty and go into error 4 (E4).

The solution will depend on the nature of the leak. If it's due to one of the various seals on the floor of the washer leaking or there is some problem with water level controls then that will have to be repaired first - otherwise you'll keep on getting the error. In my case however, the "leak" was actually a design feature of the machine and is easily rectified.

Open the dishwasher door fully and look at the floor of the machine where it meets the bottom of the door. You'll see a couple of plastic tubes protruding from the floor by about 12mm - one to the left and one to the right. Their function appears to be to act as an overflow if the water level in the machine gets too high (for whatever reason). This excess water is directed down these tubes and into the bottom of the machine where it can be detected - rather than letting it spill out onto your expensive floor. The weakness in this system is that it only takes a soup spoon of water to produce the error - something which might accidently happen during the course of a normal wash.


Options:

1) Leave the machine idle for a few days until the water evaporates. The sensor switch will reset and the error will be gone when you switch on.

For either of the following solutions, turn off the power to the machine by unplugging it or tripping the relevant switch at your fuse board

The stainless steel washcabinet is only slightly thicker than aluminium kitchen foil. Handle the machine gently and never force it otherwise you're in danger of distorting the cabinet.


2) Tilt the machine right the way forward so that the water leaves the area of the sensor. It'll flow back again once you level the machine but in wetting the floor area of the machine, the level at the sensor will be a little lower than before - permitting the sensor to reset. Switch on and the problem should be gone.

3) Pull the machine out from the built in unit to gain access to the right hand panel. Remove it (just a lot of philips screws holding it on) and you can just about see the polystyrene float (near the front) and the slightly depressed area underneath it - in which the water accumulates. You can poke a stick in with some tissue taped to it to mop up the water. Be careful not to disturb or damage the float.


note:

I've had this problem occur twice in as many years. If it keeps on occurring then you likely have a genuine problem with water level controls during filling or a leaking internal seal dripping water into the bottom of the machine.

Don't be tempted to block the overflow tubes - a genuine overflow could destroy your kitchen!