What causes Frigidaire Washer E4?

Clothes bunched on one side of the basket, which Frigidaire names as the usual cause. A small load or a single heavy item such as a comforter, pillows, a rug, or a bath mat that soaks up water and throws the basket off center. Washer not resting firmly on the floor, with a rocking or loose leveling leg. Foam shipping support left in place after installation. Washer installed on carpet, a soft floor, or loose plywood, which Frigidaire says to avoid. If E4 keeps showing with balanced loads on a level washer, a worn suspension or other mechanical problem that needs service.

How do I fix Frigidaire Washer E4?

Press Pause (or turn the washer off) and wait for the basket to stop and the lid to unlock. Never reach into a moving basket. Spread the clothes evenly around the basket. Separate large items so they don't sit in one clump. For a small load, Frigidaire suggests adding one or two similar items and restarting, which helps the basket balance. Wash bulky items like comforters and pillows in pairs or with a few towels on the bulky or bedding cycle so the weight spreads out. Check that the washer sits firmly on all four legs. Rock it gently corner to corner; if it moves, turn the leveling legs in or out until it's solid, then tighten the lock nuts. Frigidaire says the legs shouldn't extend more than 1/2 inch below the washer bottom. Check that it's level front to back and side to side and not leaned back (a not-level washer can also show E5). If the washer is new or was just moved, look for foam shipping material under or inside the unit and remove it per the installation instructions. Restart the cycle, or run a drain and spin, and watch whether the spin finishes without the code.

When should I call a pro for Frigidaire Washer E4?

E4 shows on almost every load even though the clothes are spread out and the washer is level and solid on the floor. The basket wobbles, knocks, or tilts noticeably when empty, which can point to worn suspension parts. The washer was installed or moved within the past 30 days: Frigidaire says to go back to your installer first. For units installed more than 30 days ago, Frigidaire's advice is to contact them to schedule service (1-800-944-9044 in the US, 1-800-265-8352 in Canada).

Code: E4🧺 Frigidaire Washer

Frigidaire Washer E4: Load Out of Balance During Spin (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)

Q: What does Frigidaire Washer E4 mean?

E4 (or just 4) on a Frigidaire top-load washer means the load is out of balance during the spin. The washer tries to fix the imbalance on its own, and shows E4 when it can't after three attempts. Pause the washer, wait for the lid to unlock, spread the clothes evenly around the basket, and restart. If E4 keeps coming back with normal loads, check that the washer is level, sits firmly on all four legs, and had its foam shipping support removed. Frigidaire's support article for top-loading washers says Error Code E4 (also shown as code 4) means the unit is out of balance during spin operation. When clothes pile up on one side of the basket, the washer stops the spin and tries to correct the problem automatically; if it can't solve it in three attempts, it displays E4 and you need to redistribute the clothes. Frigidaire lists two installation causes for the same code: a washer that isn't resting firmly on the floor, and a foam shipping support that wasn't removed. A separate code, E5, means the washer itself is not level. This page covers top-load models; Frigidaire front-load washers use two-digit codes in the E4x range (such as E41), which are different errors.

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Based on 5 manufacturer & service sources

What the code means

Frigidaire's support article for top-loading washers says Error Code E4 (also shown as code 4) means the unit is out of balance during spin operation. When clothes pile up on one side of the basket, the washer stops the spin and tries to correct the problem automatically; if it can't solve it in three attempts, it displays E4 and you need to redistribute the clothes. Frigidaire lists two installation causes for the same code: a washer that isn't resting firmly on the floor, and a foam shipping support that wasn't removed. A separate code, E5, means the washer itself is not level. This page covers top-load models; Frigidaire front-load washers use two-digit codes in the E4x range (such as E41), which are different errors.

Likely causes

Clothes bunched on one side of the basket, which Frigidaire names as the usual cause
A small load or a single heavy item such as a comforter, pillows, a rug, or a bath mat that soaks up water and throws the basket off center
Washer not resting firmly on the floor, with a rocking or loose leveling leg
Foam shipping support left in place after installation
Washer installed on carpet, a soft floor, or loose plywood, which Frigidaire says to avoid
If E4 keeps showing with balanced loads on a level washer, a worn suspension or other mechanical problem that needs service

Safe DIY checks

⚠ Before you start

Unplug the appliance (or switch off its breaker) and shut off the water supply valves before removing panels or disconnecting hoses. Keep towels handy for residual water.

Press Pause (or turn the washer off) and wait for the basket to stop and the lid to unlock. Never reach into a moving basket.
Spread the clothes evenly around the basket. Separate large items so they don't sit in one clump.
For a small load, Frigidaire suggests adding one or two similar items and restarting, which helps the basket balance.
Wash bulky items like comforters and pillows in pairs or with a few towels on the bulky or bedding cycle so the weight spreads out.
Check that the washer sits firmly on all four legs. Rock it gently corner to corner; if it moves, turn the leveling legs in or out until it's solid, then tighten the lock nuts. Frigidaire says the legs shouldn't extend more than 1/2 inch below the washer bottom.
Check that it's level front to back and side to side and not leaned back (a not-level washer can also show E5).
If the washer is new or was just moved, look for foam shipping material under or inside the unit and remove it per the installation instructions.
Restart the cycle, or run a drain and spin, and watch whether the spin finishes without the code.

🛠 When to call a pro

E4 shows on almost every load even though the clothes are spread out and the washer is level and solid on the floor.
The basket wobbles, knocks, or tilts noticeably when empty, which can point to worn suspension parts.
The washer was installed or moved within the past 30 days: Frigidaire says to go back to your installer first.
For units installed more than 30 days ago, Frigidaire's advice is to contact them to schedule service (1-800-944-9044 in the US, 1-800-265-8352 in Canada).

Parts that commonly fix it

Always match the part number to your exact model.

⚙

Washer leveling legs / feet (exact part for your model)

Only if a leg is stripped or damaged and won't hold the washer steady.

[affiliate link slot: AFFILIATE_SLOT_WASHER_LEVELING_LEGS]

⚙

Anti-vibration washer pads

Can help on a slightly uneven floor; they don't replace proper leveling.

[affiliate link slot: AFFILIATE_SLOT_WASHER_VIBRATION_PADS]

⚙

Bubble level

For checking the washer front to back and side to side.

[affiliate link slot: AFFILIATE_SLOT_BUBBLE_LEVEL]

⚙

Frigidaire top-load washer suspension rods / dampers (exact part for your model)

Only if a technician confirms worn suspension; usually a pro job.

[affiliate link slot: AFFILIATE_SLOT_WASHER_SUSPENSION]

Sources

Last reviewed 2026-10-22. Always confirm against the manual for your exact model number.

Frigidaire Washer E4: Load Out of Balance During Spin (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)

What the code means

Likely causes

Safe DIY checks

🛠 When to call a pro

Parts that commonly fix it

Washer leveling legs / feet (exact part for your model)

Anti-vibration washer pads

Bubble level

Frigidaire top-load washer suspension rods / dampers (exact part for your model)

Related codes

Sources