GE - Clothes Dryer - E4

GE Dryer Error Code E4 - What It Means & What to Do

Seeing E4 on a GE dryer can be frustrating, especially if the display is flashing. This code often appears during operation and is a common alert, not a sign of immediate danger.

What the Error Code Means

Error code E4 generally means the dryer detected a communication or control condition outside the expected range.

It points to a control status rather than a confirmed single failure.

Common Symptoms You May Notice

  • The display shows E4 and the dryer may beep.
  • The cycle stops early with the alert displayed.
  • Buttons may respond inconsistently.

Most Common Causes (From Least to Most Serious)

  1. Temporary control glitch: A brief interruption can cause a communication alert even when drying is normal.
  2. Power interruption: A short outage or voltage dip can trigger a control alert.
  3. Control status is outside the expected range: In some cases the dryer pauses when it cannot confirm normal control communication.

Safe Things You Can Check Yourself

  • Power cycle the dryer: turn it off, wait one minute, and turn it back on.
  • Confirm the power cord is fully seated in the outlet.
  • Try a different cycle after the reset.

If at any point this feels unsafe or unclear, stop and contact a professional.

When to Stop and Call for Service

  • The E4 code returns after a reset.
  • The dryer will not start or keeps shutting down.
  • You notice burning smells, sparking, or repeated shutdowns.

Typical Repair Cost Range

$150-$450 is typical for professional diagnosis and repair of dryer control issues, depending on the cause and parts involved.

Costs vary by region, model, and provider. Request an estimate before approving any repair.