GE Washer Error Code 4 flashes

Four flashes on a GE washer indicate a Mode Shifter circuit failure. The mode shifter is the component that switches the washer between agitation and spin functions. The error is stored by the control board when it detects the mode shifter circuit is not operating correctly. Importantly, the motor itself continues to function normally during this fault.

The 4 flashes code notes that the motor continues to operate normally, so the washer may still run. However, if the mode shifter is not functioning correctly, the machine may fail to transition properly between agitation and spin, which could result in clothes not being washed or rinsed effectively. Running the washer repeatedly in this condition is not recommended until the fault is diagnosed.

Resetting the washer using the lid switch procedure will clear the stored error code, but it will not fix an underlying hardware problem. If the mode shifter circuit has a genuine failure, the code will return once the washer attempts to use the mode shifter again. A permanent fix requires identifying and repairing the faulty component, whether that is the shifter itself, the wiring harness, or the control board.

Yes, you can attempt to clear the 4 flashes error code using the built-in reset procedure. Open and close the lid switch 5 or more times within any 12-second window, and do this within the first 30 seconds after powering on the machine. If the code does not return after the reset, the fault may have been a temporary condition. If it comes back immediately, further diagnosis of the mode shifter and its wiring is needed.

Repair costs vary depending on the root cause. A replacement mode shifter actuator assembly typically ranges from $30 to $80 for the part alone. If professional labor is involved, total repair costs generally fall between $100 and $250 depending on the technician and region. If the control board is at fault, parts and labor costs can be higher, often ranging from $200 to $400.