Display shows ERR4 and softener does not meter water usage correctly
Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
Possible Causes
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Disconnect power before accessing the control panel or wiring.
Steps to check:
- 1. Inspect connectors: Remove the control cover and locate the turbine/flow sensor connector on the main board. Unplug and inspect for corrosion, bent pins, or moisture. Clean with electronic contact cleaner and reconnect firmly.
- 2. Check wiring continuity: With a multimeter, verify continuity from the turbine sensor plug at the valve to the connector at the control board. Repair or replace the harness if open.
- 3. Reset the control: Unplug the softener for 5 minutes, then plug back in. Reprogram time and hardness if needed. Run water and observe if ERR4 reappears.
- 4. Replace control board if needed: If the sensor and wiring are confirmed good and ERR4 persists, replace the Whirlpool electronic control board with the correct model-specific part.
When to call a technician: Board replacement involves handling static-sensitive electronics and reprogramming; if you are not comfortable, contact a qualified technician.
Repair Difficulty
Required Part
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