Heater relay fault

SAFETY CRITICAL — a stuck heater relay means the heating element cannot be turned off by the control board. Unplug immediately.
Unplug dryer immediately — a stuck relay is a fire hazard
Inspect main control board for visible burn marks or swollen capacitors near the heater relay
Measure heater element resistance — excessively low reading indicates element drawing too much current
Replace main control board — E4 is a self-diagnosed relay fault
Pro Diagnostic Tip
If the dryer continues heating after the cycle ends, the relay is welded closed. Unplug immediately and replace the board.
Repair Difficulty
Hard — Advanced Skills RequiredEstimated Repair Cost
$175–$350
Parts + labor. Free diagnosis with repair.
Parts That May Need Replacement
Gas leak detector ($130), thermal fuse tester ($95), belt tension gauge, and vent inspection camera ($180). Our technician arrives with $15K+ in professional tools — your diagnostic is free.
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Gas dryers carry carbon monoxide and explosion risk. Even electric dryers involve 240V circuits that can deliver a fatal shock. Our techs are licensed and insured — let them handle the risk.
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Error code E4 is a high-severity issue that can cause further damage to your dryer if left unresolved. A licensed technician can diagnose and fix it the same day.
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Hotpoint error code E4 indicates: Heater relay fault. This is a high-severity issue affecting your dryer.
Unplug dryer immediately — a stuck relay is a fire hazard Then, Inspect main control board for visible burn marks or swollen capacitors near the heater relay Then, Measure heater element resistance — excessively low reading indicates element drawing too much current There are 1 more steps — see the full troubleshooting guide above. This repair typically requires professional tools and expertise.
Besides the error code on the display, common signs include: Dryer continues heating after cycle ends; Burning smell from control area; Dryer will not turn off heating. If you notice any of these symptoms, check your dryer's display panel for error code E4.
Repair costs for Hotpoint E4 typically range from $175 to $350 depending on the specific cause and parts needed. EasyBear offers free diagnosis when you proceed with the repair. Call (415) 795-7300 for a same-day appointment.