Hotpoint And Indesit Washing Machine Fault Codes

There are a number of different version of the electronics used in Indesit Group made washing machines and washer dryers that are sold under the Indesit, Hotpoint, Creda and Ariston brand names in the UK and most of them use the same fault or error codes when they have a problem or a spare part fails.

Many of the more recent Hotpoint and Indesit washing machines and washer dryers use what they call the "EVO2" software and it's these fault codes that we will cover in this article. These are the most common fault codes for Hotpoint washing machine models as well as other Indesit Group produced brands.

These fault codes can be displayed in a few different ways but, in the main there's two basic formats. The error code is displayed as a digital code, exactly as you will see below, in an LED or LCD panel or display on the front of the washing machine or washer dryer or, you will get a blinking or flashing light on the front of the washing machine. If it is the latter then you will see a pattern to the flashes if you look closely it will be a series of rapid flashes followed by a pause and then the series of flashes will be repeated, this is the error code being displayed. If you count the number of flashes being given then you use that number to correspond to the fault code, for example, eleven flashes would be fault code F11.

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Hotpoint And Indesit Washing Machine Fault Codes

These fault codes are written for washing machine repairers and not for the general public by Indesit and they assume a certain level of competence on the part of the user in diagnostic routines. We have added some notes to try to assist you in determining the nature of the fault you have but, you will still need to investigate each failure on its own merits. For more help and advice on fault finding on a washing machine please refer to our basic fault finding guide from this link before you begin.

Please check that any Indesit or Hotpoint washing machine spares recommended are suitable for use on your particular model and serial number. If you are unsure about the suitability of any spare part please ask to ensure that you get the correct spares for your washing machine or washer dryer. Please, don't guess or assume as spares can be altered on a production run with the same model number having several different alternative components used.

F1Motor triac short
Check motor and module connections

This fault is usually associated with either a failure of the electronics to "see" the motor in some way or that the motor itself is faulty and therefore the error is reported.

F2 Motor jammed or tacho off
Check motor and module connections

As with the fault above this is a motor related problem and the electronics are correctly reporting that failure. If the motor is proved to be good then it is possible that a fault on the main circuit board has occurred.

F3 NTC thermistor shorted or open circuit
Check NTC thermistor, connections and module connections

The thermistor is the temperature sensor that reads the temperature of the water, in many Hotpoint and Indesit washing machines this is located either in or just beside the water heating element. The thermistor is a Negative Temperature Coefficient type so the resistance of the thermistor will fall as the temperature increases, this can be easily tested with a simple multimeter and a cup of warm water.

F4 Pressure switch jammed empty
Check pressure switch, wiring and module connections

The pressure switch is the sensor that is attached to a pipe unsurprisingly called a pressure switch hose that is very thin, about 10mm or so in diameter, that will come off either the sump hose (the one from the bottom of the washing machine tub that runs to the drain pump) or from the drain pump housing. Also check that this thing hose is clear.

F5 Pressure Switch jammed on full
Possible pump block, check pump etc. for blockage
Check pressure switch, wiring and module connections

As above for fault code F4.

Also in the first instance check the drain pump filter for any blockage or, if there isn't a drain pump filter fitted the pump will need to be removed and inspected for any blockages.

F6 Not Used

Error codes that are not used do sometimes appear and, in most cases, it will indicate some for of failure with the electronics. If you do see this fault code then it's probably not going to be good news.

F7 Heater relay stuck
Check heater wiring and module connections

This code is pointing towards some for of failure in the heating circuit, that is to say, that it could be anything on the heater circuit and you must therefore check all components with a multimeter and make sure that they are all okay. The heater will be a simple circuit that you either have or, it will be open circuit the actual resistance reading is not of any great concern.

To go any further with this you really will need some more specialised test equipment and the knowledge of how to use it, it is therefore outside the bounds of what we consider to be a reasonable DIY repair.

F8 Heater relay stuck
Check pressure connections for heater, wiring and module connections

As with fault code F7, check the heating circuit and in this instance, the pressure switch for any failure.

F9 Setup error
Incorrect or faulty EEPROM fitted, check EEPROM

This one is bad news, it basically means that the electronics either need reprogrammed or very possibly replaced, This is not a cheap repair to do and not one that is recommended for DIY repairs.

F10 Pressure switch
Check pressure switch, wiring and module connections

This error code would point towards a failure with the pressure system or a failure to read the pressure sensor correctly.

F11 Pump
Check pump connections and module connections

This is a failure to drain or to detect the presence of the drain pump in the washing machine. Check the pump for blockages or any obvious signs of damage, does the pump impeller turn freely, are the windings of the drain pump open circuit? Again if the winding coils of pump motor are open circuit then it will need to be replaced but if the circuit is complete then it should be okay and run, the actual resistance is not really required.

F12 No comms between cards
Check module connections

This is either a cable fault as indicated or a failure in one or two of the electronic control cards.

F13 High dryer temperature
Check dryer motor, dryer NTC thermistor and connections possible restricted airflow

What this is saying is, basically, that there is probably either some form of blockage in the dryer side of a washer dryer or, there is one of the components of the dryer assembly faulty.

F14 Dryer not heating
Check dryer thermostat (one-shot), element and connections to module, fan motor, valve

Again, a very ambiguous error code. Check the components indicates and ensure that they are working as they should.

F15 Dryer element relay
Check pressure switch, wiring and module connections

Also check the dryer element and thermostats for good measure.

F16 Not used

As fault code F6.

F17 Door lock
Check door lock, door and connections

This could be a simple case of the door not closing correctly as well as a door lock fault, Check that the door of the washing machine is closing and engaging correctly.

F18 Comms Error on 3 phase motor
Replace power board

Another bad news fault code, this one is essentially telling you that the mainboard in the machine is faulty.

More Indesit And Hotpoint Washing Machine Help, Advice And Guidance

Should you need more help and guidance please use the links from this article as most of them will help you to understand your Hotpoint or Indesit washing machine or washer dryer a lot better and probably very much help you in diagnosing the fault you have. Of course there are many other articles on the site that will also help you do this.

In addition you can post in our help and advice forums after registering but please do pay heed to the information below before doing so and read the guides, they are there to help you.

You must understand certain things before you begin or attempt any repairs on your own and we want to make these points very, very clear to anyone that decides to investigate one of these or any other washing machines:

• We are not responsible for your safety, you are and by using this guide you accept that and accept that any damage that you may cause and work undertaken is entirely at your own risk.
• We will advise the common causes of the fault codes but we cannot guarantee that any parts or work recommended will resolve the issue. It is entirely your responsibility to diagnose your particular problem and resolve it.
• We are not responsible for you buying spares that do not resolve the problem, this is down to your own diagnosis not ours.
• No warranty is inferred, implied or given.

Please do note that manufacturers can and do change fault codes without notice and we cannot guarantee that these error codes will apply to your particular model as all codes apply to a wide range of appliances and not normally any one specific model. To determine if these fault codes do apply to your particular Hotpoint or Indesit washing machine or washer dryer model please post a request to confirm this in the forums.