Hotpoint washing machine error codes are there to help you make sense of when your appliance is not working properly. Error codes are usually a flashing light of a letter and number combination on an LED control panel that you need to interpret so you can troubleshoot the problem.
When you see the lights flashing on washing machines then you know there is a problem and you just need to identify what the error code means. Sometimes the code signals something as simple as the washing machine door is open. Other times it can be as serious as a heater fault issue. Whatever the Hotpoint washing machine fault codes are showing on the digital display, don’t panic.
In this article, I will guide you through the most common washing machine error codes so you can troubleshoot the problems yourself.
Common Hotpoint error codes
It is frustrating when your Hotpoint has a problem but when you at least can see the reason that there is one it helps you come up with a plan as long as you understand what the error code means. Below are the many common fault codes you are likely to experience during the life of your Hotpoint washing machine with ideas on how to fix them.
F01 – Electronic circuit board fault
An electronic control fault issue is essentially when the inboard computer of the appliance that runs the system shuts things down. Just like any piece of electronics, there are times when it gets stuck. Then you end up with this Hotpoint F01 error code. Most of the time it’s as simple as that but there are times when the fault lies in a damaged connection or something similar that requires a replacement.
To see if you can get it working again without an expensive repair being necessary you need to reset it. Unplug the machine from the mains supply and wait for at least two minutes before plugging it back in. Then wait thirty seconds before turning the machine on.
This allows all the data that was stored in the circuit board to clear and reset itself. Once you turn the washing machine back on it should be ready to start a new cycle.
If you still have the fault code flashing then this is going to require a qualified professional to come and do the work.
F02 – Motor circuit fault issue
The motor circuit and the electronic circuit board are not the same things. The motor circuit is what helps send power to the rotating drum of the Hotpoint. When there is a fault it means that the drum can’t rotate so the machine shuts down.
The first thing to do is investigate a bit to see if there is a way that you can get the drum rotating again yourself. Shut off the power and see if the drum rotates freely. If it doesn’t move then there could be an obstruction that is blocking it from moving. If it moves freely then there is likely a poor connection to the circuit.
If you wish to know for sure before calling in a technician, remove the back panel of the machine and locate the belt. Use a multimeter to see if there is any juice running into the motor. When it reads that there are at least 170 ohms then the problem lies in the PCB and you need a professional to come and replace it.
F03 – Temperature sensing fault issue
Unfortunately, when you see this code it means that you have to call in a professional. However, you should still do some digging around especially if you have a Hotpoint that is under five years old and under warranty.
The fault code in this instance means that the water is not heating up properly. There are a couple of potential causes Take a look at the wiring at the back of the machine. Try to locate the thermistor and use a multimeter to check if there is any power flowing through it. If there isn’t then see if there is a loose connection with the wiring that connects it to the circuit board.
A faulty circuit board is covered under the warranty and would be a very expensive repair otherwise. A thermistor is not nearly as much so if you see that it is the thermistor not working then calling a repairman shouldn’t be too expensive.
F05 – Waste pipe blockage or pump issue
This is a very common error code on any washing machine and not just Hotpoint since it means that the water is not draining from the washing machine tub. There are a number of potential causes with some being benign and not requiring a repair and others being slightly more complicated. You could have a pump failure that leaves standing water but it is a good idea to go through a series of troubleshooting tips to narrow down the cause.
The first thing you need to do is unplug the washing machine from the power supply and remove the water manually.
- Use a sponge and bucket to remove most of the water from inside the tub if it is accessible from inside the machine
- Locate the service panel at the bottom of the front of the washing machine and open the flap
- Arm yourself with some towels and a shallow receptacle and withdraw the drain hose from the clip. Open the nozzle and collect the water from the waste water hose in the receptacle
- Close the nozzle and then locate the cover cap for the drain pump filter
- Slowly turn the cap counterclockwise and let the water out while collecting it in the receptacle
- Once the water stops flowing remove the cartridge from the housing
- This is the drain filter and is also called a coin trap. Look inside for any obstructions such as coins or small socks
- Clean the filter from any sludge and do the same for the housing as it can also trap sludge from lint and small objects
- Remove any obstructions and replace the cap, return the drain hose to the clip, and close the service flap
If there were obstructions in the drain pump filter then this is likely the cause of the error code. Restart the machine by plugging it back in and turning it on. If the error code is still active then search for a blockage in the drain hose that leads out of the washing machine and into the drain pipe. It is corrugated and flexible which makes it prone to getting bent and blocking water flow as well as obstructed with sludge buildup.
When this is clear, check the under-sink plumbing as there may be a waste pipe blockage there. Remove the U-bend at the bottom of the pipe as this collects foreign objects and sludge. If this is clear then run a snake through the pipes to clear any obstructions from there.
If any of the above solutions work then you know there wasn’t a mechanical failure. When the fault remains then it is likely to be a pump failure and will need to be replaced.
F06 – Door lock fault issue
Hopefully, when you see this fault code it is because you didn’t close the door tightly enough. Closing it will clear the code and allow you to operate the washing machine without any problems. There are times when you get this error code because there is a door lock problem. A washing machine door can sometimes not close properly because there is an obstruction in the door lock mechanism. This happens frequently in the case of washer-dryer combinations since it can easily get filled with lint.
Check for any obstructions in the assembly such as lint or other foreign objects. If there is none then check to see if the mechanism is loose in any way and tighten it up. There would be a failure of the sensor that tells the machine that the door is closed properly which will need to be replaced.
F07 – Electronic circuit board fault/heating circuit fault
If your pump runs continuously then this will cause the Hotpoint washing machine error F07. In addition to the pump running constantly, the program pauses halfway through the wash cycle and the water isn’t heating properly.
It is very possible that the motor jammed or that there are faulty connections with the circuit boards. Either way, you’ll need a washing machine repair engineer to take care of the problem.
F08 – Heater control fault
If your program pauses mid-way through the wash cycle and you get this error code it is likely there is a pressure switch jammed. The instructions for this error code will be to check the pressure switch but this isn’t something most people can do.
Once again, you’ll need the help of a washing machine repair engineer.
F09 – Software fault
This will prevent you from selecting a programme and will make it impossible to start your wash. This will not only require a technician, but you may need to bring your washing machine into a repair centre and drop it off to be reprogrammed.
F11 – Pump circuit fault issue
When water remains in the washing machine drum and you get this error you don’t have to go through the troubleshooting tips described earlier. This is only lit when there is a failed pump responsible. The only way out of this is to have the pump replaced by a qualified technician.
F12 – Electronic control fault
When washing machines turn on and this is the code then it means that there is a communication issue between the main control module and the display as long as the wash cycle is still functioning. When you can’t turn on the machine at all then this indicates that there is a faulty cable between the module connections and the control board. In either case, you will need a technician to fix this issue.
F13 – Dryer temperature sensing fault (washer dryers only)
There are a few things more frustrating than getting a Hotpoint F13 error and finding that the dryer didn’t dry your load. When the dryer cycle seems to be working but you take the clothes out and they are still wet then you have a faulty heating system because the temperature sensor isn’t working. This is an easy fix if you can follow instructions and are a bit handy. However, to avoid voiding a warranty it is a good idea to have an expert come and fix it.
F15 – Heater control fault (washer dryers only)
This code will mean two different things potentially if you have a washer-dryer combination. In the case of the washer, it means that the washing machine isn’t heating water properly. With regards to the dryer, it means that the drying cycle isn’t working and it isn’t drying clothes properly.
In the event that your clothes are still wet after doing a dry cycle, then first check the lint filter to see if it is dirty with lint. The lint needs to be cleared before using the dryer since this impedes airflow and the ability of the dryer to work.
With regards to the washing machines, if the wash cycle pauses then this could signal that there is a blocked pump or one that has failed. Otherwise, it can mean that there is a heating system problem and the heater relay is faulty.
The plan of attack is to start with the dryer lint filters and go from there. If it is clean then see if the sensor is working. If the problem lies with the washing machine then you will need to have a technician take care of it.
F16 Ñ Drum lock position sensor fault (top loading machines only)
Top-loading machines can end up with problems with the drum rotation in the sense that it stops in the wrong position. This can happen when you open the door and the drum stops. The way to try to fix this is to disconnect the washing machine from the power and then reconnect supply from the mains to see if it resets and starts again with the drum in the correct position.
If the problem persists then it could be the washing machine motor is blocked or the belt is damaged. You can check this yourself at the back of the machine. If you move the belt and it turns the motor then it is likely that there is a fault with the circuit board and will need to be replaced.
Final Word
Error codes on washing machines can cause a lot of anxiety as you imagine an expensive repair bill. Whether you have a Hotpoint washer-dryer combination or just a washing machine, these codes should help you understand when you need to panic and call for service or you can use some elbow grease to resolve the problem yourself. Arm yourself with the owner’s manual to locate some of the parts and you can do a DIY repair and save hundreds.
