Unfortunately, Hotpoint washers don’t have a reset button. However, if you want to know how to reset the Hotpoint washing machine so you can reprogram it then you’ll be happy to know it is very simple. You simply need to press the Start/Reset button for three seconds until it beeps. While you are still pressing that button, press the On/Off button until it also beeps three times. Now you can reprogram it to your new specifications.
There are times when you need to restart the machine because it is stuck or is in the wrong program. This is when you need to do a hard reset and restart the machine to get it going again. This is a bit more complicated and specific so you’ll need a guide on how to do that.
In this article, we will cover how to troubleshoot a Hotpoint washing machine that is stuck so you can reset it and get it working normally again even without a reset button. If you can’t figure out the problem you can check out our washing machine recommendations here.
How to do a hard reset on a Hotpoint washing machine
When your washer gets stuck the only way to get it moving again is to do a hard reset even though it doesn’t have a reset button. It will not only reset your programmes to the original factory defaults, but it will restart the machine and hopefully get it through the programme again.
There are several reasons that a machine gets stuck and needs a hard reset and most of them are fairly benign. For instance, if the machine has lost power due to a tripped breaker or if the load is unbalanced. However, there are times when there is a malfunction and this will not work.
The first thing to do is to remove the washing machine plug from the main power supply. You will need to leave it unplugged for at least an hour but maybe more to fully drain the power from the circuit board. If you plug it back in too soon, the computer will remember where in the wash it is and not fully restart.
Leave it unplugged for at least an hour and then set the programme dial to any position with the exception of the “Final Spin” or “Spin” settings. After at least an hour, see that the water intake is on, and then plug the washer back in. The washer should be off at this point so push the “On” button.
Set the desired programme and see if you can run a test wash with a spin cycle. If it was simply a glitch with the inboard computer software then this hard restart likely got it clear and it will resume its normal function.
Some of you may see that it is still getting stuck at a certain point in the wash or rinse stage, or that it doesn’t want to start at all. This means that you have a malfunction and some troubleshooting is necessary as unfortunately there is no reset button.
How to troubleshoot a malfunctioning Hotpoint washing machine
When your washer is still not cooperating you will need to perform a diagnostic test to see what the fault is that is preventing it from operating. This involves a series of operations between the dial and the button so you can get the error code that is relevant to the issue.
- While the washer is still plugged in, turn the machine off using the “Off” button
- Set the dial to setting number 1
- Turn the washing machine on and then switch the dial to setting 2 and turn it off again
- Dial back to setting 1 and push the button to turn it back on
- Switch the dial to setting 3 and turn it off again
- Turn the dial over to setting 1 and push the button to turn it back on again
- While the washing machine is still on, turn the dial to the “Spin” setting and then push the “Start” button
- Verify that the lights are flashing and then SAe on the display
The washer will start its diagnostics by running the water which you will hear. The tub will start filling with water and go through various checks. The water will drain and the drum will spin, for instance. Once the drum stops spinning, you’ll see End on the display to verify that the diagnostic phase is done. Once you see that, switch the washing machine off and turn it back on to retry the program that you want to do your wash with.
This usually kickstarts the washer and gets it back working normally again in most cases. For instance, if the circuit breaker tripped in the middle of a wash sometimes this can freeze the machine and a forced restart is necessary.
When this doesn’t work, you will need to check for error codes and see how to troubleshoot the issue that the code indicates before calling for repair services.
Common error codes and how to deal with them
There are a number of common malfunctions that arise with washing machines and some of them you can troubleshoot yourself. Others will require a service technician to come and do a repair. Either way, it is good to know what the code means so that you can describe the issue you are having along with the code when you call for service. The less time that the repairman needs to spend diagnosing washing machines the less money it will cost you so it pays to understand the codes no matter what.
Code F03 Ñ Temperature sensing issue
When you take your clothes out of the wash and they feel cold even though they have just finished washing then you know that there is an issue with the temperature of the water. The fault code will confirm it.
This can happen because the thermistor is faulty or the heating element is spent. Either way, your clothes will not be washed at the correct temperature. The opposite can also happen and you will see this code when the thermistor is heating the water too hot. This will damage the machine and your clothes and this is why it will shut down in the middle of the wash.
Unfortunately, you will need to call in a technician for services to deal with this issue as you can’t do a replacement yourself.
Code F05 Ñ Waste pipe blockage or pump issue
This is probably the most common code you will see if your machine has stopped suddenly. This is because it is not draining the water in the tub. It can be because there is an obstruction in the sump hose, drainage pipes, or coin trap. Or, it can signify that there is a malfunction with the drain pump itself.
You will have to go through a process of elimination to figure out if it is something that is easily fixed or if you need to replace the pump.
- If there is standing water in the tub then manually drain it
- Ensure that the washer is disconnected from the electrical supply and turn off the water inlet valve
- Take the clothes out of the washing machine and remove as much of the water from the drum with a large sponge and bucket
- Locate the service flap at the bottom of the washer and open it up
- If your model has a drain hose, withdraw it and hold it over a shallow receptacle
- Open the nozzle drain the water and ensure no more is coming out then replace the drain hose nozzle
- Turn the cover cap for the drain pump filter by turning it slightly counter-clockwise and collect the water slowly coming out
- When the water stops escaping, turn the cap all the way and pull the drain filter out
- Ensure that the filter, aka coin trap, is free of any debris or foreign objects such as coins, small socks, or hair bands
- Wipe out any sludge or lint build-up
- Inspect the filter housing for any obstacles and wipe out any sludge
- Close the filter housing and the service flap
If you found any obstructions in the filter or housing then this is the most correct reason for the code. You should be able to restart after plugging the machine back in, turn on the water inlet valve and turn the machine on. Put the clothes back in go through a wash cycle and see if it will reset.
When washing machines stop at the drain setting and stop then there is still a blockage somewhere in the line or the pump is faulty.
Start with a check of the sump hose for any kinks as it is flexible and susceptible to being bent. If it isn’t then inspect it for any blockages. Since it is also corrugated, it can cause sludge to build and block the flow of water which causes it to flow back into the machine and shut it off mid-wash.
If this looks clear then the obstruction could be further down the drain pipes leading out of the house. Check the U-bend piece at the bottom of the pipe. This is there to catch debris and will often collect lint and small objects until it becomes blocked. You can take this off and dump the water out to see if it is blocked. If it is then this is the most likely cause of the issue. If not, then you need to call a technician to come and inspect the pump and probably order a replacement.
Code F06 Ñ Door lock
When you leave the door open to the washer, it will not start a cycle. Sometimes the door lock assembly will get loose, or obstructed, or the wire will disconnect and this sends a signal that isn’t correct to the inboard computer to shut off the machine.
When you see this code you need to understand what caused it so check the door lock. There could be something small obstructing it which just needs to be removed. If it is loose then you may just need to tighten up the screws. Otherwise, remove it and replace it with a suitable one that you previously ordered. You should be able to replace this yourself just make sure to unplug the washer first.
When you remove the door lock assembly you may find that the wires connecting it are loose and this caused your malfunction. Tighten them back up and try to reset and run the cycle again.
Code F08 Ñ Heater
At some point in the life of a Hotpoint washer, you will experience a problem with the heater. Sometimes it’s a faulty circuit board or wire connection that causes the heater to malfunction. Other times the heating element goes out and it causes fluctuations in the temperature of the water in washing machines.
Unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do in this situation as you require a suitable technician for service.
Code F11 Ñ Pump circuit
You might not want to see this code since it means that the water not draining is not caused by a blockage. The only remedy is to replace the pump or find out if the circuit to the pump is malfunctioning. Either way, it is not usually something that the average washing machine owner can handle.
You may be able to save some money by buying a suitable pump yourself and then having to require a professional to install it for you. In the meantime, you will need to follow the directions described earlier for draining your washing machine manually in the meantime.
Flashing LED lights
Some models of Hotpoint washing machines don’t have a digital display so checking the LED lights to understand the error codes before you try a reset is needed.
- The LED light located farthest to the left flashing means it is a heater problem
- The third LED light from the left flashing means there is a motor circuit problem
- The LED light furthest to the right indicates a drum lock position sensor problem
- The first 2 LED lights from the left blinking simultaneously means there is an electronic control problem
- The first 4 blinking means there is a heater control problem
Final Word
You are not likely to find that these problems pop up frequently for Hotpoint washing machines and need to have a reset button. This article should help you in case any of these problems do arise, however. To get control of laundry day back into your hands it pays to understand what your washing machine is trying to tell you!
