How to fix error F08 on an Indesit washing machine: deciphering the fault code

Error F 08 displayed on the display or control LEDs on the control panel of the Indesit washing machine indicates incorrect operation of the water heating system.

The user needs to disconnect the equipment from the household network, carry out diagnostics on their own, or invite a service center representative.

Operating the machine without repair is prohibited, since failure leads to overheating of the wiring and electronics, followed by a short circuit.

Description of error F08 in the Indesit washing machine

The Indesit SMA electronic controller supports a system test mode with information output:

• a combination of letters and numbers on a liquid crystal screen;
• using flashing control LEDs.

Decoding

Code F08 indicates a breakdown of the electrical components of the washing machine. Due to the resulting defect, normal heating of the liquid is disrupted.

The control unit detects the problem and notifies the user, while stopping the wash. When you try to start the program again (for example, after turning off and then turning on the power), the error is displayed again.

If the defect does not appear after start-up, then the problem was random (for example, due to a sharp drop in voltage in the power circuit caused by an accident in the power grid or substation).

Symptoms and signs

Main symptoms of a malfunction:

1. Displays code of the form F 08 on the screen.
2. On equipment without a screen, the problem is indicated by turning on the control LEDs for the lid lock and the accelerated wash mode (or the laundry spin function at a drum speed of 400 or 800 rpm) in a flashing mode.

Main reasons

The error occurs when there is a breakdown:

• a sensor that determines the temperature of the water in the tank;
• a heating element that maintains the required temperature of the liquid;
• a control unit responsible for the correct joint operation of electrical and electronic components;
• connecting harnesses (for example, open, poor contact or short circuit);
• an electric motor that rotates the drum.

The table shows prices for some types of repairs (excluding the purchase of spare parts). Tariffs depend on the city and the status of the service center.

It should be borne in mind that Indesit does not supply a number of components to the spare parts market, so you will have to purchase used products or elements produced by third-party companies (for example, a number of Chinese enterprises produce components for equipment restoration).

What are the typical faults of washing machines?

If you have a question about a TV malfunction and determining the defect, you should create your own new topic in the forum. The forum has already discussed the following typical faults:

• won't turn on
• drain pump failure
• control unit malfunction
• repair and replacement of bearings
• wear on motor brushes
• malfunction of the heating element (heater)
• broken or stretched drive belt
• breakdown of the hatch locking device

Self-diagnosis of faults and methods for their elimination

To carry out the work, the owner will need:

1. Disconnect the equipment from the household network, and then drain the water from the drum and remove the wet laundry.
2. Prepare a test device, a set of screwdrivers and wrenches.
3. Proceed with sequential testing of nodes with intermediate testing of the results. It is recommended to start the analysis with the heating element and temperature sensor (according to statistics, components are the cause of malfunctions in 93% of cases).

Temperature sensor

A thermistor is used to measure water temperature in Indesit machines. Depending on the degree of heating of the sensitive element, the resistance changes, which is recorded by the control unit.

To check, it is necessary to partially disassemble the equipment housing and find the sensor, and then connect the probes of the test device to the output. At room temperature (+20…+25°C) the resistance is 2 kOhm.

For further testing, remove the sensor and lower the housing into water heated to +50°C. A working element will show a drop in resistance to 1.3 kOhm.

If the value does not change or drops several times, then you should purchase a new sensor (the product is selected according to the existing sample or the model of the washing machine).

The sensor cannot be repaired (for example, washing with alcohol or a rust converter will not restore the original characteristics). You should not use products from other machines due to different resistance versus temperature curves.

Heating element (heating element)

The heating element is installed at the bottom of the tank and secured with a nut, the body is sealed with a rubber gasket. For preliminary testing, you will need to remove the case cover and then disconnect the power cables.

The multimeter should be switched to ohmmeter mode and the probes should be connected to the contact plates. A working heater has a resistance in the range of 12-30 Ohms (depending on the model and power). Then you should remove the assembly and make sure that there is no breakdown on the housing (the tester is connected alternately to the contacts and the metal casing).

After installing the new element, you need to assemble the machine and carry out a test run. During further use, it is recommended to add a reagent along with the powder, which reduces water hardness and protects the surface from the formation of a layer of scale.

You should not overuse washing at a water temperature of +70°C: prolonged use negatively affects the life of the heating element and increases energy consumption.

Control module

To control the operation of the washing machine, an electronic controller connected to sensors is used. If the unit does not operate correctly, error F 08 may appear (according to service center statistics, the probability of controller influence does not exceed 5%).

At home, the owner can assess the condition of the control unit, switching plugs and wiring harnesses. There should be no traces of liquid on the module, otherwise it is necessary to dry the unit on a battery or with a hairdryer (household or hair dryer).

If, upon inspection of the controller, delamination of the printed circuit board, destruction of tracks or damage to capacitors (for example, swelling or rupture) is detected, then it is necessary to return the unit to a service center.

You should not fix breakdowns yourself (except in cases where the owner has the skills to solder electronic components and the appropriate equipment).

If restoration is impossible, you will have to buy a new washing machine or look for a control unit removed from another copy of the washing machine.

Engine

The equipment uses AC motors. When the brushes or commutator plates wear out, power and rotation speed are reduced, and overheating of the windings causes an error to be displayed.

To eliminate the defect, you will need to disconnect the water supply and dirty liquid drain hoses. To access the motor, you need to remove the rear cover, then carefully remove the drive belt.

The engine is bolted to the drum casing through rubber damping pads.

1. Place the motor on a table or workbench, and then make sure that there is no breakdown of the windings on the housing using a test device.
2. Check the operation of the motor by applying voltage for 1-2 seconds.
3. Dismantle the brushes to visually assess the condition; if critical wear or mechanical damage is detected, the parts should be replaced. It is important to take into account that the brushes are replaced in pairs, the elements are selected according to the engine model or an existing sample.
4. Unscrew the screws, remove the covers and inspect the collector; in deep mining, you need to remove the rotor and take it to a workshop for sharpening. In case of critical wear, the rotor must be replaced.
5. Check the condition of the ball bearings; if axial play or jamming is detected, new parts must be installed (since the products are standardized, the selection should be made according to the catalog). Operating an engine with worn rotor supports leads to damage to the stator plates, increased noise and overheating, which can be recorded by the control unit as error F 08.
6. Check the condition of the windings with a test device: short circuits or breaks are not allowed. It should be noted that the cause of the breakdown may be a short circuit between the turns, which cannot be determined in everyday conditions. To eliminate the defect, you need to take the stator to a workshop to install a new winding.
7. Assemble the SMA and check its functionality.

Wiring

During the washing process, condensation forms inside the machine body, which settles on the contact plates and forms conductive paths. During the inspection, it is necessary to visually assess the condition of the insulation.

Damaged areas should be covered with a layer of insulating tape. The contacts need to be cleaned with fine sandpaper and checked for secure fixation.

The test device allows you to determine open circuits or breakdowns in the housing.

What other reasons can cause error F08 to appear in Indesit brand washing machines and how to deal with the problem yourself?

What does error code F08 mean on an Indesit washing machine?

Indesit is one of the most popular and well-known brands producing household appliances. Such washing machines are distinguished by their affordable price, high-quality washing, and very easy repairs. The best thing is that the washing machine itself shows what problems and breakdowns have arisen and what needs to be done next with it. The failure makes itself known by beeping and flashing. More rarely, such signals are absent, but the display will still show a malfunction in the form of an error code. Next, you will find out what error F08 means on an Indesit washing machine.

conclusions

The entire repair (including disassembling the pressure switch and a trip to the store) took four hours and 790 rubles for a new heating element. And if I had called a technician (they don’t call us, I would have to take it myself), I don’t know how much time I would have spent and replacing the heating element (I specifically found out) costs 1000. Not counting the price of the element itself. Saved again!

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This is how I live with my old appliances! Good luck to all! If you liked the post, share it with your friends, click the social media button below the text, and at the same time you’ll get a chance to win an expensive laptop!

Causes

Error F08 indicates that there is a danger. A fire may occur, and it is good if the damage is caused only to the body and parts located inside the machine. But there are also situations when no one was at home, and the machine was washing things, and a breakdown occurred, causing error F08 to appear. To prevent the fire from engulfing the entire house, owners should not leave the laundry and leave for a long time.

If Indesit washing equipment displays error F08, you can try to inspect all the contacts that are responsible for control. There could be a software failure, which means that the washing machine needs to be rebooted. When error F08 appears, first of all you need to disconnect the Indesit machine from the power supply and leave it for about 15-20 minutes. Then turn it on and check if it works. Most likely, error F08 will be resolved. The problem may also be that there is incorrect water supply and pressure. It is still worth making sure that the Indesit washing equipment is in a dry place.

If it happens that the washing machine still displays error F08, then you need to disconnect the Indesit washing machine from the power supply, because you can’t use it anymore, it’s dangerous.

It is important to understand what needs to be done if error code F08 is displayed. First of all, you need to find out how the F08 code is deciphered. It appears on the screen when there is a malfunction in the temperature sensor or in the heater of the Indesit washing machine. Most likely, you will need to replace the heating element or temperature sensor.

The reasons for the appearance of error F08 may be the following:

• short circuit of the heater, as well as the temperature sensor;
• the control module of the Indesit machine is broken;
• engine failure or wiring problems, but this is rare.

If the Indesit washing machine does not have a display, then when error F08 occurs, the “quick wash” indicator lights up. A malfunction may occur in such a way that the washing machine stops heating the water or does not finish washing.

Solution

What to do and how to fix error 08? First, decide what the reason is.

Malfunction of heating element or temperature sensor

First of all, you need to ring the heating element using a multimeter:

• Unscrew the back wall of the washer.
• Disconnect all wires and make sure that the device is completely de-energized.
• Set the multimeter to 20 ohms and measure the resistance.
• If the value is more than 20 ohms, then everything is in order.
• If the number 1 appears on the screen, then there is a break inside the heater and it needs to be replaced.
• Check the heating element for breakdown. Failure of the dielectric inside the device can lead to sparks and fire. To make a ringing call you also need a tester; a video on the topic will help you check:

How to troubleshoot and solve the problem:

• Disconnect the heating element from the wires and unscrew the fasteners.
• Replace the heating element.

To remove error f08 on the Indesit washing machine, check the temperature sensor for traces of rust and corrosion. If any are found, you will need to replace the heating element along with the sensor; cleaning is useless.

Control module failure

If previous tests were unsuccessful, there may have been a failure in the control system. Due to this, the machine does not receive commands to heat up.

Why did the crash happen? There are many options, a professional will help you determine the right one. The board is a complex and expensive part, so it is better to trust a specialist.

The reason is the wiring or the motor.

High humidity conditions provoke oxidation of the motor contacts, which leads to an error code.

What to do? You will need to ring the motor, then remove it, inspect the contacts, clean and blow off dust from the brushes. Also check the wiring leading to the motor. Perhaps this will help reset error 8.

Knowing what the fault code means, you can quickly find out why the breakdown occurred. But it’s up to you to decide whether to repair it yourself or call a specialist.

The heating element or temperature sensor does not work

First you need to check whether the heater is working, since everything depends on it, and you should also know how to fix the breakdown. It is necessary to ring the heating element on the body of the Indesit washing machine with a megameter. If the reading on the device is less than 20 mOhm, then all you have to do is replace the heater. If the magameter shows a normal value, then you will have to identify the cause in other ways. You will need to remove the housing on the back of the Indesit machine and the drive belt if it gets in the way. It is necessary to remove all wires from the temperature sensor and heating element, and also inspect everything thoroughly.

When a visual inspection is carried out, you need to pay attention to whether there is rust in the temperature sensor of the Indesit washing machine. It may cause a breakdown and the appearance of error F08. Still, if corrosion has been detected, then it will be necessary to completely replace the heating element. Because if actions such as washing or cleaning are carried out, this will not give a good result for further work. You will need to buy and install a new and original heating element. This will allow the Indesit washing machine to operate correctly and for a long time.

Error F08 may also be generated due to contact oxidation. The Indesit washing machine is most often installed in areas with high humidity. It is located either in the bathroom or in the kitchen, where there is water supply and sewerage nearby; in such places there is always moisture. Moisture gets inside and after some time the cause of failure occurs due to oxidation. The error is corrected using a method such as replacing contacts.

If, however, the temperature sensor and heater are in order and working, then the cause of the breakdown and the appearance of error F08 may be rust. It happens that dust from the brushes of the commutator motor spoils the contacts even worse than corrosion. To find out exactly the reason, you will need to ring the engine of the Indesit machine. It is also necessary to remove it and check all contacts, including brush contacts. Blow and thoroughly clean. You will need to thoroughly check all the wires that go to the motor.

Prevention

To avoid breakdowns, prevention must be carried out. This will help extend the life of your Ariston washing machine. In order to avoid scale on the heating element and the appearance of error F08, you need to add a special powder before washing. Before putting clothes in the wash, you should check all pockets for items. Do not reload the drum; this may cause damage.

It is not recommended to set the wash to 90 degrees, as this can damage the heating element. When the Ariston washing machine is working, you should not leave it unattended; if a short circuit or leak suddenly occurs, the person will not be able to take emergency action.

If you take preventive measures, this will help avoid various breakdowns, and the service life of your Ariston washing machine will increase. But if it happens that the washing machine displays error F08, you need to try to fix it yourself.

Control module and its breakdown

If you still cannot find the cause of the breakdown, and error F08 remains as before and causes discomfort, you need to know what to do. When it is not possible to understand what the problem with error F08 is, all that remains is to turn your attention to the control module, since it may be the cause of the breakdown of the Indesit unit.

At first glance, it seems that you can easily make repairs and fix error F08. But you shouldn't do it yourself. Because to repair an electronic module you need to have experience. There is a high probability that if you try to fix it on your own, the situation will get even worse, and the Indesit machine will break down completely. You need to think about this and better contact a professional, as he can easily solve this problem. It’s better to spend money on the services of a professional than to buy a new washing machine later.

Error F08 is difficult to simply fix if standard methods do not help. When all methods of fixing the problem yourself have been tried, it is not recommended to use the washing machine with such a malfunction. Repairs carried out at home can lead to serious consequences. If a person is not sure that he can solve the problem himself, he should not even take on it. Therefore, it is recommended to seek help from a specialist who can fix the problem. You should never leave your Indesit washing machine on when no one is home. Such actions can lead to fire and other unpleasant consequences.

Helpful information

Tips to help resolve error F08:

1. Under no circumstances should you begin to disassemble equipment if it is connected to the network.
2. If you have to change parts yourself, then before removing the old elements you need to record their location on a photo or video camera.
3. If the washing machine is under warranty, then you should not open the case and repair the equipment yourself. It is necessary to contact Indesit branded service centers, which are located in almost all major cities.
4. In rare cases, error F08 can be caused by a motor failure. Therefore, if all possible options have been excluded, you need to pay attention to this basic detail.

Read about decoding error codes for Indesit washing machines in this section.

Reasons for the appearance of the code

Using special coding, modern equipment notifies the user of malfunctions. Error F08 on an Indesit washing machine can appear for several reasons. As a rule, the cause of the failure is related to a malfunction and incorrect operation of the temperature sensor. In most cases, you need to replace the temperature sensor or heating element, which could burn out during operation.

Sometimes an error may appear on the display (a characteristic light signal) at the end of the wash.

Let's consider the list of circumstances due to which the washing machine issues code F08.

• More than 90% of all cases are associated with the failure of the heating element or temperature sensor of household appliances. It may short out during operation.
• Problems with the control module rarely cause an error, but in 5-6% of cases this element is the problem. The module should be repaired or replaced. Only a professional craftsman with the necessary knowledge and skills can carry out such work.
• The last reason is a problem with the engine or wiring. There may be an electrical leak.

If there is no display, the machine will indicate the problem with a light signal. The indicator indicating the drum speed will flash and the quick wash mode will light up.

Temperature sensor

It is better to start diagnosing equipment by checking the heating element. The first step is to check the heating element (ring) using a megohmmeter. With a value of 20 MOhm and below, you simply need to replace the element and the problem should be solved.

Otherwise, the following work is carried out.

• The housing of household appliances is opened by removing the back wall. If necessary, remove the drive belt. It may interfere during operation.
• Absolutely all wires should be carefully removed from the sensor and heating element.
• The above items must be carefully inspected for defects. When performing a visual inspection, first of all you need to pay attention to traces of corrosion. It becomes a common cause of error F08.
• If, upon inspection of the heat sensor, rust and other signs of damage were found, the heating element should be replaced with a new one. Cleaning, even the most thorough, will not give the desired result. It must be remembered that this element cannot be repaired. It is necessary to select an original spare part that exactly fits a specific model of washing machine.

Motor and wiring

In some cases, home appliances may generate a code with the above error due to problems with the motor or wiring. Often the cause of such problems is high humidity in the room. High humidity is normal given that appliances are placed in kitchens and bathrooms, but excessively high levels of dampness can cause problems.

Moisture that penetrates under the body of the washing machine oxidizes the contacts. As a result, the display shows code F08. If checking the heat sensor and heating element shows that they are in good working order, most likely the problem is corrosion.

Also, the operation of the equipment is negatively affected by dust from the brushes of the commutator motor. In this case, you will have to check the motor by ringing it carefully. Then you need to check each contact for rust. They are cleaned and purged.

Be sure to pay attention to the wiring that goes to the engine of the machine.

Control module

If the above checks do not produce results and the washing machine refuses to work and displays an error code, the problem may lie in the control module. According to statistics, this is the rarest breakdown, however, it can also occur.

In this case, you should carefully remove the module and begin checking. Work should only be performed if you have the necessary tools, knowledge and skills. Only a specialist can find the broken element and fix the problem. If a beginner without experience takes on the repair, there is a risk of completely ruining the module, and then all that remains is to replace it with a new one.

Why did it appear?

A modern automatic washing machine (AWM) from the Hotpoint-Ariston brand has a self-diagnosis function and, in case of any malfunction that occurs, issues a special code indicating where to look for the causes of the breakdown. This function greatly simplifies the process of using the machine and its repair. The appearance of the code can only be seen when the machine is turned on; on a device not connected to the network, such a code does not appear spontaneously. Therefore, when you turn on the machine, it performs self-diagnosis for the first 10-15 seconds, and if there are any malfunctions, after this period of time information will be sent to the operating display.

Failure of the heating system in a Hotpoint-Ariston washing machine can occur for a number of reasons.

• Poor contact between heating element and electrical wiring. This situation may arise some time after you start using the machine. When operating at high speeds with significant vibration, the contacts of the wires suitable for the heating element or temperature relay may become loose or any wire may move away from the mounting location.

This will signal a malfunction for the washing machine and it will issue code F08.

• Program failure - sometimes the electronics may not work correctly, and the control module built into the washing machine requires a reboot. If you disconnect the machine from the power supply and start it again, the programs will reboot and the operation process will return to normal.

• Exposure to corrosion – washing machines are usually installed in the bathroom or kitchen. Often in these rooms there is an increased level of humidity with poor ventilation. This situation is dangerous because condensation can form on the housing and electrical wiring, leading to corrosion and malfunction of the machine.

If condensation accumulates on the contacts of the heating element, the machine reacts to this by issuing an emergency code F08.

• The temperature sensor has burned out - this part is rare, but can still fail. It cannot be repaired and requires replacement. If the temperature relay malfunctions, the heating element heats the water to the highest levels, despite the fact that the specified washing mode provided for other parameters. In addition, when operating at maximum load, the heating element may fail due to overheating.

• Malfunction of the heating element - a common cause of failure of the heating element is the activation of the safety system inside it. The internal spiral heating the heating element tube is surrounded by a low-melting material, which melts at a certain temperature and blocks further overheating of this important part. Most often, the heating element overheats due to the fact that it is covered with a thick limescale deposit. Plaque is formed during the contact of the heating element with water, and since water contains dissolved mineral salts, they envelop the tubes of the heating element and form scale. Over time, under a layer of scale, the heating element begins to work in increased mode and often burns out because of this. This part must be replaced.

How to fix the problem?

Fixing error F08 is much more difficult than it might seem at first glance. As practice shows, breakdowns may result from malfunctions of various parts. When a code appears, it is impossible to use household appliances until the problem is completely resolved. Even if the machine turns on and starts the washing program, operation can be dangerous.

If you notice that the equipment begins to make strange sounds or work incorrectly, you should find the cause of the problem as soon as possible and eliminate it. It is best to contact a specialist who can quickly and safely fix the problem. If the problem is not resolved in time, it may get worse.

Also, if an error occurs, it is recommended to do the following.

• Check the functionality of the sockets and the integrity of the power cable.
• Modern washing machines run on special software. A reboot will help solve the problem. To do this, turn off the equipment, unplug it and leave it alone for about 20 minutes. Then you should start the washing machine again.
• Check the water supply. The machine may display an error due to insufficient water intake.
• Listen for any third-party sounds during washing. It is possible that a foreign object has fallen under the housing.

When should you call a specialist?

If you have no experience in repairing a washing machine, after an error appears, it is recommended to unplug it and call a technician. The cost of the work depends on which part has failed.

Approximate prices:

1. Replacement of heating elements from 1500 rubles.
2. Replacement of wiring from 1500 rubles.
3. Repair of the control board from 2000 rubles, its replacement from 2500 rubles.
4. Replacement of the pressure switch from 1600 rubles.
5. Replacement of temperature sensor from 1300 rubles.

The cost of work is indicated without taking into account the price of new parts:

• A heating element for an Indesit machine costs 500 rubles,
• control module about 8,000 rubles,
• pressure switch 1500 rubles,
• temperature sensor from 400 rubles.

You should trust the diagnosis and repair of your washing machine only to trusted specialists who have proven themselves in the market for providing such services. Such craftsmen have many positive reviews; they do not charge money for visiting your home and detecting a breakdown.

All work is carried out quickly, and replacement parts are guaranteed. You can find a washing machine repairman on message boards on the Internet. You can contact either a private specialist or a large service center.

Before you agree to repair your washing machine, you need to check with the technician about the final cost of this procedure. For example, replacing a control module will cost about 10,000 rubles.

Recommendations

In order for household appliances to work for a long time and smoothly, you should listen to the recommendations for using the equipment.

• When the wash is finished and the laundry is unloaded, leave the doors ajar. This will help prevent moisture from accumulating, which can cause mold and mildew to form.
• The valve responsible for supplying water to the washing machine must be closed when the equipment is not in use. When drawing water, it must be fully open to ensure the required pressure.
• Periodically rinse the container for washing powder and other laundry detergents. You should also clean your washing machine inside and out. For work, use sponges or soft cloth napkins. Don't forget to turn off the power to the washing machine before cleaning.
• Check the integrity of the hose. If it is seriously damaged, it should be replaced as soon as possible. This part experiences serious stress during every use.
• The sediment filter, which is responsible for suctioning out the water, needs to be cleaned regularly. Experts recommend cleaning after each wash of items made from textured and fleecy materials. This will help avoid serious contamination, which often causes failure. When cleaning the filter, you need to turn off the power to the equipment.
• Each washing machine model is designed for a specific load. The maximum weight of the laundry must not be exceeded. Excessive load will not only lead to rapid wear, but also cause breakdown. Remember that wet items weigh much more than dry items. A load greater than normal prevents the washing machine from effectively washing and spinning things.
• Choose the appropriate washing mode, taking into account the type of laundry. Each program has its own characteristics for the most efficient washing.
• Use household chemicals designed specifically for automatic washing machines. Manufacturers also offer a wide selection of compositions for various types of fabrics. On sale you can find preparations that clean the washing machine and prevent the accumulation of scale inside the equipment.
• Before putting items into the drum, make sure there are no items in your pockets. Clothing with large buttons or heavy metal parts should be turned inside out to avoid damaging the drum.

Be sure to read the instruction manual before using the washing machine. Following simple and understandable rules will extend the life of the equipment for many years.

For information on how to resolve error F08, see below.