How to eliminate error F02 in Ariston and Indesit washing machines

The Ariston machine shows error F02, F2 on the display almost immediately after starting work. It happens that the water starts to fill up, then something clicks - and the drum, twitching, spins the laundry. This code indicates problems with the tachometer.

At the initial stage, error F2 may appear in the middle of the washing process, then when the machine is turned on.

Error interpretation

What does it mean if the Ariston washing machine displays error F02 on the display? The reason may be a breakdown of the tachometer. There may be a short circuit or the contacts between the engine and the tachometer have burned out. Subsequently, the drum does not spin, and fault code F2 is displayed.

Ariston washing machine models differ in control methods. Therefore, error F 2 is issued differently in electronic and electromechanical systems.

A model from the Ariston Margherita series with 2 indicators: the “Network” LED flashes twice with an interval of 5-15 minutes. The “Key” - “Lock” LED lights up, the switch clicks and rotates clockwise.

Ariston AML type AML, AVL, AVSL: the “Quick Wash” LED flickers, the “Key” light flashes even more often.

Hotpoint-Ariston washing machine from the ARL, ARSL, ARXL, ARMXXL series: the “End of program” (END) indicator blinks, all program lights (bottom) are on.

Hotpoint-Ariston Aqualtis machines (AQSL): the temperature indicator flashes 30°.

Knowing what the error code means, you can begin troubleshooting.

Engine Troubleshooting

The breakdown is sought by the method of sequentially eliminating possible faults. The first step is to reboot the Indesit machine, which means disconnecting it from the power supply for half an hour.

Even if error F02 is not displayed upon restart, it is advisable to call a technician for diagnostics, who will tell you what to do next. It is likely that during the next wash the control module of the Indesit device or the speed sensor will completely fail.

If, after rebooting, the situation with error F02 has not changed, proceed to troubleshooting in the following sequence: 1. Disconnect the drain and water supply hose to turn the machine into a position convenient for work, 2. Remove the back wall to provide access to the mechanism, 3. Slowly turning the pulley on the drum with your hand, remove the belt with the other, 4. Unscrew the mounting bolts of the Indesit machine engine, 5. The wires connected to the motor are disconnected, 6. Then it is removed out, 7. The tachogenerator is removed from the motor and checked with an ohmmeter. In the absence of malfunctions, the resistance will be in the range of 115-170 Ohms. The exact value is indicated in the technical description. A quick check of the tachometer of an Indesit machine can be done without removing the engine. The speed sensor cannot be repaired, therefore, if there is a large deviation in the resistance values, it is changed, 8. Next, to find the cause of error F02, the engine is checked for ease of rotation of the rotor, 9. If you have skills in working with electrical equipment, the integrity of the stator and rotor windings, properly connected, is checked by feeding voltage on them through a transformer. 10. If there are no problems, proceed to diagnosing the terminals and wires connecting the Indesit washing machine motor to the control board.

Problem Definition

There are cases when it is possible to remove the F2 error without resorting to repairs. How to fix it:

1. Reboot the washer for 20 minutes to clear the error, then turn it on. If the reason is a system failure, the code will no longer appear.
2. If a small object (coin, bra wire) is stuck between the drum and the tub, the machine will not start washing. Try to disassemble the SMA and remove the item.

3. Check the contacts between the tachometer and the control module. The connection may have dropped.

But what to do if the actions did not help? Pay attention to the work of SM Ariston. If the reason is in the tachogenerator, then the machine does not control the number of revolutions. Let’s say that during washing the speed increases sharply, while during spinning there is not enough speed. At the end you get poorly wrung laundry, because the tachometer controls the engine rotation speed.

Possible breakdowns requiring repair

Already 5974 (!) washing machines of the Ariston and Hotpoint Ariston brands have been successfully repaired by specialists from the RemBytTech workshop. Based on the data from these repairs, we have structured in a table the most common malfunctions that are accompanied by error code F02.

The tachogenerator (Hall sensor), which controls the rotation speed of the drum, is faulty - from 2100 rubles.

The sensor does not respond to commands or produces incorrect data.

Signs

The Ariston washing machine does not spin the drum in any program or does not pick up speed during the spin cycle and displays error F 02. In this case, the drum rotates freely by hand. In some cases, the washing machine can work normally without laundry (spinning the drum, spinning).

How to fix

The tachometer needs to be replaced.

The electronic controller (control board) is faulty - the main microcircuit, the “brain” of the washing machine - from 2000 rubles.

Most often, this is caused by the failure of the radio elements on the board responsible for controlling the electric motor. First of all, triacs “burn” in models with a commutator motor and field switches (IGBT transistors) in models with an asynchronous motor. But other elements on the board in the motor circuit may also be faulty - resistors, capacitors, zener diodes, relays, ULN, etc. Sometimes it is not the elements themselves that burn out, but their soldering or traces on the board. A controller firmware failure can also lead to this error.

Signs

The Ariston machine takes in water, “thinks” for a few minutes, drains the water and issues code F2. The drum does not rotate.

How to fix

With proper diagnostic and repair skills, the electronic controller can usually be repaired. Faulty elements on the control module are replaced with new ones, burnt-out solders and tracks are re-soldered. If necessary, change the firmware on the board.

In rare cases, if the controller cannot be repaired, it is replaced with a new one.

Abrasion of electric motor brushes (for models with a commutator motor) - from 1,500 rubles.

If the length of the brushes is less than 2 cm, the strength of the electromagnetic field generated by the brushes may no longer be sufficient to rotate the drum during the spin cycle (it does not gain momentum). Starting from a length of 1.5 cm, the machine stops turning the drum during washing.

Signs

Water is drawn in, the Ariston or Hotpoint machine tries to spin the drum, but at best it only twitches, then the drain turns on and code F02 appears. Sometimes the machine reaches the spin cycle, and this error lights up.

How to fix

The motor brushes need to be replaced.

Signal break in the wiring or contacts in the area from the electronic controller to the washing machine motor, including the tachogenerator circuit - from RUB 1,600.

In private homes, damage is often caused by rodents (mice, rats) that chew through wires or contacts.

Signs

The Ariston washing machine drains a few minutes after filling with water and writes error F 02, the drum does not spin.

How to fix

Damaged wiring is repaired or replaced with a new one. Broken contacts are cleaned and soldered; if restoration is impossible, they are also replaced with a new contact group.

The washing machine motor is faulty - from RUB 00.

The magnet in the engine has become loose, as a result, during operation it spins on the shaft and an error occurs. A break in the motor winding or a short circuit in it is also possible.

Signs

The Ariston washing machine drains a few minutes after filling with water and writes error F 02, the drum does not spin.

How to fix

A loose magnet in the motor can be tightened and the machine will start working.

If the winding is broken or there is a short circuit in the motor, it will need to be replaced.

Engine blocking - from RUB 3,600.

Most often, the cause of this is a worn bearing. It collapsed and jammed the drum, making it impossible for the engine rotor to rotate.

Signs

The Ariston washing machine made a lot of noise and rattled for several months, especially during the spin cycle. Perhaps she didn’t do the push-ups. During the next wash, a strong metallic grinding sound was heard, the drum jammed (it does not rotate even by hand with the CM turned off), and the code F02 was displayed on the machine.

Self check

To check the Hall sensor, you need to get to it:

• Remove the back panel of the machine.
• Below you will see the engine. The tachometer is located on the shaft at the rear. To get it, you will have to remove the engine.

• Remove the belt from the shaft.
• Unscrew the mounting screws.
• Disconnect the wires.

This video will help you remove the motor from the Ariston washing machine yourself:

Check with a multimeter. The resistance should be no more than 60 ohms.

There is another way:

• Set the tester to measure voltage. Connect the multimeter and rotate the motor by hand. If the voltage rises (0.2 V), then everything is fine.
• Additionally, check the bolt that secures the tachogenerator. If it is loose, tighten it.

Meaning of indicators and codes

A working machine systematically carries out a set of commands, notifying about the current stage with indicators, alternating the usual hum with small stops.

The failure immediately makes itself known by beeping, an uncharacteristic sound, blinking, or the absence of any action at all. And most importantly, the smart mechanism immediately gives the owner a code for the malfunction that has occurred, which can be used to quickly make repairs.

The codes required for diagnostics for errors that have occurred according to the design of the Indesit washing machine are displayed:

• on the general display – when the model is equipped with a panel screen;
• using combined flashing of the command lights - on models without a display.

It is most convenient if the so-called washing machine has a display: the fault number immediately lights up on it. It is enough to notice it and proceed to verify the values, and then proceed to eliminate it.

Advanced Indesit models always have a digital display on the panel. It will definitely display the breakdown number, even if the screen previously showed another function being performed.

If we are talking about models without a separate display, you need to stay at the next section and carefully study the LED blinking combinations that reveal the current error code.

In operating condition, the indicators on the machine panel light up in accordance with the command being executed. However, as a rule, they do not flicker with a high frequency, but blink smoothly and/or shine constantly.

Indicators that light up at random, at the same time as others and begin to flicker quickly, indicate a breakdown.

The notification occurs depending on the model range:

• Electronic-mechanical line Indesit IWDC, IWSB-IWSC, IWUB and its analogues - the failure code is recognized by the lighting LEDs of the working phases on the right (door block, rinsing, draining, spinning, etc.), the signal is also accompanied by the simultaneous flickering of the upper additional indicators and network indicator.
• The model range marked WIDL, WIL, WISL - WIUL, WITP - on the contrary, the type of failure is indicated by the lighting of the top line of additional function lamps along with the last diode of the left column (most often this is “Spin”), and at the same time the door block icon quickly blinks.
• Models of the WIU, WIUN, WISN series and their analogues - all lights, including the lock icon, are involved in indicating the error.
• The oldest prototypes of Indesit W, WI, WS, WT with only two light buttons - block and network - blink continuously and quickly exactly as many times as the number in the error number means.

All that remains is to look carefully and determine which indicator lights are signaling, check the combinations with the list of fault codes and choose the right path for repair.

The function display panel of the latest Indesit models is located vertically on the right, and not horizontally at the top, like the others, and the signals need to be read from it

We will try to figure out how to unravel the meaning of the codes and correct the situation by performing feasible repairs.

Solution options

How to troubleshoot if the Hall effect sensor fails the test? This part rarely breaks; the main reason for failure is overload of the Ariston SM. There is only one option - replacing the tachogenerator. You need to disconnect it from the engine:

1. Remove the cover with a latch; it can be secured with bolts.
2. Now unscrew the sensor mounting bolts.
3. Install the new part in the reverse order.

If done correctly, this will help solve the problem. The washing machine will work in normal mode, and error F02 will no longer appear.

Common reasons

The appearance of error code F02 on the display is caused by many reasons. The most common ones include:

• the tachogenerator of the Indesit machine is broken, so the engine cannot start,
• the motor rotor is jammed by a foreign object,
• the contacts in connector j9 on the electronic board are faulty,
• rarely, but an electric motor breakdown occurs, additionally accompanied by the appearance of error F01,
• the appearance of code F02 as a result of a malfunction of the control unit of the Indesit washing machine.

What does Ariston offer?

1. SMA with different types of loading:
   Front - loading from the side.
2. Vertical - loading from above.
3. SMA with different tank volumes:
   For a small family - 3–4 kg.
4. For a large family - 5–7 kg.
5. SMA with different types of installation:
   Freestanding.
6. Built-in.
7. SMA with different depths:
   Standard - from 40 cm.
8. Narrow - up to 40 cm.

Functions and modes:

• Direct injection. Innovative mixing system. When the cycle begins, the detergent is converted into active foam. The consistency of the foam resembles a mousse. Penetrating evenly into fabric fibers, whipped foam perfectly washes away dirt even at 20 °C. Thanks to this technology, you won’t have to sort your laundry—throw colored and white clothes together. By reducing the number of cycles, you also save energy.
• Digital Motion. The motor is capable of changing the dynamics of drum rotation. This development was introduced through the use of inverter motors. Technology improves washing efficiency.
• Woolmark Platinum Care. Delicate wash for wool items. Feel free to wash wool items in this mode - they will remain as soft and attractive as before washing.
• Anti-allergy. Washing at 40°C removes allergens and thoroughly washes away powder.
• Baby clothes. You can wash baby clothes frequently, including this delicate cycle. And an additional rinse completely washes out the powder particles from the fabric.
• Removing stains. The mode allows you to remove 20 types of contaminants - fat, berries, chocolate, etc. Washing is carried out at 40–43 ° C - this is safe for colored items.
• Ecotech. Enabling this mode saves energy by 60%.

Malfunctions during draining or filling of water

When the device does not fill with water or stops operation with a full tank, codes f5, f11 or f20 are visible on the screen. The first of these errors appears when the tank is full. But attempts to empty the tank lead to nothing, and a signal remains on the screen. This is often accompanied by a crackling or buzzing sound. A similar breakdown occurs frequently in Ariston Artf 1047 machines; you can get rid of the problem yourself.

The reason here lies in a clogged drain filter or hose. To correct the situation, drain the liquid and clean the blockage. This can be done through a hose. If it is clogged, you will have to bail out the water through the tank.

After this, open a small hatch at the bottom of the device and disconnect the drain filter. Check its condition and rinse the pipe under pressure of water. Additionally, the condition of the sewer system is inspected. Perhaps the blockage is there.

How to check the engine for serviceability

To equip the Indesit SMA, asynchronous, commutator and brushless motors are used. There are two known ways to diagnose an engine:

1. Check the voltage supply to the starter and rotor windings of the motor by connecting these elements alternately.
2. Using a 500-watt transformer, energize the connected starter and rotor windings.

In modern cars, code f02 lights up on the electronic display. Owners of older models of machines without a display can determine the breakdown by the lit “QUICK WASH” indicator or the flashing “EXTRA RINSE” light.

How does the code appear?

The Ariston washing machine, of course, is not the only one of its kind. Within the Ariston brand, there are several dozen models of machines, each of which can manifest this error in its own way. Don’t get me wrong, this does not mean that Ariston’s self-diagnosis system is not unified, quite the opposite, it’s just that each model has nuances that relate to the display of information on the display or control panel. Simply put, this error, having the same basic content, can manifest itself in different ways.

On Ariston washing machines with a display, this error may be displayed as F02 or F2.

Well, with washing machines that have a display, everything is clear, there are only two options for outputting the code, but what to do if your Ariston machine model does not have a display? Where should I send the information? The answer is obvious - to the control panel, and indicator lights will help.

1. Ariston of the Margherita line without a display will display error F with number 02 through a lit “key” light, and the network indicator will blink 2 times at intervals of several seconds (on average 10 seconds).
2. Ariston AVL and AML series machines broadcast this error with a flickering LED “key” and a flashing light opposite the “Quick wash” mode.
3. In Hotpoint-Ariston washing machines of fairly common ARSL models, ARL code F02 is displayed on the control panel with a flashing LED located opposite the inscription End or, if the panel is Russified, “end of the program.” In some cases, all function indicators light up simultaneously with the End light.
4. Ariston AQSL displays an error with code F 02 by blinking the LED located opposite the inscription 30 0 C.

How is it deciphered?

Almost all instructions for Ariston brand washing machines state that error F with the specified numeric code is interpreted as a failure or breakdown of the tachometer, or an open circuit in the motor, or a breakdown of the motor, and therefore the control module cannot establish communication with the specified parts.

As can be seen from the transcript, the malfunction that generated error F02 can occur due to a breakdown:

• tachometer;
• engine;
• power wiring and contacts;
• control module.

In 67% of cases, the F02 code appears due to the tachometer or engine. In 18% of cases, the wiring and contacts are to blame, and only in 15% of cases is the control module to blame.

We find and fix problems

Since we have statistics from service centers on malfunctions of Ariston washing machines, which helps us prioritize checking for faults, let's start with the tachometer and engine. But first, let's check to see if anything has gotten into the tank and jammed the drum? To do this, rotate the drum with your hands; if the rotation is relatively free, we will eliminate this problem.

The tachometer is a special module that sits on the engine and determines its speed during operation. It transmits this information to the control module. By the way, this module can be called differently, tachometer, Hall sensor or tachogenerator.

The Ariston washing machine most often has a commutator motor, which means it has brushes that periodically wear out, leading to error F02. To check this, you need to get to the motor.

1. It is necessary to unscrew the fastenings of the rear wall of the SM housing and remove the wall.
2. Next you need to remove the drive belt.
3. Remove the chip with wires from the engine.
4. Unscrew the motor bolts, press on it so that it moves back a little, and then pull down - the engine will be removed.

Unscrew the bolts and take out the brushes. If the Ariston washing machine has been in use for more than 3-5 years, the brushes should already be worn. We take them out, inspect them and replace them with new ones. If the brushes are in good condition, we check the engine for breakdowns in the housing and armature. We do this using a multimeter. Having finished repairing and checking the washing machine engine, we move on to the tachometer.

Disconnect the contacts of the Hall sensor and remove it from the engine. We check the sensor with a multimeter. If it is intact, you can also see if the inner surfaces of the sensor ring have oxidized; if not, let’s move on to checking the wiring and contacts. We return to the chip with wires that we previously disconnected. First, let's check how each wire sits. Perhaps one of them is loose and needs to be clamped. Next, we inspect the wires and contacts. If nothing unusual is visually noticeable, we check them with a multimeter.

It is possible that after checking the engine, tachometer and the wiring leading to them, you will not find anything unusual. This should lead us to the conclusion that either you did not check the above parts very well and missed something important, or simply the problem is not in the tachometer, motor and wiring, but in the control module. At this stage, we suggest you stop doing your own research and invite an experienced craftsman.

Firstly, the technician has more skills in working with washing machine electrical equipment and knows what the nuances of the problem may be. Secondly, an independent inspection of the control module can lead to this expensive part ending up in the trash (there have been precedents). Thirdly, tampering with the electronic part of the washing machine on your own can result in an expensive or completely unrepairable problem. The final decision on this issue is yours; we have only offered arguments that support the previously expressed opinion on the issues of self-repair of the electronic module.

In conclusion, we note that code F02, which suddenly appears on the display of the Ariston washing machine, means problems with various parts. What exactly is broken can be found out only by opening the body of the “home assistant” and examining the above elements, including using a multimeter. When carrying out repairs, you may have to buy a new motor or tachometer for the washing machine, until you find the reason for what you need, you won’t know in advance. Happy renovation!

Control board faulty

The control board is responsible for the functioning of all electronic systems of the washing machine, engine, heating element, etc. The main reasons for the failure of the control module:

• voltage drops in the network and, as a result, short-circuiting of the electronic components of the board.
• disconnecting the machine from the network without first pressing the power button.
• exposure to high indoor humidity.

First of all, you should inspect the module. To do this, you need to remove the control panel with buttons, release the retaining latches and disconnect all electrical connectors. Repairing the control board, if it malfunctions, involves finding and replacing damaged parts. This requires certain skills and ability to handle a soldering iron.

The control board is a very expensive device, so repair work on it must be carried out by a qualified technician.

What do error codes indicate?

The ability to independently identify a fault is undoubtedly an important quality of an automatic washing machine. It allows you to select the necessary measures to eliminate it, saving on diagnostics by repairmen in the event of a serious breakdown

But not all cases that the washing machine can “tell” require outside intervention. For example, a door that is not tightly closed or a lack of water is something that the user can immediately correct. So, the code will allow you to determine the severity of the problem and the possibility of fixing it yourself. Ariston washing machine errors are reflected in two ways:

• on the liquid crystal display;
• through special indicator lamps.

Hotpoint Ariston is equipped with a liquid crystal display on which you can see codes from F01 to F18 and H20, indicating typical problems that require inevitable qualified or independent elimination.

Important! Despite the availability of repair instructions, you need to remember that the design of modern automatic washing machines is quite complex. Therefore, fixing serious problems yourself can make them worse.

It is better to be guided by a simple rule: “If you are not sure, you should not experiment.”

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.

Primary heat exchanger

It is important to strictly follow the instructions in order to complete all steps correctly:

1. Remove 4 screws from the boiler firebox cover. This will require a special socket because the screws have star-shaped slots.
2. Lift the lid from below and move it towards you.
3. Before removing the heat exchanger, it is necessary to first drain the water from the boiler.
4. The drain valve is located on the bottom right side, near the return pipe of the heating system.
5. For convenience, you need to connect a silicone pipe.
6. Open the drain valve and drain the water.
7. After draining, turn off the tap.
8. Remove the heat exchanger fixing pipes. Two metal clips.
9. Lift the heat exchanger up and remove the left pipe.
10. To release the right pipe, you need to unscrew the nut on the pump volute.
11. Turn the pipe towards you and lower it down.
12. Pull the heat exchanger towards you and remove it from the boiler.

Now it is necessary to carry out a visual inspection of the heat exchanger outside and inside. Often if it is heavily contaminated, then acid washing will not be effective. Only replacing the heat exchanger can correct the situation. After purchasing a new boiler element, you need to install it in place of the old one. Next, the pipes are connected and then fixed with clips.

The right pipe must be connected to the pump volute and a gasket installed between them. Tighten the union nut. Open the heating system taps. Open the feed tap and reach a pressure of 1.5 bar. Turn off the feed tap, connect the electrical power and turn on the boiler. Next, switch to “winter” mode. As soon as the boiler turns on and the ignition sound is heard, you need to immediately switch it to the “summer” mode.

This is a necessary procedure so that the air in the heat exchanger and boiler can escape through the automatic air valve. 30 seconds is enough and you can turn off the boiler. Now open the gas supply valve and turn on the boiler again. We set the “winter” mode and after the ignition has started, a flame appears and now you can continue to use the boiler.

Circulation pump

Pump in a gas boiler

It can also cause error F02 to appear on a Viessmann gas boiler. To diagnose it, the following steps are performed:

1. Put the boiler into operation.
2. Activate the “winter” mode on the boiler.
3. Attach the direction indicator to the central part of the pump.
4. The pump should not only make a characteristic sound, but also rotate the disk on the indicator.

Another method can also be used. To do this, you need to place a basin or other container under the boiler, and place a napkin or dry rag directly under the pump itself. Now you need to unscrew the plug with a flat screwdriver, to which the direction of movement indicator was attached in the central part of the element in the front part. A visual inspection can confirm that the rotor is rotating. Return the plug to its place.

The pump performs its functions properly, so it is necessary to proceed to the next diagnostic stage.

Attention! If you are not confident in correctly remembering the sequence of disassembling or assembling the unit and its individual parts, you can use a camera and record all your actions at each stage.

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