F04 Error Code On Indesit/Hotpoint Washing Machine? (or light flashing 4 times)
If you own an Indesit or Hotpoint washing machine and it’s displaying the F04 error code or flashing the LED lights 4 times, it indicates that there’s a problem with the pressure switch.
In this article I take a look at the pressure switch on an Indesit or Hotpoint washing machine and explain what it does and how to fix it if it malfunctions. To find out more, keep reading.
What Is The Pressure Switch & How Does It Work?
The pressure switch works on air pressure and communicates with the control board indicating when the drum has sufficient water to start the wash cycle. It also tells the control board once the drum is empty allowing the door to be opened etc.
As water enters the drum, it forces air up a small rubber or plastic tube until it reaches the pressure switch and activates it. This lets the control board know that there’s enough water to run the wash cycle.
After the wash cycle has finished, the control board instructs the washer to drain the water from the appliance. The air pressure drops as the water level drops, telling the control board that the water has left the drum and it’s safe to open the door on the machine.
Where Is The Pressure Switch Located?
The pressure switch is typically located at the top of the appliance attached to the frame at the side of the machine. It can be accessed by removing the top of the machine after disconnecting the power supply first.
You will see the pressure switch connected to a long thin tube possibly covered in a thicker hose for protection. This is because in some cases the tube rubs against the side of the machine and over time gets a hole worn into it making the pressure switch not work.
This long thin tube is connected to the chamber at the bottom which is connected to the drum of the washer.
Please Note: Before any work is undertaken on your washing machine’s pressure switch or associated components, always ensure the appliance is disconnected from the power supply first.
What Could Cause The Pressure Switch To Malfunction?
There are a number of reasons why your washing machine’s pressure switch could malfunction which include;
The Tube Or Chamber Overfilling
Overfilling can be caused by a blockage in the tube or in the chamber. This is typically caused by a buildup of old detergent in the chamber.
You can solve this by disconnecting the tube from the pressure switch and blowing down the tube. Or by removing the tube and chamber from the appliance and cleaning the chamber out using warm soapy water.
Damage To The Tube
As I mentioned above, the tube could become damaged due to rubbing against other parts of the machine. Over time this would wear holes into the tube which will make the tube useless.
Many pressure switch tubes have a protective outer sleeve to prevent this kind of damage from occurring. However, if you see any holes or damage in the tube it will need to be replaced.
As the pressure switch works on air pressure, it will not be able to function if there are any holes in the tube. It will not be able to identify how much water is in the drum which could lead to refilling and even flooding in extreme cases.
Blockage In The Chamber
If your washing machine won’t go onto the spin cycle, it could be caused by a blockage in the chamber of the pressure switch. The air can enter the chamber and travel up the tube to the pressure switch, but cannot leave due to the blockage.
This will cause the machine to think the drum is still full of water and will not initiate the spin cycle.
How To Replace The Pressure Switch On A Washing Machine
If the pressure switch proves to be faulty, it can easily be replaced by anyone with just a phillips screwdriver.
All You Need To Do Is;
- Disconnect the power supply by unplugging the appliance or flipping the circuit breaker to the off position.
- Remove the lid of the machine by unscrewing the screws holding the lid in place and then lifting the lid off.
- Unclip the pressure switch from the washing machine’s body (you may need to remove the screw depending on the model).
- Unclip the electrical connection and remove the tube.
- Attach the hose to the bottom of the new pressure switch, reconnect the electrical connection and clip it back to the inside of the washing machine.
- Replace the washing machine lid and screw the retaining screws back in.
Resetting The Pressure Switch
Some washing machines need to be reset before their first use or after moving them to a new home for example. To do this you will need to pour 2 litres of water into the drum and select a drain cycle.
This will automatically reset the pressure switch on your washing machine.
SEE ALSO: Hotpoint/Indesit Washing Machine Flashing 10 Times? (F10 error code)
Frequently Asked Questions
If your Indesit washing machine is flashing F04 it indicates there’s a problem with the pressure switch. This could be caused by the tube leading to the switch being damaged, the chamber at the bottom being blocked or the pressure switch itself being defective.
If your Hotpoint washing machine is displaying the F04 error code, it indicates a problem has been detected with the pressure switch. This could be due to the pressure switch itself, the tube leading to the pressure switch or the chamber at the bottom of the tube.
Depending on the make and model washing machine you own, a new pressure switch will cost you anywhere between £20 to £80. But the good news is that it will only take a couple of minutes to fit.
