Hotpoint/Indesit/Whirlpool Washing Machine Flashing 8 Times? (F08 error code explained)

If you own a Hotpoint, Indesit, Ariston or Whirlpool washing machine and it’s displaying the F08 error code or the LED lights are flashing 8 times, it can be worrying. Especially if you have a wash load waiting to be done.

In this article we look into the F08 error code and explain exactly what it indicates and offer the best ways to solve this problem.

What Does The F08 (or the LED light flashing 8 times) Mean?

If your Indesit, Hotpoint, Ariston or Whirlpool washer is displaying the F08 error code or an LED light is flashing 8 times (depending on the model), it indicates that there’s a problem with the heater relay.

It could be due to the heater relay being stuck or in some cases the heater relay can’t be activated.

What Causes The F08 Error Code?

There are several reasons why this error code might be displayed which include;

Possible Cause	Solution
Defective heating element	Check and replace the heating element if necessary
Faulty NTC sensor	Check and replace the NTC sensor if necessary
Wiring Fault	Contact a technician
Defective pressure switch	Check and repair/replace the pressure switch if necessary
Defective PCB	Contact a technician

Let’s take a closer look at each of these issues;

A Defective Heating Element

The heating element works by creating electrical resistance which causes heat in the element. That heat is transferred to the water that passes over the heating element.

Over time the heating element can become defective and simply stop working. The PCB (printed circuit board) or control board detects that the water isn’t heating up to the required level and displays the F08 error code.

You can check the heating element yourself using a multimeter if you know what you’re doing, if not, we recommend getting a technician to investigate it for you.

A Faulty Sensor

The NTC sensor connects to the heating element and ensures that the washer is at the required temperature for the particular cycle that is running.

If the NTC sensor becomes defective, the washer will not heat up or the PCB will get an incorrect message that indicates that the water isn’t heating sufficiently. You will then see the F08 error code displayed or the LED light flashing 8 times.

This is another part that can be checked using a multimeter if you know what you’re doing. However as it involves removing the washer’s back panel, we recommend getting a technician to investigate and replace the NTC sensor if necessary.

A Wiring Fault

There are several wires and connectors running between the heating element and the PCB. Any one of these wires or connections could become loose, detached or get burnt out or shorted.

This is another job best left to a technician to investigate.

Defective Pressure Switch

The pressure switch senses the water level in the washer and prevents the machine from overfilling or working with not enough water present. If the pressure switch becomes defective, it can show an incorrect level of water which can stop the heater from activating.

We recommend getting a technician to investigate and replace/repair the pressure switch as necessary.

Defective Printed Circuit Board (PCB)

There is a relay that controls the heater element on the PCB. This relay can become defective which will either prevent the heating element from working which results in the water not heating to the required temperature. 

Or send an incorrect message to the PCB which then displays the F08 error code or flashes the LED light 8 times.

SEE ALSO: F01 Hotpoint Washing Machine Error Code? (F01 fault explained)

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