
What It Means When Your Washing Machine Dial Keeps Turning And Clicking
If your washing machine has a dial or selector knob instead of push button controls, it uses that dial to indicate any faults detected in the machine. If the dial is clicking round you will almost certainly find that the cycle has been aborted because the appliance has detected a fault.
This is common on older Indesit washers with dial controls. To find out more, keep reading.
How To Tell Where The Fault Lies

If you observe the washer from the start of the cycle, you can get some idea where the fault lies. The point in the wash cycle where the clicking begins will indicate where the fault lies.
Drainage Issues
For instance, if the washer completes the wash cycle but the dial starts clicking around during the rinse cycle, the problem is probably connected to the drainage system. Either a clogged filter, blocked drain hose or defective drain pump.
Heating Issues
If the clicking starts right at the start of the cycle, or just a few minutes after the cycle starts, it could be a problem with the heating element.
However, there are so many problems that could cause the washer’s dial to start clicking round that it’s almost impossible to determine the actual cause.
There could be issues with a low insulation reading on the heater or the motor, a defective thermistor, a damaged wire or faulty connection or even a malfunctioning control board.
Other Fault Indicators
If your washer’s dial is continuously clicking and it is accompanied by a series of flashing lights, these lights can be indicative of the fault. You will need to either count how many times the lights flash, or note the sequence of the flashing.
If you own a hotpoint or Indesit washing machine with a dial control and the dial keeps spinning accompanied by flashing lights, check out this article.
How To Reset An Indesit Or Hotpoint Washing Machine

Modern washing machines are easy to reset, all you need to do is press and hold the cancel or start button for around 5 seconds and the washer will abort the cycle and reset. But older models and older Indesit and Hotpoint washers in particular, if you move the selector dial after the cycle has commenced it will continuously click round trying to find the original cycle selected.
The only way to reset one of these older models is to do the following;
- Turn the washer off using the on/off button
- Turn the dial to a dot or any of the off positions
- Turn the appliance back on and look for any rapid flashing neon lights
- Turn the washer off and select a new cycle
- Turn it back on again and the washer should have reset and the new cycle will commence.
However, if the dial continues to click round after you have reset it, this indicates a more serious issue that will need to be investigated further by a qualified engineer. And as I said earlier, without any proper indication system, it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact nature of the fault.
SEE ALSO: Hotpoint Washing Machine Door Locked? (here’s why & what to do)
Frequently Asked Questions
If the dial on your washing machine starts clicking round continuously as soon as the cycle starts it is most likely due to the water not heating properly. This could be due to the heating element which might need to be replaced.
If your washing machine dial is clicking round continuously during the rinse cycle it typically indicates a fault with the drainage system. You will need to check the drain hose for any blockages or twists, the filter for any clogs, or the drain pump might be defective.
Yes, a malfunctioning control board could cause your washing machine’s dial to click round continuously. I recommend getting a technician to investigate further.
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