When your dryer starts to display an error code on the front of the machine, it can be difficult to know what it means.
We have put together a list of all the Indesit tumble dryer error codes and an explanation of what they mean.
You can match up the error code your dryer is displaying and find out what you can do to fix the fault.
F02 Indesit tumble dryer error code (motor fault)
The dryer is experiencing a fault with the motor. The motor circuit is open, and the motor can’t receive any power.
Things to check:
- Check the wires from the control board down to the motor
- Make sure that the wires on the motor are not worn and that they don’t have any breaks
- Check the insulation of the motor – the copper wiring can break down
If the wiring inside the dryer seems to be in good condition, you should replace the drive motor as it’s most likely failed.
F03 Indesit tumble dryer error code (temperature sensor)
The temperature sensor has failed, and the dryer can’t accurately read the temperature inside the drum.
Indesit tumble dryers have multiple temperature sensors depending on the model of the machine. You will need to test each one individually.
If you have access to an electrical multimeter you can test for open circuits across the sensors.
It’s also important to make sure that the sensors aren’t covered with lint, which can cause the sensors to give bad or no readings.
Sometimes this error code is caused by a faulty control boar that is not reading the information that is being supplied by the temperature sensors.
F05 Indesit tumble dryer error code (pump blockage)
The water pump has failed or there is a blockage inside the machine. This fault code is specific to dryers that have drain and wash pumps.
If your dryer has a water tank bottle at the top of the machine, then it will mean that there is a pump at the back bottom of the dryer.
During the cycle, the pump will push the water up to the tank so you can empty it at the end of the cycle.
What you should do:
- Check for any blockages inside the pump water chamber
- Look for blockages in the water pipes
- Check that the wires are in good condition leading to the pump
- Try replacing the drain pump
F06 Indesit tumble dryer error code (door lock)
The door is not shut before the cycle has started. This fault code can also be caused by a faulty door lock.
What you should check:
- Make sure that the door Is securely shut before you start the drying cycle
- Look for anything that is blocking the door from closing
- Check the wiring that goes to the door lock
- Replace the door lock if it seems to be faulty
It’s actually common for tumble dryer door locks to fail as they can get damaged from forcefully closing the door.
F07 Indesit tumble dryer error code (heater circuit)
The heating circuit is experiencing a fault. This can be caused by the control board or the wiring leading to the heating element.
What you should do:
- Check the control board for signs of burn or scorch marks
- Check the wiring that goes from the PCB to the heating element
- Make sure the heating element plug has not come loose
- Test the heating element and replace it if necessary
The heating element on a tumble dryer is susceptible to failing, especially if there is excess moisture in the machine from a blocked condenser unit.
The heating elements on Indesit tumble dryers are readily available and straightforward to replace. It’s definitely worth replacing the element if there are any signs of failure.
F08 Indesit tumble dryer error code (heating element)
The dryer heating element has failed and will need to be replaced. This fault code can also be an indication of faulty wiring inside the dryer.
What you should do:
- Take a look at the wiring near the heating element and look for any breaks
- Make sure that the heating element connector block is plugged in properly
- Make sure the wiring is plugged into the control module
- Replace the heating element
The heating elements on Indesit dryers fail often and they are economical to replace. You can usually order a replacement heater online by matching the model number of your dryer to the correct spare part.
We have written a guide on how to fix the F08 error code on your Indesit tumble dryer which goes into detail about what causes this fault.
F09 Indesit tumble dryer error code (software error)
The dryer has indicated that it is experiencing a software error on the control board.
The first thing you should do is try resetting the dryer as it can often clear any error codes that are related to control board errors.
If you are still experiencing the F09 fault code, you should try the following:
- Make sure all the cables are plugged into the control board properly
- Look for any burn or scorch marks on the PCB – this would indicate the module has failed
- Disconnect the machine from the power supply for 10 minutes and try a cycle again
If you think that the problem is related to the control board then you will have to replace it. You can match up the correct control board on an online spare parts website by using the model number of your dryer.
Sometimes the control board is too expensive and it’s better to replace the tumble dryer.
F11 Indesit tumble dryer error code (pump failure)
The machine is indicating that the water pump has failed, and the water tank is full of water.
This error code will usually be on the display at the same time that the dryer tank is full of water. Sometimes the tank will be empty which indicates that the pump channel is filled with water.
At the back of the machine, there is a tube that runs from the pump chamber up to the water tank. This chamber can get blocked up and the float switch can get jammed in the closed position.
What you should do:
- Check the water chamber for blockages
- Inspect and replace the drain pump
- Inspect and repair the float switch if it’s stuck
- Make sure that the water tank is properly pushed into its holder
Indesit water pumps fail often, and you can usually find a replacement by matching up the model of your machine to the correct part. Replacing the pump is a straightforward repair.
F12 Indesit tumble dryer error code (PCB error)
The dryer has indicated that the printed circuit board has failed and will need to be replaced.
Before you consider replacing the control board, you should disconnect the machine from the power supply for around 10 minutes and then test it again.
Some error codes that are related to the control board can be solved by resetting the machine.
If the error code persists, then you will have to replace the control board. You can usually get a replacement control module online and sometimes it’s possible to get a second hand one from a faulty dryer.
F18 Indesit tumble dryer error code (data error)
The machine is experiencing an internal data error. This error code is usually caused by a faulty control board.
Before you inspect the machine, you should first try to reset the control board.
How to reset an Indesit tumble dryer:
- Turn the control knob to the off position (12 o’clock)
- Unplug the machine and isolate it from the power supply
- Wait 5 – 10 minutes for the capacitors to discharge on the control board
- Reconnect to the power supply and test
Switching the machine off and back on again usually fixes this problem but if it persists, the control board will need to be replaced.
