Ariston F02 washer dryer: what it means & what to check

Stop using it for now. Carrying on with this fault risks further damage or a leak. Switch it off at the wall until it has been looked at.

What F02 actually means

The machine has stopped because it isn't getting the drum to turn properly — the motor, or the board that controls it, has failed a check.

On this family of Ariston machines F02 points at the motor circuit: either the motor itself or the control board that drives it. The control electronics expect feedback that the drum is spinning at the speed asked for, and when that feedback doesn't match, the cycle is halted and the code shown. The usual symptom is a drum that sits still — no wash rotation, no spin — often with water still in the tub.

What F02 looks like on a Ariston washer dryer

Most people find this page having searched for what the machine is doing rather than the code itself. On a Ariston washer dryer, F02 usually shows up as one or more of these:

Machine door won't open
Door won't lock or click shut
Door lock light flashing
Door stuck shut with the load inside
Won't start even with the door closed
Machine not draining
Water left in the drum at the end of the cycle
Stops mid-cycle full of water

Recognise any of those? That is this fault, and the rest of this page explains what causes it and what you can check yourself.

What usually causes it

Worn motor brushes or a failed motor
Fault on the motor control board (the drum gets no drive)
Broken or loose wiring between board and motor
Tacho/speed feedback fault, so the board can't see the drum turning
A jammed drum — something wedged between drum and tub stalling the motor

What you can safely check yourself

Work through these in order. Anything beyond this — panels off, testing parts, anything to do with the wiring — is an engineer's job, and not one to attempt with the machine plugged in.

Turn the machine off at the wall for a couple of minutes, then switch back on and try a short cycle — occasionally a one-off glitch clears.
With the machine switched off at the socket, open the door and turn the drum by hand. It should rotate freely and quietly. If it grinds or won't move, something is jamming or seized and it needs an engineer.
Take out some of the washing and retry — a very heavy or badly tangled load can stall the drum on start-up.
If the drum has water in it, run a drain or spin only cycle to see whether the pump still works; if that too fails, note it for the engineer.

Common questions about Ariston F02

What does F02 mean on a Ariston washer dryer?

The machine has stopped because it isn't getting the drum to turn properly — the motor, or the board that controls it, has failed a check. On this family of Ariston machines F02 points at the motor circuit: either the motor itself or the control board that drives it. The control electronics expect feedback that the drum is spinning at the speed asked for, and when that feedback doesn't match, the cycle is halted and the code shown. The usual symptom is a drum that sits still — no wash rotation, no spin — often with water still in the tub.

Can I fix Ariston F02 myself?

There are 4 checks you can safely do yourself first.

Turn the machine off at the wall for a couple of minutes, then switch back on and try a short cycle — occasionally a one-off glitch clears.
With the machine switched off at the socket, open the door and turn the drum by hand. It should rotate freely and quietly. If it grinds or won't move, something is jamming or seized and it needs an engineer.
Take out some of the washing and retry — a very heavy or badly tangled load can stall the drum on start-up.
If the drum has water in it, run a drain or spin only cycle to see whether the pump still works; if that too fails, note it for the engineer.

This one usually needs an engineer once you have tried them.

How much does it cost to repair Ariston F02?

£66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.

Tried the checks and it's still showing F02?

This one usually needs an engineer once you have tried the checks above. Then it wants someone who can open it up.

What it costs, before you call: the price is the same whatever the fault turns out to be — £66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.

Our own engineers, not a call centre. We cover Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire — most washer dryer faults are seen same day or next day.

Call 0115 648 0929 Book online — postcode and number is all we need

Outside our area? The explanation above still stands — take it to a local engineer and tell them the code. Knowing it saves them time and you money.

Other Ariston washer dryer codes

All Ariston fault codes and repairs →

Written by the engineers at ASAP Repairs, 0115 648 0929. We repair these machines for a living in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire.

Ariston F02 error — washer dryer