What F10 actually means
The dishwasher has decided the water heater isn't working, so it has stopped the programme rather than carry on washing in cold water.
On Ariston dishwashers this code points at the heating system — the element that warms the water during the main wash. The control board watches for the water temperature to climb once heating is called for, and when it doesn't get the response it expects it flags the fault and halts. On machines without a digital display the same fault shows as a light pattern instead: second and fourth LEDs lit, first and third off.
What F10 looks like on a Ariston dishwasher
Most people find this page having searched for what the machine is doing rather than the code itself. On a Ariston dishwasher, F10 usually shows up as one or more of these:
- Dishwasher not draining
- Water left in the tub at the end of the cycle
- Stops mid-cycle full of water
- Standing water in the bottom
- Dishes coming out cold and wet
- Not drying the load
- Water not heating up
- No function at all
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
- A failed heating element — by far the most common finding
- A heater relay on the control board stuck or not switching
- A faulty temperature sensor telling the board the water is cold when it isn't
- A wiring connection to the element gone loose or corroded
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 minute, then back on and start a fresh cycle — occasionally the code is a one-off reading and clears.
- Clear the filter and drain area of debris and run a normal programme, so you can see whether the machine reaches the heating stage before stopping.
- Note whether the dishes come out cold and wet at the end — that tells the engineer the heater genuinely isn't firing, which saves time on the visit.
Common questions about Ariston F10
What does F10 mean on a Ariston dishwasher?
The dishwasher has decided the water heater isn't working, so it has stopped the programme rather than carry on washing in cold water. On Ariston dishwashers this code points at the heating system — the element that warms the water during the main wash. The control board watches for the water temperature to climb once heating is called for, and when it doesn't get the response it expects it flags the fault and halts. On machines without a digital display the same fault shows as a light pattern instead: second and fourth LEDs lit, first and third off.
Can I fix Ariston F10 myself?
There are 3 checks you can safely do yourself first.
- Turn the machine off at the wall for a minute, then back on and start a fresh cycle — occasionally the code is a one-off reading and clears.
- Clear the filter and drain area of debris and run a normal programme, so you can see whether the machine reaches the heating stage before stopping.
- Note whether the dishes come out cold and wet at the end — that tells the engineer the heater genuinely isn't firing, which saves time on the visit.
This one usually needs an engineer once you have tried them.
How much does it cost to repair Ariston F10?
£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 F10?
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 dishwasher 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 dishwasher codes
All Ariston fault codes and repairs →