What F13 actually means
The machine can no longer tell how hot the drying air is, so it has shut the drying side down.
F13 on an Ariston washer dryer points at the drying circuit's temperature sensing — the thermistor that monitors air temperature, or the fan that moves air past it. Because the control board cannot confirm the air temperature is safe, it will not switch the dryer element on, so the cycle either refuses to dry or abandons drying part way through and leaves the load damp. Washing itself is usually unaffected, which is why owners often report "it washes fine but won't dry".
What F13 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, F13 usually shows up as one or more of these:
- Machine not draining
- Water left in the drum at the end of the cycle
- Stops mid-cycle full of water
- Standing water in the bottom
- Not drying
- Blowing cold air
- Clothes still damp at the end
- Takes hours to dry
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
- Faulty dryer thermistor (the air temperature sensor)
- Dryer fan not running or running slowly
- Loose or corroded connection in the drying circuit
- Failed control board driving the drying circuit
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 power it back up and try a short drying programme — the odd one-off sensor reading will clear.
- Clean out the pump filter at the bottom front; a slow drain can upset the end of the cycle and it needs doing anyway.
- Try drying a much smaller load — a drum packed tight restricts airflow past the sensor.
- Make sure the machine has some breathing space and the room is not stiflingly hot, as drying relies on drawing in cooler air.
Common questions about Ariston F13
What does F13 mean on a Ariston washer dryer?
The machine can no longer tell how hot the drying air is, so it has shut the drying side down. F13 on an Ariston washer dryer points at the drying circuit's temperature sensing — the thermistor that monitors air temperature, or the fan that moves air past it. Because the control board cannot confirm the air temperature is safe, it will not switch the dryer element on, so the cycle either refuses to dry or abandons drying part way through and leaves the load damp. Washing itself is usually unaffected, which is why owners often report "it washes fine but won't dry".
Can I fix Ariston F13 myself?
There are 4 checks you can safely do yourself first.
- Turn the machine off at the wall for a minute, then power it back up and try a short drying programme — the odd one-off sensor reading will clear.
- Clean out the pump filter at the bottom front; a slow drain can upset the end of the cycle and it needs doing anyway.
- Try drying a much smaller load — a drum packed tight restricts airflow past the sensor.
- Make sure the machine has some breathing space and the room is not stiflingly hot, as drying relies on drawing in cooler air.
This one usually needs an engineer once you have tried them.
How much does it cost to repair Ariston F13?
£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 F13?
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
- Ariston F14 — The machine has found a fault in its heating and has stopped…
- Ariston F15 — The machine has lost proper control of its heating, so it ei…
- Ariston F16 — The machine can't confirm the drum has parked and locked in …
- Ariston F17 — The machine can't confirm the door is locked, so it won't st…
- Ariston F18 — The machine's control electronics have lost the plot — eithe…
- Ariston H20 — The machine isn't getting enough water in, so it has stopped…
- Ariston F01 — The control board has detected a short circuit in the switch…
- Ariston F02 — The machine has stopped because it isn't getting the drum to…
All Ariston fault codes and repairs →