What F18 actually means
The machine's control electronics have lost the plot — either the main board can't read its own stored settings properly, or the control board and the display board have stopped talking to each other, so the machine halts.
F18 is an electronics fault rather than a mechanical one. The fault describes it either as an internal data error, where stored programme data on the main board has become corrupted, or as a communication failure between the control board and the display/user interface board. The usual giveaway is that some or all of the display goes odd — segments missing, lights not responding, or the programme dial doing nothing — and the machine won't start or run a cycle through.
What F18 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, F18 usually shows up as one or more of these:
- No function at all
- Dead — nothing lights up
- Lights flashing and nothing happening
- Programme won't start
- Machine tripping the electrics
- F18 flashing on the display
- Beeping and showing F18
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
- Corrupted stored data on the main control board
- Broken or unplugged link between the main board and the display board
- Faulty display or user interface board
- Faulty main control board
- Damp or a power surge having affected the electronics
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 socket, leave it a full minute, then switch back on — a genuine one-off electronic glitch will often clear and not return
- If it clears, run a short cycle and watch whether the display behaves normally throughout; note what it does if the code comes back, as that helps the engineer
Common questions about Ariston F18
What does F18 mean on a Ariston washer dryer?
The machine's control electronics have lost the plot — either the main board can't read its own stored settings properly, or the control board and the display board have stopped talking to each other, so the machine halts. F18 is an electronics fault rather than a mechanical one. The fault describes it either as an internal data error, where stored programme data on the main board has become corrupted, or as a communication failure between the control board and the display/user interface board. The usual giveaway is that some or all of the display goes odd — segments missing, lights not responding, or the programme dial doing nothing — and the machine won't start or run a cycle through.
Can I fix Ariston F18 myself?
There are 2 checks you can safely do yourself first.
- Turn the machine off at the wall socket, leave it a full minute, then switch back on — a genuine one-off electronic glitch will often clear and not return.
- If it clears, run a short cycle and watch whether the display behaves normally throughout; note what it does if the code comes back, as that helps the engineer.
This one usually needs an engineer once you have tried them.
How much does it cost to repair Ariston F18?
£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 F18?
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.
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