What F04 actually means
The machine isn't getting the signal that tells it the drum motor is turning, so it stops rather than carry on.
A small sensor on the motor (the tachometer) reports back how fast the motor is spinning. If the control board asks for rotation and either sees nothing from that sensor or sees no movement at all, it halts the cycle and shows this code. The usual picture the owner sees is a drum full of water that won't turn, or a wash that gets through the fill and then refuses to spin.
What F04 looks like on a General washing machine
Most people find this page having searched for what the machine is doing rather than the code itself. On a General washing machine, F04 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 carbon brushes — by far the most common finding, and it typically shows up on the spin first
- A faulty or disconnected motor tachometer
- Loose or damaged wiring between the motor and the control board
- On inverter-driven machines, the connections between the inverter board and the motor
- A failed motor armature or worn commutator
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 and back on — occasionally it clears a one-off reading
- Check nothing is jamming the drum (a stray coin, wire or garment wedged at the edge) and that it turns freely by hand with the door open
- Drain the water out through the filter/drain hose if the drum is left full, so the load isn't sat wet
Common questions about General F04
What does F04 mean on a General washing machine?
The machine isn't getting the signal that tells it the drum motor is turning, so it stops rather than carry on. A small sensor on the motor (the tachometer) reports back how fast the motor is spinning. If the control board asks for rotation and either sees nothing from that sensor or sees no movement at all, it halts the cycle and shows this code. The usual picture the owner sees is a drum full of water that won't turn, or a wash that gets through the fill and then refuses to spin.
Can I fix General F04 myself?
There are 3 checks you can safely do yourself first.
- Turn the machine off at the wall for a minute and back on — occasionally it clears a one-off reading.
- Check nothing is jamming the drum (a stray coin, wire or garment wedged at the edge) and that it turns freely by hand with the door open.
- Drain the water out through the filter/drain hose if the drum is left full, so the load isn't sat wet.
This one usually needs an engineer once you have tried them.
How much does it cost to repair General F04?
£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 F04?
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 washing machine 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 General washing machine codes
- General F08 — The machine has lost the signal that tells it the drum motor…
- General E18 — The machine tried to pump the water out, didn't manage it in…
What this looks like when it happens
- washing machine not spinning
- washing machine making a loud noise
- washing machine will not turn on
- washing machine not filling with water