What F08 actually means
The machine has lost the signal that tells it the drum motor is turning, so it stops rather than carry on with a load it cannot spin.
The control board watches a small speed sensor (the tacho) on the drive motor. If it asks for rotation and sees no movement or no speed feedback, it halts the cycle and shows this code — typically you'll find the drum sitting still with water in it, or the wash appearing to run but the spin never happening. On these machines the fault is a motor or motor-circuit problem, not a drainage or door problem.
What F08 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, F08 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 cause, and they usually give up on the spin first
- A faulty or dirty motor tacho (speed sensor)
- Loose or damaged wiring between the motor and the control board
- A failed motor winding or worn commutator
- A faulty control/inverter board driving 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 minute, then switch back on and try a short spin — occasionally the code is a one-off
- Check nothing is jamming the drum, such as a stray coin or underwire trapped between drum and tub, before running again
- If the drum is full of water, select a drain or spin-only programme to see whether it empties (it may pump out even if it won't rotate)
Common questions about General F08
What does F08 mean on a General washing machine?
The machine has lost the signal that tells it the drum motor is turning, so it stops rather than carry on with a load it cannot spin. The control board watches a small speed sensor (the tacho) on the drive motor. If it asks for rotation and sees no movement or no speed feedback, it halts the cycle and shows this code — typically you'll find the drum sitting still with water in it, or the wash appearing to run but the spin never happening. On these machines the fault is a motor or motor-circuit problem, not a drainage or door problem.
Can I fix General F08 myself?
There are 3 checks you can safely do yourself first.
- Turn the machine off at the wall for a minute, then switch back on and try a short spin — occasionally the code is a one-off.
- Check nothing is jamming the drum, such as a stray coin or underwire trapped between drum and tub, before running again.
- If the drum is full of water, select a drain or spin-only programme to see whether it empties (it may pump out even if it won't rotate).
This one usually needs an engineer once you have tried them.
How much does it cost to repair General F08?
£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 F08?
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 E18 — The machine tried to pump the water out, didn't manage it in…
- General F04 — The machine isn't getting the signal that tells it the drum …
What this looks like when it happens
- washing machine not draining
- washing machine not spinning
- washing machine making a loud noise
- washing machine door will not open