Hotpoint F01 washer dryer: what it means & what to check

Stop using it for now. Carrying on with this fault risks further damage or a leak. Switch it off at the wall until it has been looked at.

What F01 actually means

The control board has spotted a fault in the part of itself that switches power to the motor, so it has shut the cycle down rather than run the drum.

On Hotpoint washer dryers this code points at the motor triac on the main control board — the electronic switch that feeds the wash motor — being short circuit. Hotpoint's own listings also describe F01 more broadly as an electronic control board fault, which fits the other symptom owners report: functions or programmes that can't be selected properly. Because the board can no longer be certain it is in control of the motor, it stops the programme instead of continuing.

What F01 looks like on a Hotpoint washer dryer

Most people find this page having searched for what the machine is doing rather than the code itself. On a Hotpoint washer dryer, F01 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
Overfilling, or won't stop filling
Stops with water still inside
Fills and drains over and over

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 motor triac on the main control board
A wider fault on the main control board itself
Water or damp reaching the board after a leak or overflow
A damaged or chafed motor wiring connection back to the board
A failing motor pulling excessive current and taking the triac with it

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 for two to three minutes, then switch back on and try a programme — some F01s are a one-off lock-up and will clear
Try selecting a different programme and options; if you can't select functions that normally work, note that down for the engineer
Look underneath and behind the machine for any sign of water having leaked, and mention it when you book the repair

Common questions about Hotpoint F01

What does F01 mean on a Hotpoint washer dryer?

The control board has spotted a fault in the part of itself that switches power to the motor, so it has shut the cycle down rather than run the drum. On Hotpoint washer dryers this code points at the motor triac on the main control board — the electronic switch that feeds the wash motor — being short circuit. Hotpoint's own listings also describe F01 more broadly as an electronic control board fault, which fits the other symptom owners report: functions or programmes that can't be selected properly. Because the board can no longer be certain it is in control of the motor, it stops the programme instead of continuing.

Can I fix Hotpoint F01 myself?

There are 3 checks you can safely do yourself first.

Turn the machine off at the wall socket, leave it for two to three minutes, then switch back on and try a programme — some F01s are a one-off lock-up and will clear.
Try selecting a different programme and options; if you can't select functions that normally work, note that down for the engineer.
Look underneath and behind the machine for any sign of water having leaked, and mention it when you book the repair.

This one usually needs an engineer once you have tried them.

How much does it cost to repair Hotpoint F01?

£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 F01?

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 Hotpoint washer dryer codes

All Hotpoint fault codes and repairs →

What this looks like when it happens

washer dryer not drying

Written by the engineers at ASAP Repairs, 0115 648 0929. We repair these machines for a living in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire.

Hotpoint F01 error — washer dryer