Hotpoint F02 washing machine: 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 F02 actually means

The machine has stopped because it isn't getting the drum to turn properly \u2014 the motor or the board that drives it isn't responding as expected.

On Hotpoint and Indesit washing machines, F02 is a motor fault. The control board sends a signal to the motor and watches the speed feedback coming back; if the drum doesn't turn, or turns erratically, or the feedback doesn't match, the cycle is halted and F02 is shown. The usual giveaway is that the machine fills and behaves normally until the drum should start rotating, then sits there and faults.

What F02 looks like on a Hotpoint washing machine

Most people find this page having searched for what the machine is doing rather than the code itself. On a Hotpoint washing machine, F02 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
Not filling with water
No water going in
Takes for ever to fill

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 on older brush-type motors
Faulty motor speed sensor or tacho feedback
Motor control section of the main circuit board failed
Loose or damaged wiring between board and motor
Something jamming the drum so the motor cannot turn freely

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 couple of minutes, then switch back on and try a short cycle \u2014 occasionally it clears a one-off glitch.
With the machine switched off at the wall, open the door and try turning the drum by hand; it should spin freely with no grinding or hard stops.
Check nothing has slipped out of the drum and lodged behind it, such as an underwired bra or coin, which can stop the drum turning.

Common questions about Hotpoint F02

What does F02 mean on a Hotpoint washing machine?

The machine has stopped because it isn't getting the drum to turn properly \u2014 the motor or the board that drives it isn't responding as expected. On Hotpoint and Indesit washing machines, F02 is a motor fault. The control board sends a signal to the motor and watches the speed feedback coming back; if the drum doesn't turn, or turns erratically, or the feedback doesn't match, the cycle is halted and F02 is shown. The usual giveaway is that the machine fills and behaves normally until the drum should start rotating, then sits there and faults.

Can I fix Hotpoint F02 myself?

There are 3 checks you can safely do yourself first.

Turn the machine off at the wall for a couple of minutes, then switch back on and try a short cycle \u2014 occasionally it clears a one-off glitch.
With the machine switched off at the wall, open the door and try turning the drum by hand; it should spin freely with no grinding or hard stops.
Check nothing has slipped out of the drum and lodged behind it, such as an underwired bra or coin, which can stop the drum turning.

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

How much does it cost to repair Hotpoint F02?

£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 F02?

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 Hotpoint washing machine codes

All Hotpoint fault codes and repairs →

What this looks like when it happens

Repairs we cover near you

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

Hotpoint F02 error — washing machine