What F04 actually means
The dryer has stopped because it can't get rid of the water it condenses out of your washing — the drain pump or its float switch isn't behaving as expected.
On a Hotpoint condenser dryer, water stripped out of the damp air collects in a sump and is pumped up into the water container in the top of the machine (or out through a drain hose if it's been plumbed in). If the pump doesn't shift that water, or the float that watches the level thinks the tank is full when it isn't, the control board halts the cycle rather than let water build up. You'll usually see it part-way through a drying programme, often with clothes still wet.
What F04 looks like on a Hotpoint tumble dryer
Most people find this page having searched for what the machine is doing rather than the code itself. On a Hotpoint tumble dryer, 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
- Water container full or not pushed fully home
- Fluff and lint blocking the pump or sump
- Drain hose kinked or trapped behind the machine (on plumbed-in models)
- Failed drain pump
- Faulty float switch telling the machine the tank is full when it isn't
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.
- Empty the water container and slide it firmly back into place until it seats
- Clean the door filter and the fluff filters thoroughly — lint that gets past them ends up in the sump and pump
- Check the condenser unit at the bottom front is clean and clipped back in properly
- If the dryer drains to a waste pipe, check the hose behind isn't kinked, squashed or pushed too far into the standpipe
- Turn it off at the wall for a minute, then restart a short programme
Common questions about Hotpoint F04
What does F04 mean on a Hotpoint tumble dryer?
The dryer has stopped because it can't get rid of the water it condenses out of your washing — the drain pump or its float switch isn't behaving as expected. On a Hotpoint condenser dryer, water stripped out of the damp air collects in a sump and is pumped up into the water container in the top of the machine (or out through a drain hose if it's been plumbed in). If the pump doesn't shift that water, or the float that watches the level thinks the tank is full when it isn't, the control board halts the cycle rather than let water build up. You'll usually see it part-way through a drying programme, often with clothes still wet.
Can I fix Hotpoint F04 myself?
There are 5 checks you can safely do yourself first.
- Empty the water container and slide it firmly back into place until it seats.
- Clean the door filter and the fluff filters thoroughly — lint that gets past them ends up in the sump and pump.
- Check the condenser unit at the bottom front is clean and clipped back in properly.
- If the dryer drains to a waste pipe, check the hose behind isn't kinked, squashed or pushed too far into the standpipe.
- Turn it off at the wall for a minute, then restart a short programme.
This sometimes clears with those checks. If it comes back, it needs looking at properly.
How much does it cost to repair Hotpoint 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 sometimes clears with the checks above. If it comes back, it needs looking at properly. 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 tumble 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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