What F13 actually means
The dryer has lost a sensible reading from the rear temperature sensor, so it has stopped rather than risk heating blind.
F13 on a Hotpoint dryer points to a fault in the rear thermistor circuit ating temperature. The control board expects a steady resistance reading from that sensor; when the reading is out of range or missing altogether, it shuts the cycle down. You'll typically see it early in a drying programme, or shortly after the heater should have come on, with the load still damp.
What usually causes it
- Failed rear thermistor (temperature sensor)
- A loose or corroded plug on the sensor wiring
- Damaged wiring between the sensor and the main board, including at the J4 connector on the module
- Fluff and dust build-up around the sensor area affecting readings
- Main control board fault less common than the sensor itself
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 dryer off at the wall for a minute, then switch back on and start a cycle if the code was a one-off glitch it may clear
- Clean the door filter and, on condenser models, rinse the condenser filter and let it drain restricted airflow makes temperature faults more likely
- Check the vent hose (if fitted) isn't kinked or crushed behind the machine
When to call someone
This one usually needs an engineer once you have tried the checks above. We cover Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire, and it's £66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it — £84 in total if it's repaired on the visit with no parts needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.
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.