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 F13 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, F13 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
- 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
Common questions about Hotpoint F13
What does F13 mean on a Hotpoint tumble dryer?
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.
Can I fix Hotpoint F13 myself?
There are 3 checks you can safely do yourself first.
- 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.
This one usually needs an engineer once you have tried them.
How much does it cost to repair Hotpoint F13?
£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 F13?
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 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.
Other Hotpoint tumble dryer codes
- Hotpoint F04 — The dryer has stopped because it can't get rid of the water …
- Hotpoint F06 — The dryer isn't getting a proper "door closed" signal from t…
- Hotpoint F12 — The dryer's main control board has flagged an internal elect…
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