What F13 actually means
The machine can't get a reliable temperature reading from the drying side, so it won't run the dryer.
On Hotpoint washer dryers, F13 points to the temperature sensor (thermistor) that watches the air/heat during the drying part of the cycle, or the circuit feeding it. Because the control board can no longer trust that reading, it refuses to switch the dryer heater on rather than risk overheating your laundry. The usual symptom is a wash that completes normally but clothes that come out wet, with the fault appearing at or shortly after the point the drying phase should start.
What F13 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, F13 usually shows up as one or more of these:
- Machine not draining
- Water left in the drum at the end of the cycle
- Stops mid-cycle full of water
- Standing water in the bottom
- Not drying
- Blowing cold air
- Clothes still damp at the end
- Takes hours to dry
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 drying thermistor (temperature sensor)
- A loose or corroded plug on the sensor wiring
- Damaged wiring between the sensor and the control board
- Fault on the main control board itself, on the heating side
- Heavy lint or fluff build-up affecting airflow around the drying circuit
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 minute, then back on and try a drying programme again — a one-off glitch will sometimes clear.
- Clean the filter and, if your model has one, the condenser/fluff filter, so airflow through the machine isn't restricted.
- Check the drain hose isn't kinked or pushed too far into the standpipe, as poor drainage leaves clothes too wet for drying to work properly.
- Run a wash-only programme in the meantime — the wash side is normally unaffected.
Common questions about Hotpoint F13
What does F13 mean on a Hotpoint washer dryer?
The machine can't get a reliable temperature reading from the drying side, so it won't run the dryer. On Hotpoint washer dryers, F13 points to the temperature sensor (thermistor) that watches the air/heat during the drying part of the cycle, or the circuit feeding it. Because the control board can no longer trust that reading, it refuses to switch the dryer heater on rather than risk overheating your laundry. The usual symptom is a wash that completes normally but clothes that come out wet, with the fault appearing at or shortly after the point the drying phase should start.
Can I fix Hotpoint F13 myself?
There are 4 checks you can safely do yourself first.
- Turn the machine off at the wall for a minute, then back on and try a drying programme again — a one-off glitch will sometimes clear.
- Clean the filter and, if your model has one, the condenser/fluff filter, so airflow through the machine isn't restricted.
- Check the drain hose isn't kinked or pushed too far into the standpipe, as poor drainage leaves clothes too wet for drying to work properly.
- Run a wash-only programme in the meantime — the wash side is normally unaffected.
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 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
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- Hotpoint F16 — The machine can't tell where the drum has stopped, or it isn…
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- Hotpoint F18 — The washer dryer's electronics have lost or corrupted the st…
- Hotpoint H20 — The machine isn't getting enough water in, so it has stopped…
- Hotpoint F01 — The control board has spotted a fault in the part of itself …
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