Indesit F01 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 F01 actually means

The machine has spotted an electrical fault in the part of the main control board that drives the motor, so it has shut the cycle down.

On Indesit machines using the EVO control boards, F01 is reported as a short circuit in the motor triac — the switching device on the main board that feeds power to the motor. Because a shorted triac can leave the motor live when it shouldn't be, the board halts everything rather than risk the drum spinning uncontrolled. On some older Hotpoint/Indesit models the same code is described more loosely as a main board fault, which often shows up as certain functions or programmes refusing to be selected.

What F01 looks like on a Indesit washing machine

Most people find this page having searched for what the machine is doing rather than the code itself. On a Indesit washing machine, F01 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
Drum not turning
Won't spin
Hums or buzzes but nothing moves

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 motor drive component on the main control board
A fault or short in the motor itself pulling the board down
Water or damp reaching the control board
Damaged or loose motor wiring
A power surge or spike having damaged the board

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 programme — this clears the odd one-off glitch.
Check the programme dial or buttons still respond; note down anything that won't select, as it helps the engineer.
If the drum is full of water, stop using it and leave the door shut until someone has looked at it.

Common questions about Indesit F01

What does F01 mean on a Indesit washing machine?

The machine has spotted an electrical fault in the part of the main control board that drives the motor, so it has shut the cycle down. On Indesit machines using the EVO control boards, F01 is reported as a short circuit in the motor triac — the switching device on the main board that feeds power to the motor. Because a shorted triac can leave the motor live when it shouldn't be, the board halts everything rather than risk the drum spinning uncontrolled. On some older Hotpoint/Indesit models the same code is described more loosely as a main board fault, which often shows up as certain functions or programmes refusing to be selected.

Can I fix Indesit F01 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 programme — this clears the odd one-off glitch.
Check the programme dial or buttons still respond; note down anything that won't select, as it helps the engineer.
If the drum is full of water, stop using it and leave the door shut until someone has looked at it.

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

How much does it cost to repair Indesit F01?

£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 F01?

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 Indesit washing machine codes

All Indesit 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.

Indesit F01 error — washing machine