Indesit F02 washer dryer: 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 F02 actually means

The machine has stopped because the control board is not getting the drum motor to turn properly.

F02 is Indesit's motor fault code — either the motor itself or the board that controls it. The control board asks the motor to run, watches the speed feedback and doesn't get what it expects, so it halts the cycle rather than carry on. Typically the drum sits still or barely moves during the wash, or it washes but refuses to spin, leaving heavy wet laundry and sometimes water still in the drum.

What F02 looks like on a Indesit washer dryer

Most people find this page having searched for what the machine is doing rather than the code itself. On a Indesit washer dryer, F02 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

Worn motor carbon brushes — by far the most common cause on brush-motor Indesit machines, and an inexpensive part
Fault on the motor control board or a failed relay on it
Speed sensor (tacho) on the motor giving no or wrong feedback
Loose or damaged connection between the board and the motor
Motor itself failed, usually after the brushes have been left worn for a long time

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 cycle — this clears an occasional one-off reading
With the machine switched off, open the door and turn the drum by hand: it should spin freely. If it grinds or won't move, something is jamming it and it needs looking at
Check nothing has escaped the drum — a wire from a bra or a coin trapped between drum and tub can stall the motor
Take out some of the load and restart; a very heavy, tightly packed drum can make a weak motor stall

Common questions about Indesit F02

What does F02 mean on a Indesit washer dryer?

The machine has stopped because the control board is not getting the drum motor to turn properly. F02 is Indesit's motor fault code — either the motor itself or the board that controls it. The control board asks the motor to run, watches the speed feedback and doesn't get what it expects, so it halts the cycle rather than carry on. Typically the drum sits still or barely moves during the wash, or it washes but refuses to spin, leaving heavy wet laundry and sometimes water still in the drum.

Can I fix Indesit F02 myself?

There are 4 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 cycle — this clears an occasional one-off reading.
With the machine switched off, open the door and turn the drum by hand: it should spin freely. If it grinds or won't move, something is jamming it and it needs looking at.
Check nothing has escaped the drum — a wire from a bra or a coin trapped between drum and tub can stall the motor.
Take out some of the load and restart; a very heavy, tightly packed drum can make a weak motor stall.

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

How much does it cost to repair Indesit F02?

£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 F02?

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 Indesit washer dryer codes

All Indesit fault codes and repairs →

What this looks like when it happens

washer dryer not drying

Written by the engineers at ASAP Repairs, 0115 648 0929. We repair these machines for a living in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire.

Indesit F02 error — washer dryer