Indesit F09 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 F09 actually means

The washing machine's control board has lost or corrupted the software settings it needs, so it can't offer you a programme to start.

F09 on an Indesit washer is a software or setup fault on the main control board \u2014 the memory holding the machine's configuration (its model settings, drum size, maximum spin speed) either doesn't match the board or has become unreadable. The usual symptom is a machine that powers up with several lights flashing, or a display showing the code, and no programme can be selected. The board won't run a cycle in that state, so nothing happens when you press start.

What F09 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, F09 usually shows up as one or more of these:

No function at all
Dead — nothing lights up
Lights flashing and nothing happening
Programme won't start
Machine tripping the electrics
F09 flashing on the display
Beeping and showing F09

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

Configuration data on the main control board corrupted or lost
A replacement control board fitted without being programmed to the machine's model
Power surge or interrupted supply scrambling the board's memory
Failed memory chip on the board itself
Loss of communication between the display module and the main 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 socket, leave it for a minute or two, then switch back on \u2014 occasionally clears a one-off glitch
Check the plug and socket are sound and the machine isn't on an extension lead or a socket shared with other heavy appliances
Try selecting a programme after the reset; if the lights still flash and nothing can be chosen, the fault is in the board

Common questions about Indesit F09

What does F09 mean on a Indesit washing machine?

The washing machine's control board has lost or corrupted the software settings it needs, so it can't offer you a programme to start. F09 on an Indesit washer is a software or setup fault on the main control board \u2014 the memory holding the machine's configuration (its model settings, drum size, maximum spin speed) either doesn't match the board or has become unreadable. The usual symptom is a machine that powers up with several lights flashing, or a display showing the code, and no programme can be selected. The board won't run a cycle in that state, so nothing happens when you press start.

Can I fix Indesit F09 myself?

There are 3 checks you can safely do yourself first.

Turn the machine off at the wall socket, leave it for a minute or two, then switch back on \u2014 occasionally clears a one-off glitch.
Check the plug and socket are sound and the machine isn't on an extension lead or a socket shared with other heavy appliances.
Try selecting a programme after the reset; if the lights still flash and nothing can be chosen, the fault is in the board.

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

How much does it cost to repair Indesit F09?

£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 F09?

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 F09 error — washing machine