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 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
When to call someone
This one usually needs an engineer once you have tried the checks above. We cover Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire, and it's £66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it — £84 in total if it's repaired on the visit with no parts needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.
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
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- Indesit F11 — The machine can't see the drain pump electrically at all, so…
- Indesit F12 — The machine's control board and its display/selector unit ha…
- Indesit F13 — On an Indesit washer dryer, F13 means the machine can't get …