What F10 actually means
The dishwasher has decided the water isn't being heated as it should be, and it's flagging the heating side of the machine as the problem.
On Indesit dishwashers, F10 is a heating fault — the control board expects the wash water to warm up once the element is switched on, and when that doesn't happen within the time it allows, it stops the programme rather than carry on washing cold. On models without a display you'll see it as a pattern of the four indicator lights instead of a code: the second light on and the fourth light on. The usual complaint that brings us out is dishes coming out cold, greasy and wet, or the cycle stalling partway through.
What F10 looks like on a Indesit dishwasher
Most people find this page having searched for what the machine is doing rather than the code itself. On a Indesit dishwasher, F10 usually shows up as one or more of these:
- Dishwasher not draining
- Water left in the tub at the end of the cycle
- Stops mid-cycle full of water
- Standing water in the bottom
- Not filling with water
- No water going in
- Takes for ever to fill
- Stops right at the start of the cycle
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
- The heating element has failed (by far the most common finding)
- A faulty temperature sensor or thermostat giving the board bad readings
- Limescale or debris coating the element so it can't heat the water properly
- A wiring or connection fault between the board and the element
- A fault on the main control board misreading the heating 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 dishwasher off at the wall socket for a minute, then switch back on and try a short programme — an occasional one-off glitch will clear
- Take out the bottom filter, rinse it under the tap and refit it, and clear any food debris from the sump area you can reach by hand
- Check the machine is being fed by a water supply that is turned on and that the fill and drain hoses behind it aren't kinked
- Make sure the spray arms spin freely and aren't jammed by tall items in the lower basket
Common questions about Indesit F10
What does F10 mean on a Indesit dishwasher?
The dishwasher has decided the water isn't being heated as it should be, and it's flagging the heating side of the machine as the problem. On Indesit dishwashers, F10 is a heating fault — the control board expects the wash water to warm up once the element is switched on, and when that doesn't happen within the time it allows, it stops the programme rather than carry on washing cold. On models without a display you'll see it as a pattern of the four indicator lights instead of a code: the second light on and the fourth light on. The usual complaint that brings us out is dishes coming out cold, greasy and wet, or the cycle stalling partway through.
Can I fix Indesit F10 myself?
There are 4 checks you can safely do yourself first.
- Turn the dishwasher off at the wall socket for a minute, then switch back on and try a short programme — an occasional one-off glitch will clear.
- Take out the bottom filter, rinse it under the tap and refit it, and clear any food debris from the sump area you can reach by hand.
- Check the machine is being fed by a water supply that is turned on and that the fill and drain hoses behind it aren't kinked.
- Make sure the spray arms spin freely and aren't jammed by tall items in the lower basket.
This one usually needs an engineer once you have tried them.
How much does it cost to repair Indesit F10?
£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 F10?
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 dishwasher 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 dishwasher codes
All Indesit fault codes and repairs →