What F12 actually means
The main control board and the display/control panel have stopped talking to each other, so the machine won't respond or start.
On Indesit washer dryers, F12 is a communication fault between the main PCB behind the machine and the display board on the front where your buttons and lights are. The two boards constantly check in with each other; when that link drops, the machine won't power up properly or accept a programme, and it flags F12 rather than run blind. Typically the display lights up but the machine is dead to any button press, or it starts up and immediately faults.
What F12 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, F12 usually shows up as one or more of these:
- Leaking
- Water on the floor
- Puddle underneath
- Shuts itself down and won't restart
- No function at all
- Dead — nothing lights up
- Lights flashing and nothing happening
- Programme won't start
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
- A loose or partly unplugged ribbon/wiring connector between the two boards
- A damaged or chafed connecting cable, often where it runs round the front of the cabinet
- A failed display/control panel board
- A failed main control board
- Damp or corrosion on the connector pins, common where the machine sits in a cold utility or under a leaking worktop
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 — a genuine one-off glitch will sometimes clear and not return
- Check the plug and socket are sound and the machine isn't running through a damaged extension lead or a loose spur
- If the fault appeared after the machine was moved, pushed back into place or had work done nearby, mention that to the engineer — a cable pinched behind the cabinet is a frequent cause
Common questions about Indesit F12
What does F12 mean on a Indesit washer dryer?
The main control board and the display/control panel have stopped talking to each other, so the machine won't respond or start. On Indesit washer dryers, F12 is a communication fault between the main PCB behind the machine and the display board on the front where your buttons and lights are. The two boards constantly check in with each other; when that link drops, the machine won't power up properly or accept a programme, and it flags F12 rather than run blind. Typically the display lights up but the machine is dead to any button press, or it starts up and immediately faults.
Can I fix Indesit F12 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 — a genuine one-off glitch will sometimes clear and not return.
- Check the plug and socket are sound and the machine isn't running through a damaged extension lead or a loose spur.
- If the fault appeared after the machine was moved, pushed back into place or had work done nearby, mention that to the engineer — a cable pinched behind the cabinet is a frequent cause.
This one usually needs an engineer once you have tried them.
How much does it cost to repair Indesit F12?
£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 F12?
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
- Indesit F13 — The machine can no longer read the temperature inside the dr…
- Indesit F14 — The machine has found a problem with the heater that produce…
- Indesit F15 — The control board has lost proper control of the heating, so…
- Indesit F16 — The machine can no longer tell where the drum has stopped, s…
- Indesit F17 — The machine can't confirm the door is shut and locked, so it…
- Indesit F18 — The machine's main control board can no longer read its own …
- Indesit H20 — The machine isn't getting enough water in, so it has stopped…
- Indesit E11 — The machine has decided the drain pump isn't doing its job, …
All Indesit fault codes and repairs →