Indesit F13 washing machine: what it means & what to check

What F13 actually means

On an Indesit washer dryer, F13 means the machine can't get a sensible temperature reading from the drying circuit, so it won't run the dry.

F13 is a washer dryer code — it points at the temperature sensor that watches the air in the drying circuit, or the heating circuit it works alongside. Because the machine can't tell how hot the air is getting, it shuts the drying phase down rather than risk overheating. Washing usually still completes normally; it's the drying part that either does nothing or stops early with the load still damp.

What F13 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, F13 usually shows up as one or more of these:

Machine not draining
Water left in the drum at the end of the cycle
Stops mid-cycle full of water
Standing water in the bottom
Not heating the water
Washing coming out cold
Cycle takes far longer than it should
Noisy fan

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

Faulty drying temperature sensor (NTC)
A loose or corroded connection to that sensor
Dryer heating element or its thermostat has failed
Control board fault on the drying circuit
Heavy fluff build-up in the drying air path affecting airflow and temperature

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 minute, then switch back on and try a short drying cycle — occasionally it clears a one-off reading error.
Check the filter and make sure the drain hose isn't kinked or pushed too far down the standpipe.
Try a smaller load — an overloaded drum can leave clothes damp and be mistaken for this fault.

Common questions about Indesit F13

What does F13 mean on a Indesit washing machine?

On an Indesit washer dryer, F13 means the machine can't get a sensible temperature reading from the drying circuit, so it won't run the dry. F13 is a washer dryer code — it points at the temperature sensor that watches the air in the drying circuit, or the heating circuit it works alongside. Because the machine can't tell how hot the air is getting, it shuts the drying phase down rather than risk overheating. Washing usually still completes normally; it's the drying part that either does nothing or stops early with the load still damp.

Can I fix Indesit F13 myself?

There are 3 checks you can safely do yourself first.

Turn the machine off at the wall for a minute, then switch back on and try a short drying cycle — occasionally it clears a one-off reading error.
Check the filter and make sure the drain hose isn't kinked or pushed too far down the standpipe.
Try a smaller load — an overloaded drum can leave clothes damp and be mistaken for this fault.

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

How much does it cost to repair Indesit F13?

£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 F13?

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 F13 error — washing machine