What F16 actually means
The machine can no longer tell where the drum has stopped, so it won't let the cycle continue.
On top-loading Indesit machines the drum has to park in one exact position at the end of a cycle so the drum flaps line up with the lid opening. A sensor confirms that position and locks the drum there. F16 means that confirmation never arrived — either the drum genuinely stopped somewhere it shouldn't, or the sensor and its wiring aren't reporting back — so the control board halts rather than risk unlocking a drum that isn't lined up.
What F16 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, F16 usually shows up as one or more of these:
- Machine door won't open
- Door won't lock or click shut
- Door lock light flashing
- Door stuck shut with the load inside
- Won't start even with the door closed
- Very noisy on spin
- Banging or knocking
- Moving across the floor
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 drum lock position sensor
- Loose or damaged wiring to the sensor
- Drum genuinely stopping out of position, often after an unbalanced load
- Fault on the main control board reading the sensor
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 it back on — a one-off misread will sometimes clear
- If the cycle has ended and the drum flaps aren't lined up with the lid, close the lid and run a short spin or rinse to let the machine reposition the drum
- Redistribute a heavy or unbalanced load and try again — a lopsided load can stop the drum away from its parking position
Common questions about Indesit F16
What does F16 mean on a Indesit washer dryer?
The machine can no longer tell where the drum has stopped, so it won't let the cycle continue. On top-loading Indesit machines the drum has to park in one exact position at the end of a cycle so the drum flaps line up with the lid opening. A sensor confirms that position and locks the drum there. F16 means that confirmation never arrived — either the drum genuinely stopped somewhere it shouldn't, or the sensor and its wiring aren't reporting back — so the control board halts rather than risk unlocking a drum that isn't lined up.
Can I fix Indesit F16 myself?
There are 3 checks you can safely do yourself first.
- Turn the machine off at the wall for a minute, then switch it back on — a one-off misread will sometimes clear.
- If the cycle has ended and the drum flaps aren't lined up with the lid, close the lid and run a short spin or rinse to let the machine reposition the drum.
- Redistribute a heavy or unbalanced load and try again — a lopsided load can stop the drum away from its parking position.
This one usually needs an engineer once you have tried them.
How much does it cost to repair Indesit F16?
£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 F16?
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
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