Siemens F08 washing machine: what it means & what to check

What F08 actually means

The machine can't confirm the door is locked shut, so it refuses to start or carry on with the wash.

On Bosch-built machines — which includes Siemens — the control board waits for a signal from the door interlock telling it the door is latched and safe to fill. If that confirmation doesn't arrive, the cycle is halted and F08 is displayed. You'll typically see it right at the start of a programme, or with the drum full of water and the door still held shut.

What F08 looks like on a Siemens washing machine

Most people find this page having searched for what the machine is doing rather than the code itself. On a Siemens washing machine, F08 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
Not filling with water
No water going in
Takes for ever to fill

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

Worn or failed door interlock (the commonest finding by far on these machines)
Laundry caught in the door seal stopping the door pulling fully home
A tired or sagging door catch that no longer engages properly
Wiring or connection fault at the interlock
Control board not reading the lock signal

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.

Open the door and run your hand round the rubber seal for a sock or bra strap trapping it open.
Push the door firmly closed until you hear it click, rather than nudging it shut.
Take out a handful of washing if the drum is packed tight — an overfull drum can push the door back.
Switch off at the wall for a minute, then power up and try a short programme; the code will sometimes clear on its own if the door had simply not latched.

Common questions about Siemens F08

What does F08 mean on a Siemens washing machine?

The machine can't confirm the door is locked shut, so it refuses to start or carry on with the wash. On Bosch-built machines — which includes Siemens — the control board waits for a signal from the door interlock telling it the door is latched and safe to fill. If that confirmation doesn't arrive, the cycle is halted and F08 is displayed. You'll typically see it right at the start of a programme, or with the drum full of water and the door still held shut.

Can I fix Siemens F08 myself?

There are 4 checks you can safely do yourself first.

Open the door and run your hand round the rubber seal for a sock or bra strap trapping it open.
Push the door firmly closed until you hear it click, rather than nudging it shut.
Take out a handful of washing if the drum is packed tight — an overfull drum can push the door back.
Switch off at the wall for a minute, then power up and try a short programme; the code will sometimes clear on its own if the door had simply not latched.

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

How much does it cost to repair Siemens F08?

£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 F08?

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 Siemens washing machine codes

All Siemens 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.

Siemens F08 error — washing machine