What F08 actually means
The machine has lost the electrical circuit to its water heater, so it can't heat the wash and stops rather than carrying on cold.
On Whirlpool's 6th Sense machines, F08 is logged as an open circuit at the heating element — the control board switches the heater on, sees no current flowing through it, and abandons the cycle. That usually means the element itself has failed internally, though a broken or corroded connection between the element and the board gives the same reading. Typically the drum is full of cold or lukewarm water and the programme has stalled part way in, at the point where the temperature should have started climbing.
What F08 looks like on a Whirlpool washing machine
Most people find this page having searched for what the machine is doing rather than the code itself. On a Whirlpool washing machine, F08 usually shows up as one or more of these:
- Not heating the water
- Washing coming out cold
- Cycle takes far longer than it should
- No function at all
- Dead — nothing lights up
- Lights flashing and nothing happening
- Programme won't start
- Machine tripping the electrics
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
- Heating element burnt out or failed internally
- A loose, corroded or heat-damaged connection at the element
- Damaged wiring between the element and the control board
- Faulty heater relay on the control board, where one is fitted
- Limescale damage to the element after long use in a hard water area
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 power it back up and start a short programme — occasionally the code is a one-off logged fault rather than a live one.
- Try a cold wash. If the machine completes a cold programme normally but fails whenever heat is called for, that supports a heater fault and is useful information for the engineer.
- Note where in the cycle it stops and whether the water is cold — worth telling us when you book.
Common questions about Whirlpool F08
What does F08 mean on a Whirlpool washing machine?
The machine has lost the electrical circuit to its water heater, so it can't heat the wash and stops rather than carrying on cold. On Whirlpool's 6th Sense machines, F08 is logged as an open circuit at the heating element — the control board switches the heater on, sees no current flowing through it, and abandons the cycle. That usually means the element itself has failed internally, though a broken or corroded connection between the element and the board gives the same reading. Typically the drum is full of cold or lukewarm water and the programme has stalled part way in, at the point where the temperature should have started climbing.
Can I fix Whirlpool F08 myself?
There are 3 checks you can safely do yourself first.
- Turn the machine off at the wall for a minute, then power it back up and start a short programme — occasionally the code is a one-off logged fault rather than a live one.
- Try a cold wash. If the machine completes a cold programme normally but fails whenever heat is called for, that supports a heater fault and is useful information for the engineer.
- Note where in the cycle it stops and whether the water is cold — worth telling us when you book.
This one usually needs an engineer once you have tried them.
How much does it cost to repair Whirlpool 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 Whirlpool washing machine codes
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- Whirlpool F11 — The two control boards inside the machine have stopped talki…
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- Whirlpool F14 — The washing machine's main control board has lost or corrupt…
- Whirlpool F15 — The washing machine has lost confidence in the electronics t…
- Whirlpool F16 — The washing machine's main control board has reported an int…
- Whirlpool F22 — The washing machine's control board has flagged a fault it c…
- Whirlpool C00 — C00 isn't a fault — it's the first step of the machine's bui…
All Whirlpool fault codes and repairs →
What this looks like when it happens
- washing machine making a loud noise
- washing machine not heating the water
- washing machine will not turn on
- washing machine tripping the electrics