What F08 actually means
The dishwasher has lost the electrical connection to the diverter — the valve that switches water between the upper and lower spray arms — so it stops and shows the fault.
Machines in this range use a diverter to send the pumped water to the top or bottom spray arm at different points in the wash. The control board watches that diverter's motor circuit, and when it reads an open circuit — no continuity at all — it halts the programme and flags F08, with the wash, rinse, dry and end lights blinking alongside the code. Worth knowing: the diverter is not monitored during the Jetwash 14' programme, so that cycle may appear to run normally even with the fault present.
What F08 looks like on a White Knight dishwasher
Most people find this page having searched for what the machine is doing rather than the code itself. On a White Knight dishwasher, F08 usually shows up as one or more of these:
- Dishwasher not draining
- Water left in the tub at the end of the cycle
- Stops mid-cycle full of water
- Standing water in the bottom
- Tub not turning
- Won't spin
- Hums or buzzes but nothing moves
- Turns one way only
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 failed diverter motor on the sump
- A disconnected or corroded plug on the diverter wiring
- A chafed or broken wire between the diverter and the control board
- A control board fault on the diverter output
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 dishwasher off at the wall for a minute, then power it back up and start a normal programme — an occasional one-off reading will clear
- Check both spray arms spin freely by hand and that the holes aren't blocked, and rinse the filters out; this won't clear F08 but rules out the poor-wash symptoms often blamed on it
- Try the Jetwash 14' programme if you need a wash urgently — the diverter isn't monitored on it, though wash performance may suffer
Which White Knight models show F08
F08 means the same thing on this model. If yours is not listed, the explanation above still applies — the code is set by the control board, not the model number.
WK-AT45FSDW
Common questions about White Knight F08
What does F08 mean on a White Knight dishwasher?
The dishwasher has lost the electrical connection to the diverter — the valve that switches water between the upper and lower spray arms — so it stops and shows the fault. Machines in this range use a diverter to send the pumped water to the top or bottom spray arm at different points in the wash. The control board watches that diverter's motor circuit, and when it reads an open circuit — no continuity at all — it halts the programme and flags F08, with the wash, rinse, dry and end lights blinking alongside the code. Worth knowing: the diverter is not monitored during the Jetwash 14' programme, so that cycle may appear to run normally even with the fault present.
Can I fix White Knight F08 myself?
There are 3 checks you can safely do yourself first.
- Turn the dishwasher off at the wall for a minute, then power it back up and start a normal programme — an occasional one-off reading will clear.
- Check both spray arms spin freely by hand and that the holes aren't blocked, and rinse the filters out; this won't clear F08 but rules out the poor-wash symptoms often blamed on it.
- Try the Jetwash 14' programme if you need a wash urgently — the diverter isn't monitored on it, though wash performance may suffer.
This one usually needs an engineer once you have tried them.
How much does it cost to repair White Knight 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 dishwasher 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 White Knight dishwasher codes
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