Error F08 in the Ariston washing machine

Error code F08 is not uncommon in Ariston washing machines, although many users have never encountered it. Error code F08 is common to both older and newer Ariston washing machines. Fortunately, the developers standardized the self-diagnostic codes for these machines to avoid a situation like that seen with Samsung washing machines, where nearly every model has its own codes, causing confusion. In this article, we'll explain the F08 error code, what malfunctions it may indicate, and how best to troubleshoot them.

Code display on cars without a display

Both older Ariston washing machines and new Hotpoint-Ariston models may be manufactured without a display. This certainly reduces the cost of the machine, but it makes it more difficult for the user to interact with the self-diagnostic system.

Indeed, without a display, the machine can only indicate an error in one way – a series of flashing and lit LEDs that indicate the activation of a particular washing mode, spin speed, water temperature, etc.

However, not everything is as hopeless as it might seem at first glance. The indicator coding of Ariston washing machines is not that complicated, and if you carefully read the instructions for recognizing system errors, everything falls into place. So, in order, how does error F 08 manifest itself on various Ariston washing machine models?

1. A rather ancient and now rare Ariston Margherita washing machine reports error code F08 by flashing the on/off light eight times, at intervals of several seconds. Additionally, the door lock indicator light, shaped like a key or lock, should remain lit continuously.
2. The Ariston AVL or AVSL series washing machine reports error F08 with a rapidly flashing door lock indicator, in combination with a flashing “Delay Timer” indicator.
3. In newer Hotpoint-Ariston Low-End, ARSL, and ARXL washing machine models, the F08 error code is indicated by a rapidly flashing LED next to the word "Spin" and illuminated lights next to the functions.
4. In Hotpoint-Ariston Aqualtis, the F08 error is easiest to identify, since it will be indicated by just one flashing indicator, indicating a temperature of fifty degrees.

How to decipher the code?

The F08 error code on Ariston or Hotpoint-Ariston washing machines is rather dry and uninformative. It sounds like a "heating error." The uninitiated, reading this code, will understand absolutely nothing. It's unclear whether the washing machine's heating element is faulty, or the temperature sensor, or perhaps the wiring or even the control board is at fault.

If you try to decipher this error in adapted language with additional explanations, rather than the manufacturer's explanation, the situation becomes a little clearer. Specifically, our technicians interpret the error as follows: "... the control module of the Ariston or Hotpoint-Ariston washing machine believes the heating element has started working, even though it hasn't activated it. Naturally, the electronics immediately shut down the washing machine and display error F08..."

It turns out that the main culprit of the F08 error is the heating element, although the problem often arises in another link in the heating circuit - the temperature sensor, wiring, contacts. In slightly rarer cases, the control module itself is at fault, while in the rarest cases of this error, mechanics associate it with the pressure switch and its circuit.

This error can appear at any time during the program, but most often the wash has not yet started, although the program is already activated, and after 10 seconds the message F08 appears on the display and the machine freezes.

We localize and eliminate the malfunction

We'll explain how to troubleshoot the F08 error using an Ariston Aquatic washing machine as an example. It's important to note that this error can often be resolved simply by restarting (powering off) the Ariston washing machine two or three times. If this doesn't help, try the following:

• We disconnect the washing machine from everything possible and take it out to a free place so that there is easy access to the body from all sides;
• we remove the back wall by unscrewing the screws that hold it;
• we photograph the location of the wires going to the contacts of the heating element and the temperature sensor;
  
• We remove the wires, and then, taking a multimeter, we measure the resistance of the heating element and the temperature sensor. If the device shows from 20 to 30 Ohms, everything is fine; if it shows 1 or 0, the part needs to be replaced.

If you haven't detected anything unusual after checking the heating element and temperature sensor—no current leakage, no sensor sticking, no open circuit—then you need to thoroughly check the wiring. It's best to first visually inspect it and then check it with a multimeter. If the wiring is intact, then the problem is either in the control module or in the pressure switch circuit. How to check the water level sensor itself and its circuit is described in the article Checking the washing machine pressure switch, so we will not repeat ourselves within the framework of this publication.

If you check the pressure switch circuit and find no abnormalities, you'll have to admit the problem lies in the washing machine's electronic module. Repairing the electronic module isn't always difficult or expensive, but tinkering with it yourself can result in serious damage to the entire circuit board, and then repairing the machine will definitely be expensive. To avoid such problems, avoid attempting to repair your Ariston washing machine's electronics yourself and entrust the job to a professional.

Please note! In about one in 100 cases, the F08 error in older Ariston machines may be caused by the FPS. So, before calling a repairman, it's a good idea to check this part as well.

In conclusion, it's worth noting that error code F 08 most often indicates an open circuit in the heating circuit or pressure switch, but problems with the control module are also possible. Therefore, it's important to be as attentive as possible during diagnostics, and most importantly, to properly assess your capabilities, as not all problems can be resolved on your own. Good luck!

   

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