Error F03 on an Ariston washing machine

Washing machines make life easier not only with automatic washing but also with a self-diagnostic system. Thanks to the latter, the washing machine automatically detects any malfunction and alerts you with a code or indicator. All the user has to do is decipher the code and repair it. If an Ariston machine displays error code F03, the temperature sensor and heating element are suspect. All that's left to do is study the symptoms and try to solve the problem.

What is this error?

"F03" appears when there are heating problems. Specifically, the Ariston washing machine is unable to heat the water to the set temperature. The board gives a signal to turn on the heating element, the time allocated for heating ends, and the module, without waiting for information, gives a cancellation, stops washing and displays a corresponding error on the display.

The following faults lead to the appearance of F03:

• sticking of the relay on the heating element;
• heating element failure;
• temperature sensor malfunction.

Error F03 indicates problems with water heating – the heating element or temperature sensor has failed.

Some washing machines only pause the cycle when the F03 error occurs, and if the user doesn't intervene, they continue to run in cold water. In either case, wash quality suffers significantly, so delaying diagnostics and repairs is not recommended.

Displaying code on machines without a screen

If your Ariston washing machine has a display, troubleshooting won't be a problem—it will display a code and narrow the search. Models without displays are more difficult, as you'll need to rely on the indicator lights—in simple terms, the blinking LEDs on the dashboard. The frequency and number of blinks depend on the brand of the machine.

On the Ariston Margherita ALS109X, error F03 is indicated by the blinking of two buttons on the panel—the power button and the door lock button. The lights flash in a triple sequence, then go out for 5-10 seconds and then come back on. The programmer also beeps simultaneously: it clicks and rotates clockwise.

Machines in the AVL, AVTL, AVSL, and CDE series indicate that the heating system is unable to reach the desired temperature by activating the two lower buttons, which control additional options. Their names vary depending on the brand; typically, the "Extra Rinse" and "Quick Wash" buttons will flash; less commonly, the "Spin Reducer" and "Easy Iron" buttons will flash simultaneously. The "Key" button will also flash rapidly.

Hotpoint-Ariston's low-end models (e.g., ARSL, ARXL, and AVM) display F03 via the two lower LEDs: "Hatch Lock" (called "Key" on some models) and "End of Cycle" (sometimes referred to as "END"). Additional function buttons located:

• horizontally (on Ariston BHWD, BH WM and ARUSL line brands);
• vertically (ARTF, AVC and ECOTF washing machines).

Owners of Hotpoint-Ariston Aqualtis machines can detect the F03 error by the blinking lights indicating the temperature selection. These are "No Heat" and "30°C."

Repair algorithm

If you suspect a heating problem, stop the wash cycle and investigate the underlying issue. Continuing the cycle in cold water is pointless – the washing results will be poor, and the circuit board will remain stuck due to an algorithmic mismatch. It is better not to terrorize the machine, turn on the rinse or drain, and after the program stops, begin diagnostics. The procedure is as follows:

• open the drum and take out the items;
• reset the error code and unplug the power cord from the socket;
• wait 10-15 minutes;
• connect the washing machine to the network;
• We measure the resistor group on the control module using a multimeter, setting the value to 180-220 kOhm;
• We "ring" the temperature sensor, which should respond to heating above 20 degrees with a resistance of 20 kOhm.

When diagnosing and repairing Ariston washing machines, please observe safety precautions!

Be sure to inspect the heater relay circuit and the control board itself. If there is damage, such as broken tracks, burnt-out electronic components, or loose contacts, appropriate repairs are required. If you lack the knowledge and experience to troubleshoot the problem, it's best to avoid experimenting altogether and have the circuit breaker repaired by a service center.

What are the symptoms of the malfunction and why did it occur?

Error F03 isn't just indicated by the display pattern and flashing lights. There's also a more compelling reason: a cold door 15-20 minutes after starting the cycle. This is because, without sufficient heat, the washing machine isn't able to reach the required 60-90°C (140-194°F) temperature. Therefore, you can perform a simple test: start the high-temperature cycle, wait a certain amount of time, and then place your hand on the door.

There is no heating for several reasons.

• User inattention. Sometimes the program without water heating is initially selected.
• Broken pressure switch If level sensor If it doesn't work, the board doesn't receive a signal about the tank being full and doesn't transmit a heating command to the heating element.
• Broken wiring on the heating element. The heater needs to be inspected for loose or damaged contacts.
• The heating element is faulty. It may have overheated due to scale buildup or wear.
• The temperature sensor is faulty. There is no need to think about what to do – just replace the device with a new one.

If you see F03 on the display, don't panic—restoring the water heating is easy. Knowing what the code means and how to fix the error can help you resolve the situation quickly and easily.

   

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