Error F11 in an Ariston washing machine

Modern automatic washing machines can pause at any stage of the wash cycle if a malfunction is detected. Error F11 on an Ariston washing machine appears on the display at the end of the rinse cycle. Since the spin cycle hasn't yet begun, the washing machine will be full of laundry and water, significantly complicating further operations. What's the solution?

Correctly identify the error

In this case, the wash cycle begins normally, but after a short while, the machine will notify the user of a malfunction. The error code is usually displayed before or after the rinse cycle. Less frequently, the machine displays the F11 error during the spin cycle.

Error F11 may appear without a specific pattern: it may appear, then disappear after a few minutes, allowing you to complete the washing cycle.

Hotpoint Ariston machines that do not have a screen display the error in different ways.

• The earliest machines, equipped with only two indicators: a power light and a door closing signal, display a series of 11 power indicator flashes with a 10-15 second pause. The door control LED (the "lock" or "key" symbol) will glow continuously. The programmer will begin rotating and making a characteristic clicking sound.
• On Ariston washing machines with wash cycle progress indicators (e.g., AML, AVSL, AVL models, etc.), the "Delayed Start Timer," "Express Wash," and "Extra Rinse" lights will illuminate. The UBL LED will also blink.
• In the Hotpoint Ariston Low-End series of washing machines, the "Spin" indicator lights up, the "Program End" light flashes, and the "Key" door closing indicator light flashes. Additionally, the horizontal indicator for additional options may also light up.
• Hotpoint Ariston Aquallis washing machines without a digital display will notify the user of an error by flashing the 30°C and 50°C water temperature indicators. At the same time, the cold water indicator light will illuminate. Consequently, water temperature indicators 1, 2, and 4 will illuminate in a row, from bottom to top.

What should you do if you've diagnosed the F11 error? We'll explore how to resolve the issue, in which cases a full repair is required, and in which cases a simple hardware reboot will help.

Is the machine broken?

How to fix a machine when a fault is diagnosed? Not always a fault code F11 indicates a breakdown; in some cases, this only indicates a short-term failure in the system, which can be easily fixed with your own hands. Let's look at the main reasons for the appearance of the F11 designation.

• There's likely a problem with the main control module, or there's a problem with the washing machine's indicator lights. Electronics rarely make mistakes, so first, unplug the machine. After 15 minutes, plug it back in and try running the desired wash cycle.
• Sometimes the pump contacts are loose. It's necessary to check the tightness of the connection in the power supply circuit from the pump to the control unit and inspect the wiring for defects and breaks.

If basic steps are unsuccessful and the washing machine displays error F11, then some component in the system has stopped functioning, and repairs will be necessary.

Most often, the F11 error informs the user about a breakdown of the drain pump or a connection problem in its circuit.

Due to certain reasons, the connection with the pump is lost, and it doesn't respond to signals from the washing machine's control unit. The washing machine doesn't recognize the command, can't empty the waste water from the tank, and displays error code.

In certain Hotpoint Ariston machines, the F11 error may indicate a drainage problem. The drain hose or drain pipe may be clogged. In this case, the blockage needs to be cleared. However, more often than not, this error indicates a serious problem in the pump circuit or a malfunctioning main controller. You can call a professional technician for repairs, or try to resolve the issue yourself.

We identify the fault and fix it

It's important to pay attention to the nature of the malfunction. If your Ariston washing machine "stops" full of water in any wash cycle, displaying the F11 code, the problem lies with the drainage system. The pump motor winding may have burned out, causing the pump to stop responding to commands. The drain pump will need to be replaced.

In some cases, the error appears just before the "Spin" function starts. The code may also sometimes appear during certain programs, only to disappear on its own afterwards. Such behavior is completely unpredictable and irregular. This could indicate a failure of the main control board (controller)—the "brains" of the washing machine.

The drain pump control relay on the microcircuit most often fails, but other components, such as resistors, capacitors, and others, can also burn out. The cause may be damage to the circuit board tracks that carry the signal. The control unit can be repaired: you can try replacing broken elements or soldering the tracks. Such work is highly complex, so it's best to entrust it to a specialist. If the processor fails or other serious damage occurs, the entire control board of the machine may need to be replaced.

Sometimes the cause of the malfunction is a broken pump wiring. This most often occurs in private homes, where mice chew through the contacts and wires. The solution is to replace the damaged wiring or re-solder the offending contacts.

What should I do if the machine tries to drain several times, but the process doesn't start, and an F11 error appears? In this case, it's not the drainage system that needs to be examined, but the pressure switch (water level sensor in the tank). This problem is very rare, and particularly so on Ariston models, where the pump control circuit also transmits the command from the pressure switch to the main module's processor to drain the water. If the level sensor fails, the circuit breaks, the control board loses communication with the pump, and the F11 error appears. Replacing the pressure switch hose or completely reinstalling the sensor may help.

   

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