Error F12 on an Ariston washing machine

Error F12 on an Ariston washing machine most often appears before the tank is completely filled with water. Often, the machine doesn't even begin to fill with water, displaying a corresponding error code. Error F12 is preceded by a rather noticeable symptom: the inlet valve begins to work intermittently, making a distinctive sound. Read this article to learn about error F12 on Ariston washing machines and the malfunctions that cause it.

Displaying the code on an Ariston without a display

A washing machine with a display communicates with the user by displaying information on it. But even without a display, a washing machine can still communicate a lot through its indicator lights—you just need to recognize them correctly and draw the appropriate conclusions. What's this all about?

• The Ariston washing machine from the "ancient" Margherita line starts to blink intensively 12 times with the power button indicator, then takes a break of up to 15 seconds and repeats the blinking again, while the "lock" indicator remains constantly lit.
• The Ariston AVSL washing machine will flash the LED that indicates the "Super Wash" mode, as well as the delay timer indicator, while the "key" or "lock" LED will flash very rapidly.
• On Hotpoint-Ariston ARXL, ARSL, and ARL washing machines, this error is displayed on the control panel by flashing "Drain" and "Spin" indicators. In some cases, an additional symptom is the function indicators flashing simultaneously.
  
• Hotpoint-Ariston Aquatique will notify about the F12 error via the third and fourth temperature lamp (40⁰C and 50⁰WITH).

To correctly identify the code sent by a washing machine without a display, you need to watch it very carefully after turning it back on. Typically, the indicator code repeats many times; you just need to count the blinks of certain lights.

Let's decipher the code

Error F12 is one of the most serious. In 95% of cases, it is the result of a very serious problem in the washing machine's electronic or electrical circuit. What does this error mean? It is deciphered as follows: there is no interaction between the control panel indicator module and the electronic module that controls the entire washing machine.

Unfortunately, this error is most often triggered not by the electronic controller, but by the indicator module, as it is unable to communicate with the washing machine's "brain" and coordinate its actions. Consequently, it blocks certain washing programs and displays the F12 code on the display or transmits the code via the control panel indicators.

Troubleshooting

After learning what the F12 code means, don't despair, although you can still search your business card holder for the phone number of a reputable repairman. First, try checking whether the F12 error is caused by a local failure on the control board. To do this, restart the washing machine three times, pausing for 7-10 minutes between each restart.

In this case, you need to disconnect the machine from the power supply each time not only using the button, but also by disconnecting the power cord of the washing machine from the socket.

The chances of this helping are slim, but it's worth a try. Next, you need to check the control panel's display board, the wiring that powers it, and the electronic module itself. As usual, let's start with the simplest thing—checking the display board and wiring. The best way to do this is described in the article. Error F06 in an Ariston washing machine, we will not repeat ourselves, but will move straight to the electronic module.

If, after checking the rest of the electrical system, you are convinced that the F12 error code leads to the control module, feel free to call a technician. This will save you a ton of time and frustration. But if you really want to tinker with the appliance, find and remove the control module so you can take it to a technician for repair. Here's how to do it.

1. We remove the back wall of our “home assistant” from the Ariston brand.
2. At the bottom of the washing machine body, in the left corner near the back wall, there is a fairly large block connected to a bundle of wires; this is the control module.
3. Without removing the wires, we remove the module from the mounts and take a photo of it so that we can put it back later.
   
4. We disconnect all the connectors and wires, put the electronic module aside, and then pack up and take the part to the workshop.

You might ask, why bother removing the electronic module yourself if you can't repair it yourself? Well, firstly, not all DIYers are incapable of repairing modules at home, and secondly, even if you have a technician test and repair the part, you'll at least save some money on the cost of calling a technician and dismantling the part. Currently, calling a technician and removing the electronic module costs between $8 and $33, depending on the region.

So, let's summarize our story today. Error F12, as it turns out, can be very serious, as it's caused by faults in the washing machine's electrical and electronic circuits. Some problems can be solved at home, but if you've never repaired washing machines or any electronics yourself, it's best to call a technician and thoroughly explain the problem. Chances are, a good technician will find a way to help you. Happy repairing!

   

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