Error code F3 in a Gorenje washing machine
Automatic washing machines are equipped with a useful feature—the ability to diagnose any malfunctions in the system. If a fault is detected, the washing machine will display an error code. In some cases, restarting the washing machine can resolve the problem, but more often, repairs are required.
What does the F3 error code mean when it suddenly appears on the screen? This code indicates there's not enough water in the washing machine's drum. This can occur due to a lack of water in the house's water supply, a clogged filter on the water inlet valve, or a faulty water inlet valve itself. Let's figure out what to do in this situation and how to restore your machine to its previous working order.
Water supply is difficult or absent
If you see an error code on the display, don't panic; in most cases, you can fix the problem yourself. First of all, make sure that the water supply is working, in case the water in your house has simply been turned off. If the utilities are fine, check the tee valve; the liquid supply to the machine may simply be shut off. If the water outlet is also fine, inspect the filter mesh located on the inlet valve for blockages.
To examine and, if necessary, clean the filter element yourself, follow these steps:
- turn off the power to the washing machine, turn off the water supply valve to the machine;
- Disconnect the machine's inlet hose from the body, allowing you to easily access the mesh filter. Be careful, as residual water may leak out of the hose, so be sure to use a dry cloth when unscrewing it.
- remove the filter element from the structure: lightly squeeze the filter with pliers and carefully pull it towards you;
- clean the mesh, it is recommended to rinse it under warm running water;
- If the contamination is severe, pre-soak the element for one hour in a special solution: add 1 teaspoon of citric acid to a glass of warm water;
- install the mesh filter back in place, screwing the element in until it stops;
- connect the water inlet hose;
- Open the valve responsible for supplying water to the system, make sure that the connection point is not leaking;
- Plug the washing machine into the power supply and run one of the special programs. If the unit fills with water to the required level and completes the selected wash cycle, the problem has been resolved.
While you're cleaning the strainer, you can clean the washing machine's inlet hose. While it requires less frequent cleaning than the drain hose, clean tap water still contains various impurities that inevitably settle in the inlet hose.
By installing water softening filters at the inlet of the automatic washing machine, you can improve the quality of the liquid entering the system and, as a result, reduce the risk of contamination of the washing machine components.
If the problem cannot be resolved, it is necessary to proceed to the next stage of work, namely, diagnostics and replacement of the electromagnetic water inlet valve.
Checking and replacing the intake valve
What should I check next? Error code F3 in a Gorenje washing machine may be caused by a faulty solenoid valve. This device is located directly under the top lid of the washing machine, near the wall of the machine. The hoses used to supply water to the dispenser (the detergent drawer) are connected to this element.
Once you've located the water intake valve, test it using a dedicated multimeter. Set the tester to resistance mode and alternately touch the probes to the component's winding. The operating valve should display a resistance of 3 kOhm. If the reading deviates from the standard, the only way to repair the washing machine is to replace the element. So, in this case, the following steps will help you deal with the F3 error:
- Unscrew the bolts that secure the valve to the machine;
- Take a photo of the wiring so that when installing a new part, you can connect it correctly;
- disconnect the hoses;
- remove the valve from the housing;
- install a new, serviceable element into the seat, secure the valve with bolts;
- work with the wiring - all cables must be connected correctly;
- connect the hoses to the appropriate connectors;
- tighten the clamps;
- Place the top cover of the machine body back in place and secure it with screws.
After the repair, your washing machine should operate normally. Using the recommendations provided, troubleshooting the F3 error will be easy.
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Hello. I need help. I'm talking about a Gorenje WA614SYW washing machine.
Here's the problem. The machine displays error code f3 while running. Specifically, the first time it fills with water, it fills normally, but the second time, during the rinse cycle, it starts filling with water, and after a while, error code f3 appears.
Regarding the situation, I can tell you what I've already done. I cleaned the inlet filter. I've basically cleaned the entire machine, all the tubes and all the channels. I checked the solenoid valve, it's working (3.8 combo). I checked the pressure switch—it's fine, and I also blew out the tube that connects to the pressure switch. The water supply is from the main water supply, and the pressure is excellent. Could you please tell me what else could be the problem?
The local washing machine repairman couldn't help. The drain hose is positioned as it should be—75 cm from the floor. The hose is the standard length. I tried simply lowering it into a bucket at least 75 cm below the floor. No effect. Just for fun, I tried disconnecting the hose from the pressure switch and filling the machine without it. After a while, the F3 error message popped up. Even though the machine doesn't drain a drop.
Can anyone help with this issue? What other options are there?
Did they fix it at least? Should I go to a repair shop or should I do it myself? We're also getting Error F3 and I don't know what to do.
Cleaning the drain pump filter (located behind the door in the lower right corner of the machine) may help with this error. If threads or debris are tangled there, the machine will start the program but display error code F03 within a few minutes.