Error F 08 in the Indesit washing machine
The F08 error code is considered one of the most dangerous on an Indesit washing machine, as it often precedes the spontaneous combustion of the appliance. It sounds terrifying, but our technicians have experienced three such cases. Fortunately, in two cases, only the machine's body and internal components were damaged; the owners were home and managed to extinguish the fire. However, in one case, the owner left the machine washing while she went shopping, returning four hours later to a fire in ruins. The wooden house burned to the ground, all because of the washing machine.
If your Indesit washing machine suddenly displays error code F08, you must immediately unplug it, as further use could be dangerous. Furthermore, you should never leave the machine unattended. The last thing anyone wants to do on the pages of this publication is lecture you, but when faced with the above-mentioned situations, it's crucial to remember: don't leave your appliance unattended; it could end in disaster!
Reasons why the code appears
What malfunction could cause such a dreadful error code F08? Let's start by looking at what this code means. On Indesit washing machines, F08 stands for a heating element or temperature sensor malfunction. To the uninitiated, this code might simply indicate that the heating element or temperature sensor has burned out and needs to be replaced. In reality, things are a bit more complicated than they seem. So, what causes error code F08?
- Most often, this error occurs due to a shorted heating element or temperature sensor. According to service center statistics, approximately 93% of cases.
- In approximately 6% of cases, the F08 error occurs due to a broken control module.
- Only in 1% of cases is the culprit either the motor or the wiring through which current leaks to the ground.
If you have an Indesit washing machine without a display, remember that on such machines, the F08 error is indicated by a lit "quick wash" indicator and a flashing indicator indicating the drum speed.
Heating element or temperature sensor?
First of all, you need to check the heating element for functionality, as it's the one that will be responsible for the power supply. Test the heating element with a megameter on the washing machine body, and if the reading on the display is less than 20 mOhm, you can breathe a sigh of relief – the problem has been found, and the heating element simply needs to be replaced. If the heating element rings normally, then you'll need to move on. So, here's what to do:
- we open the body of the washing machine from the back wall;
- if the drive belt is in the way, remove it;
- remove all wires from the heating element and temperature sensor;
- we visually inspect the heating element with the sensor;
During a visual inspection, we'll be primarily interested in traces of corrosion around the temperature sensor. This is precisely what can trigger the F08 error code (based on the practical experience of our technicians).
- We ring the heating element as indicated above.
If you find traces of corrosion, rust, or similar around the temperature sensor, feel free to replace the entire heating element. No amount of cleaning or rinsing with alcohol will help; trust our experience, the part cannot be restored. Buy and install an original heating element, and you will be happy.
Engine or wiring?
An Indesit washing machine may trigger the F08 system error if it was previously used in high-humidity conditions. This isn't surprising, as washing machines are typically placed in bathrooms or kitchens, close to the water supply and sewer system, and humidity is normal in such areas. Moisture getting inside the machine over time causes oxidation of the contacts, which in turn triggers the F08 error.
If the heating element and temperature sensor are fully functional, it's likely due to corrosion or dust from the brushes of the commutator motor, which can damage the contacts just as much, if not more. To check this possibility, you'll need to test the motor, then remove it and inspect all contacts, including the brushes, blowing them out and cleaning them. How to remove and test the commutator motor of an Indesit washing machine is described in the article. Repair and inspection of the washing machine motorThe wiring and connectors going to the engine will also need to be checked.
Control module
Let's assume we haven't been able to find anything despite all our efforts. Error F08 still hangs, haunting us, and positive ideas about where the problem might lie are dwindling. All that's left is to turn our attention to the control module. All other things being equal, it's the only one that can conceal the defect that caused the unfortunate error.
At this point, you could dismantle the module and begin testing, but we'd like to dissuade you. Firstly, working with an electronic module requires time and experience. Secondly, there's a high risk of permanently damaging an expensive component. Thirdly, the success rate of a home-made electronics repair is very low. So is it worth tempting fate, spending extra money, and frustrating yourself? Wouldn't it be better to immediately contact a reputable technician who can fix such a simple module without any problems? Although, of course, the decision is yours!
To summarize, error F08 isn't that simple and can throw up a ton of surprises even for an experienced mechanic. Therefore, when repairing or even troubleshooting, proceed with extreme caution. Good luck!
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Thank you, that was clear.
And mine, it seems, has come to an end. The old lady worked for 11 years!
Ours was bought in May 2005 and hasn't had a single problem. Everything has its time. It stopped working in October 2017, apparently just tired.
The Indesit lasted 12 years without a single problem. It was purchased in 2005 and was assembled in Italy.
F08 — diagnostic result: heating element and sensor are OK, but the brushes are Error. I replaced them and the machine is like new. Indesit WISE-8.
Excellent article, everything is detailed down to the last detail! Thank you so much!!!
F08 came out after a small flood, and apparently some of the water leaked behind the machine (it leaked out through a crack in the bottom of the door because my wife had pinched it with her sock). After an overnight drying, it's still OK. The machine started blinking when turned off, about 10-15 minutes after plugging it in.
P.S.: Italian assembly is a thing - 15 years, three times ugh (at 10 years - brush change, but for some reason the sound was terrible - as if the bearing died 🙂
The washing machine is simply plugged in and is getting a shock from the water! It's periodically throwing error code F-08.
Check the heating element and the ground.
Hello, I have an Indesit WISL 103 washing machine and it's showing error code F08. I've checked all the sensors, the heating element and the temperature sensor are intact. I just start the spin cycle and get error code F08. I've noticed this: I turn off the water supply (by pulling the hose back completely), start the spin cycle, and the cycle runs. As soon as I apply pressure to the water supply and start the spin cycle, the F08 error returns. What should I do?
I'm currently struggling with the same issue. It turned out to be the heating sensor. I installed one from the old heating element—problem solved.
Good day. I checked everything: the brushes, the heating element, the temperature sensor, even the electronics! Everything was fine. I put everything back together and decided to tug on the cables while working, and somehow accidentally touched one of the heating element terminals. I got a slight jolt, but not as much as I should have. Usually, it should be stronger. I decided to check the voltage. It turned out there was no voltage at the heating element; one of the contacts was rusted.
How to get the washing machine out when the F 08 error occurs?