Error F 08 in the Ariston washing machine

On an Ariston washing machine, error F08 is not that uncommon, although there are many users who have never encountered it. Error code F08 is common to both older models of Ariston washing machines and new machines. Fortunately, the developers unified the set of codes for the self-diagnosis system of these washing machines in advance, so that the same situation would not arise as on Samsung washing machines, where almost every model has its own codes, which causes confusion. In this article we will provide a breakdown of the F08 code, tell you what faults may be hidden behind it and how best to eliminate these faults.

Displaying code on machines without a display

Both old Ariston washing machines and new Hotpoint-Ariston models can be produced without a display. This, of course, reduces the cost of the machine, but makes it difficult for the user to communicate with the self-diagnosis system.

Indeed, in the absence of a display, the machine can demonstrate an error in only one way - a set of flashing and lit LEDs, which indicate the activation of a particular washing mode, spin speed, water temperature, etc.

However, not everything is as hopeless as it might seem at first glance. The display coding of Ariston washing machines is not so complicated, and if you carefully read the instructions for recognizing system errors, then everything will fall into place. So, in order, how does error F 08 appear on different lines of Ariston washing machine models?

1. A rather ancient and now rare Ariston washing machine from the Margherita line reports error F08 by flashing the on/off light eight times, at intervals of several seconds.In addition, the light bulb responsible for indicating that the hatch is locked, stylized as an image of a key or lock, must be continuously lit.
2. An Ariston AVL or AVSL series washing machine transmits error F08 using an intensely flashing door lock indicator in combination with a flashing Delay Timer indicator.
3. In newer models of Hotpoint-Ariston Low-End, ARSL, ARXL washing machines, an analogue of error F08 will be a frequently blinking LED, which is located next to the word “Spin” and light bulbs opposite the functions.
4. In the Hotpoint-Ariston Aqualtis, error F08 is the easiest to identify, since it will be indicated by just one blinking indicator indicating a temperature of fifty degrees.

How is the code deciphered?

The interpretation of error F08 on washing machines such as Ariston or Hotpoint-Ariston is very dry and uninformative. It sounds like a “heating error”. The uninitiated, after reading such a transcript, will understand absolutely nothing. It’s not clear whether the heating element of the washing machine is broken, or the temperature sensor is the problem, or maybe the wiring or even the control board is to blame.

If you try to decipher this error in an adapted language with additional explanations, and not as the manufacturer did it, the situation will become a little clearer. In particular, our experts interpret the error as follows: “... the control module of the Ariston or Hotpoint-Ariston washing machine believes that the heating element has started working, although it did not activate it. Naturally, the electronics instantly turns off the operation of the washing machine and displays error F08...”

It turns out that the main culprit of error F08 is the heating element, although often a problem arises in another part of the heating circuit - the temperature sensor, wiring, contacts. In slightly rarer cases, the control module itself is to blame, and in the rarest cases of this error, the technician associates it with the pressure switch and its circuit.

This error can appear at any time during the execution of the program, but most often the washing has not yet started, although the program has already been activated, and after 10 seconds the message F08 appears on the display and the machine freezes.

We localize and fix the problem

We will tell you how to find and fix a problem caused by error F08 using the Ariston Aquatic washing machine as an example. It is important to note that such an error is often eliminated simply by rebooting (de-energizing) the Ariston washing machine 2 or 3 times. If this doesn't help, do the following:

• We disconnect the washing machine from everything possible and take it out somewhere to a free place so that there is convenient access to the body from all sides;
• remove the back wall by unscrewing the screws that hold it in place;
• photograph the location of the wires going to the contacts of the heating element and temperature sensor;
  
• we remove the wires, and then, taking a multimeter, we measure the resistance of the heating element and the temperature sensor, if the device shows from 20 to 30 Ohms - everything is in order, if it shows 1 or 0, the part needs to be replaced.

If, after ringing the heating element and temperature sensor, you do not find anything unusual, no current leakage, no “sticking” of the sensor, no open circuit, then you need to carefully check the wiring. It is best to first inspect it visually and then check it with a multimeter. If the wiring is intact, then the problem is either in the control module or in the pressure switch circuit. How to check the water level sensor itself and its circuit is described in the article Checking the washing machine pressure switch, so within the framework of this publication we will not repeat ourselves.

If, after checking the pressure switch circuit, you do not find any deviations, you will have to admit that the malfunction has occurred in the electronic module of the washing machine. Repairing an electronic module is not always difficult and expensive, but if you get into it yourself, it can end sadly for the entire board, and then repairing the machine will definitely cost a pretty penny. To prevent such troubles from happening, you need to put aside thoughts of independently repairing the electronics of the Ariston washing machine and entrust this matter to a professional.

Note! In approximately one case out of 100, the FPS may be the culprit of the F08 error in old Ariston machines. So before calling a technician, it would be a good idea to check this detail as well.

In conclusion, we note that an error with code F 08 most often indicates an open circuit in the heating circuit or pressure switch, but problems with the control module are also possible. So during the diagnostic process you need to be as careful as possible, and most importantly, you need to correctly assess your strengths, because not all faults can be eliminated with your own hands. Good luck!

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