Hotpoint Aquarius Washing Machine Test Service Mode | Ariston, Indesit Washing Machine Diagnosing Faults & Error Codes

How to Diagnose and Repair Hotpoint Aquarius Washing Machines

In this tutorial, we will work on the Hotpoint Aquarius WMEF 702 washing machine. This guide is also relevant for other models of Hotpoint, Indesit, and Ariston machines, especially those with a programmer featuring 16 positions. The control panels of these machines will appear similar. We will explore the error codes associated with these machines and provide links to additional videos that can help you understand these codes better. To enhance your understanding, we will use a clamp-on meter to show what happens during the test cycle, explaining each step.

We tried to be concise and give brief information on this guide, so we would recommend you watch our video since we're showing you how easily you can test and find the error codes from Hotpoint Aquarius washing machines.

Entering Test Mode

To enter the test mode on your Hotpoint Aquarius machine, follow these steps closely:

1. Turn the machine to position 1.
2. Turn the machine on.
3. Turn the machine off.
4. Turn the machine back on.
5. Turn the dial to position 2.
6. Turn the machine off again.
7. While the machine is off, turn the dial back to position 1.
8. Turn the machine on.
9. Turn the dial to position 3.
10. Turn the machine off once more.
11. Turn the dial back to position 1.
12. Turn the dial to the spin program and press start.

The test sequence is now activated, indicated by "SAT" or "SAE" on the display.

Running the Test Cycle

Attach the clamp-on meter to monitor the current. The machine will begin by testing the water valves. You will see one valve activate, followed by the other. If the heater does not activate automatically after the machine fills, press the temperature button to manually activate it. As the heater runs, the clamp-on meter will show the current being drawn, confirming the heater's operation.

The machine will heat for a few minutes before starting the motor tests and spin cycle. Throughout this process, you can refer to the error codes displayed on the screen. Each error code corresponds to a specific fault, and links in the description will direct you to relevant repair programs.

Hotpoint Aquarius Washing Machine Error Codes

Here are some common error codes and their meanings:

• F01 Error Code: Circuit board fault 
  • This usually happens when you cannot select one or more functions.
  • Try Unplugging the washing machine from the mains for at least 2 minutes before reconnecting and trying again.

• F02 Error Code: Motor fault (or Motor control board)
  • A good indicator of a motor fault would be if the drum is not rotating during a washing cycle.
  • Read our repair guides on motors and printed circuit boards.
• F03 Error Code: Temperature sensor fault (NTC sensor)
  • A temperature sensor fault could be due to the heating element not coming on a faulty NTC sensor or relay on the circuit board.
• F04 or F05 Error Code: Pump not emptying in an allocated period of time
  • Waste pipe blockage or pump issue also check sump hose.
• F06 Error Code: Door lock (Machine will not start)
  • Washing Machines door cannot be opened or closed / when the door is closed the machine the program will not start.
  • Washing Machines door will not open / the door can be opened but water remains inside the drum.
• F07 Error Code: Electronic circuit board fault/heating circuit fault
  • During a wash cycle the program pauses partway through/ the machine is not heating and the pump runs continuously.
  • Check relays on the printed circuit board.
• F08 Error Code: Heater or Relay
  • Not heating or stopping in mid-cycle.
  • Read our repair guides on heater and NTC sensors or relays.
• F09 Error Code: Software fault
  • Washing Machines isn’t operating multiple flashing lights and/or display and unable to select a program.
• F11 Error Code: Pump circuit fault
  • Water remains in Washing Machines / not pumping out.
• F12 Error Code: Electronic control fault
  • Washing Machines is not operating (turning on).
• F13 Error Code: Dryer temperature sensing fault (washer dryers only)
  • Washer dryer is not drying clothes.
  • Check al sensors and the heating circuit.
• F15 Error Code: Heater control fault
  • Washing Machines is not heating water or pauses during a wash cycle / not drying or pauses during the drying cycle (top loading machines only).
• F16 Error Code: Drum lock position sensor fault
  • Washing Machines drum is stopping in the wrong position or is not locked in the correct position.
• F18 Error Code: Internal data error
  • Some or all display functions do not work on the washing machines.

Monitoring and Advancing the Test Cycle

While the machine heats, the clamp-on meter should show a steady current. Once the heating phase completes, turn off the heater to see the drop in current. The machine will then proceed to empty and enter the spin cycle. During the spin cycle, monitor the current; a higher wattage indicates a higher spin speed.

Your machine will eventually reach a maximum spin speed and will draw more power. After completing the spin cycle, the machine will end the test program automatically. You should see the dial return to the end of the wash cycle, and you might hear a clicking noise from the door lock.

Please remember that the whole video includes step-by-step and detailed explanations, which may help you reduce your repair time.

If you need any parts for your Hotpoint washing machine, you can find them on our site.

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