Error F03 in the Indesit washing machine

Error F03 in the Indesit washing machine When modern Indesit machines break down, they themselves diagnose the problem that has occurred and display a specific code on the display. Having deciphered the combination, you don’t have to waste time searching for the cause, but can immediately determine the source of the trouble. The main thing is to correctly interpret the “message” from the system. So, error F03 on an Indesit washing machine means that the temperature sensor or heating element is faulty. We will tell you what to do in such a situation below.

Let's identify this code

If the display of the Indesit washing machine displays error “F03”, then the machine cannot heat the water to the required level. The time allotted by the system for heating ends, the control board does not receive information about the completed command and pauses the started cycle. Washing can only continue at low temperatures. The washing machine displays code “F03” when one of two malfunctions occurs:

the heating element relay is stuck;
The temperature sensor is broken.

Error “F03” can also appear on machines without a display. Then the “Revolution” and “Quick Wash” or “Revolution” and “Extra Rinse” lights will flash simultaneously on the dashboard. Another unkind symptom is the cold glass of the hatch door during the washing stage. To correct the situation, you first need to accurately determine the cause.

How can I fix the problem?

It is pointless to operate the machine with such a problem. The washing will not be of high quality, and the system will fail due to inconsistencies in the commands. Therefore, we turn on the rinse mode and check the operation of the machine. We proceed like this:

empty the drum of laundry;
reset the error and disconnect the machine from the network;
wait 15-20 minutes and reboot;
We use a multimeter to test a bunch of resistors on the control board with ratings of 180-220 kOhm;
We check the temperature sensor with a tester; the normal response to heating from +20 degrees is more than 20 kOhm.

For people who do not understand electronics, it is better not to experiment and immediately turn to professional craftsmen.

The diagnosis is completed by a visual inspection of the heating element relay circuit and the control board. If obvious damage to the insulation, traces of burning or loose contacts are visible, then repairs with replacement of parts are necessary.

Reasons for lack of heating

faulty heating element Error “F03” can be suspected on an Indesit machine even before it appears on the display. There is a clear symptom - the washing machine stops heating the water. This will be indicated by cold things in the drum after the end of the cycle or an unheated hatch door 15 minutes after start. Then it becomes clear that the machine does not heat up to the set temperature. To repair the unit, we first carry out diagnostics. There can be quite a few reasons for the lack of heating.

User error. Probably, the mode with the minimum temperature was initially selected. The solution is to control the cycle with a new program.
Clogged pressure switch. During operation, the sensor tube becomes clogged with threads, hair and small debris. This leads to incorrect recognition of the level of the collected water; more precisely, the pressure switch does not give a signal about the dialing, which is why the system cannot give the command to heat.
Power supply break on the heating element. We carefully inspect the wiring connected to the heater. If there are signs of damage, we replace it.
Faulty heating element. Larger damage caused by scale or wear. The answer to “what should I do?” simple: we call and, if necessary, replace it with a working analogue.
Broken temperature sensor. Remove the back cover, remove the bracket and free the wiring. Next, use a screwdriver to unscrew the shield and nut and change the sensor.
A failed heating element relay or programmer. The reason is overvoltage and manufacturing defects.

There is no point in trying to repair the heating element relay or board on your own. These mechanisms are very complex and sensitive, and the experiment will result in an expensive replacement. It is better to immediately contact a specialist.