Error F18 in Ariston washing machine

Each washing machine has a number of fault codes that are displayed on the display if a particular problem occurs. Some errors and their causes are easily eliminated, but error F18 on an Ariston washing machine is recognized as one of the most difficult. What to do if you find it?

Code development

Most often, Hotpoint Ariston models display this error even before the wash starts: the drum does not start to spin, although the laundry is loaded, the powder is poured in, and the hatch door is tightly closed. However, there are situations when F18 is displayed at any stage of washing, including drying or spinning. In very rare cases, the machine seems to be actively working, but the error code does not disappear.

Attention! Models of Ariston machines with a commutator motor do not have the F18 error in their arsenal; it appears only on the displays of devices with an asynchronous motor.

It is worth saying that not all washing machines from Hotpoint Ariston are, in principle, equipped with electronic displays. However, this does not deprive them of the ability to signal an error.

1. The oldest models are equipped with only two indicators: hatch door lock and, directly, power. In such machines, the F18 error is replaced by a number of specific actions on the part of the device: 18 bright flashes on the power indicator, parallel clicking sounds and clockwise rotation of the program selector knob.
2. More modern models (among them AV, AVL, AVTL, AVSL, CDE) are already equipped with a large number of indicators, but still do not have a display.For such SMs, the error we need is accompanied by the following symptoms: blinking in parallel of two indicators - “Spin” and “Quick wash” / “Extra rinse”. The name of the second indicator depends on the model; it is located second from the bottom in the row of additional functions. The lock indicator may also flicker.
3. CMs from the Low-End series signal an error using other indicators. Most often, this is the blinking of the second light from the top (Rinse) and the second from the bottom (end of wash indicator). In some cases, all indicators of additional functions may light up, regardless of whether they are located vertically or horizontally on the panel (the configuration varies from model to model).
4. Hotpoint-Ariston washing machines from the Aqualtis series signal a malfunction with the second and fifth temperature indicators from the bottom. Some models have only six temperature lights, others have five. In the first case, the “necessary” indicators correspond to the values ​​of 30 and 60 degrees, in the second – 30 and 90.

If you haven’t lost the instructions for your washing machine, don’t be lazy to look there. As a rule, manufacturers provide for possible questions and write exactly how this or that error manifests itself in the model.

Nature of the error

The above fault code indicates a failure in the electronic filling of the washing machine, namely a breakdown in communication between the main processor of the electronic controller and the control processor. driven by an asynchronous motor (as mentioned above, only models with this type of motor show F18 on the display).

Since the problem lies in the electronic control module, in order to find and implement a solution to the problem, you must have considerable experience in working with microcircuits.If there is none, it will be almost impossible to fix the problem yourself.

But an error does not necessarily indicate a breakdown. Short-term technical glitches are also common. In this case, returning the washing machine to working condition is a matter of five minutes. You just need to unplug the home assistant from the power supply for a few minutes and then turn it back on. If the board is intact, after manipulation the error code will disappear from the screen. But if turning it off doesn’t help, then it’s time for professional repair.

How to fix it?

If the problem is really in the DSP or the general controller, then it is not advisable to replace any individual elements; the controller must be completely replaced. As for repairs, it is possible in the following situations:

• The controller firmware crashed. The case is completely correctable; with the help of special equipment, the element can be easily reprogrammed;
• the power capacitor or optocoupler has failed - just buy a new part in the store and replace it with the old one;
• failure of contacts in the pins of the microcircuit - knowledgeable people or electronics specialists resolder them to fix the problem.

Fault code F18 is considered the most difficult because it can only be corrected with certain knowledge and experience. If you decide to repair the board yourself, do not forget about safety precautions when working with electronics.

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