Hotpoint Washing Machine F03 Error: Meaning, Causes & Safe Checks

F03 Likely needs an engineer Engineer only

Quick answer

Hotpoint F03 is a temperature sensing fault: the machine isn’t heating on wash (or dry) settings. There are no safe home checks for it, and Hotpoint’s advice is to call an engineer. Switch the machine off and book a repair.

What F03 means on a Hotpoint washing machine

Hotpoint’s UK service page describes F03 as a temperature sensing fault.

Applies to: Hotpoint washing machines.

What you might notice

Likely causes

Why this isn’t a DIY job

The temperature sensor sits on the tub and is wired to the control board. Testing it needs panel removal and electrical test equipment. Hotpoint’s UK service page lists no home checks for F03.

What to do now

Stop and call a qualified engineer if:
  • It still doesn’t heat after the checks. Heating faults need an engineer.
  • You smell burning, see smoke or scorch marks, or the appliance trips your electrics. Stop using it, and switch it off at the wall only if it is safe to reach. Otherwise switch off at the consumer unit.
  • The next step would mean removing a cover or panel, or working on the pump, valves, heater, motor, door lock or wiring. That is a job for a qualified engineer.
  • The appliance is still under warranty. Contact the manufacturer first, because DIY work can affect your cover.

There are no safe repair checks for F03. Make the washing machine safe as below, don’t keep restarting it, and book an engineer.

Switch the appliance off safely and don’t use it

  1. If it is safe to reach and the plug and socket look and feel normal, switch off at the wall and unplug.
  2. If the plug or socket is hot, scorched or crackling, or there is water around it, don’t touch it. Switch off at the consumer unit instead.
  3. Don’t use the appliance again until it has been checked by the manufacturer or a qualified engineer.

Don’t keep resetting a consumer unit switch that trips again.

When to call an engineer

F03 needs an engineer. Once the washing machine is safe, contact Hotpoint or a qualified appliance engineer. Have the model and serial number from the rating label ready, and start with Hotpoint UK support.

Repair or replace?

F03 needs an engineer. Before you book, find the model number and purchase date. If it’s under warranty or an extended plan, contact Hotpoint first. Out of warranty, ask for a quote and weigh it against the age of the washing machine. We don’t publish repair prices because they vary by area, part and model.

Related problems

Related codes

Different code or symptom? Use the fault finder, see all Hotpoint washing machine codes, or read how Hotpoint codes work. Not sure it’s safe? Read our safety information.

Sources

Last checked against these sources: .

We write every page in our own words from manufacturer guidance and check it against the sources above. If your manual says something different, follow your manual. How we check.