Indesit or Hotpoint washing machine flashing 10 times (error F10)
Ten flashes of the door lock light on a basic Indesit (or Hotpoint) washing machine with a rotary dial indicates error F10 – “pressure switch not sensing correctly”. This means the PCB is not receiving a valid signal from the pressure switch. The fault may be in the pressure switch itself, the wiring between it and the PCB, or the PCB. This fault is best investigated by an engineer.
How to Read This Error Code
Basic Indesit washing machines with a rotary programme dial have no digital display. When a fault occurs the dial clicks continuously round and the door lock LED flashes a set number of times in a repeating sequence. Counting the flashes gives the fault number. Ten flashes indicates error F10.
The same error code system is shared with some Hotpoint models, as both brands are owned by the same parent company and share many components. See our general guide on how to read washing machine flashing light error codes and our guide on programme selector dial clicking round continuously.
What Error F10 Means
Error F10 means “pressure switch not sensing correctly: check pressure switch and module connections.”
What the Pressure Switch Does
The pressure switch monitors the water level inside the machine. As water enters, it rises in a small sealed chamber connected to the outer drum. The air pressure in this chamber increases as the water level rises, and the pressure switch responds to this change – sending signals to the PCB when the drum has reached the correct fill level and again when it has successfully drained.
Error F10 is distinct from errors F04 and F05 on the same range. F04 indicates the pressure switch is stuck in the empty (off) position. F05 indicates it is stuck in the full (on) position. F10 indicates that communication between the pressure switch and the PCB has failed entirely – the PCB is not receiving any signal at all. This suggests the fault may be in the wiring or connections rather than the switch itself, though the switch cannot be ruled out.
Possible Causes
Wiring or connection fault
A broken wire or loose connector between the pressure switch and the PCB will produce F10 even if both components are otherwise functional. Check the wiring connectors at the switch and at the PCB for looseness or corrosion before concluding either component has failed.
Blocked or kinked pressure hose
The small plastic hose that connects the pressure chamber to the pressure switch can become blocked with detergent residue or kinked, preventing the air pressure from reaching the switch. Inspect this hose for any obstruction or damage. See our guide on pressure system faults for more detail.
Failed pressure switch
The pressure switch itself may have failed and is not sending any signal. A failed switch will need replacing. This requires testing with a continuity meter under controlled conditions and is generally best left to an engineer.
PCB fault
A fault on the main control board affecting the pressure switch input can produce F10. PCB faults are rarely visible to the eye and should only be suspected once wiring, hose, and switch have been checked.
Need an Engineer?
F10 involves wiring, pressure system components, and potentially the PCB – diagnosis is not straightforward without test equipment.
Related Guides
Pressure System FaultsHow the pressure switch and chamber work, and how to diagnose faults in the pressure system.
Programme Dial Clicking Round ContinuouslyWhy the rotary dial keeps turning on Indesit and Hotpoint machines – and how to read the flashing error codes it produces.
Washing Machine Lights FlashingHow to count and interpret flashing LED error codes on Indesit, Hotpoint, and similar machines.
Error F08 / 8 Flashing LightsThe heater relay fault indicated by 8 flashes on Hotpoint and Indesit washing machines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 10 flashes on my Indesit washing machine mean?
Ten flashes of the door lock LED, repeating in a cycle while the programme dial clicks round, indicates error F10 – “pressure switch not sensing correctly.” The PCB is not receiving a valid signal from the pressure switch that monitors water level inside the machine. The cause could be a wiring connection fault, a blocked pressure hose, a failed pressure switch, or a PCB fault.
How is F10 different from errors F04 and F05?
F04 means the pressure switch is stuck in the empty position – signalling no water when there is water present. F05 means it is stuck in the full position – signalling water when the drum is empty. F10 means the PCB is receiving no signal at all from the pressure switch. F10 therefore suggests a communication failure – broken wire, loose connector, or a switch that has stopped sending any signal – rather than the switch being stuck in a specific position.
Can I fix error F10 myself?
Checking the wiring connectors between the pressure switch and the PCB, and inspecting the pressure hose for blockage or kinking, are accessible checks for a careful DIYer. Beyond that, testing the pressure switch with a continuity meter and diagnosing PCB faults requires test equipment and experience. An engineer is the recommended route for this fault.
4 Comments
Grouped into 3 comment threads.
1 reply My integrated indesit dishwasher is showing the f10 error code I thought I had to change the heating element so I ordered one and changed it but it is still showing the f10 code what else could it be and what do I need to do?
0 replies I bought a Hotpoint washing machine for £500 I only had it just over a year and already it’s faulty by not working and showing the letters f - 10 which I don’t have a clue about or any understanding , it’s such a disappointing. I will never invest my money in Hotpoint appliances again ! It’s a disgrace . A complete let down . Am so upset right now and angry . With the cost of living it’s hard to live as it’s is ! I had to save to pay for this item working long hours in my job it’s not good enough !
I bought a Hotpoint washing machine for £500 I only had it just over a year and already it’s faulty by not working and showing the letters f – 10 which I don’t have a clue about or any understanding , it’s such a disappointing. I will never invest my money in Hotpoint appliances again ! It’s a disgrace . A complete let down . Am so upset right now and angry . With the cost of living it’s hard to live as it’s is ! I had to save to pay for this item working long hours in my job it’s not good enough !
0 replies We have now had 3 engineers to "fix" our F10 problem but frankly all 3 have no idea what this fault is or how to cure it. Today the engineer has changed the module and says he has ordered a pressure switch as these are not carried on the van. Admittedly my machine is 12+ years and this is the first failure we have had. I have had the machine insured all these years and must have paid for it over and over.
We have now had 3 engineers to “fix” our F10 problem but frankly all 3 have no idea what this fault is or how to cure it. Today the engineer has changed the module and says he has ordered a pressure switch as these are not carried on the van. Admittedly my machine is 12+ years and this is the first failure we have had. I have had the machine insured all these years and must have paid for it over and over.
My integrated indesit dishwasher is showing the f10 error code I thought I had to change the heating element so I ordered one and changed it but it is still showing the f10 code what else could it be and what do I need to do?
Likely replying to Adam
Hello Adam. This article describes F10 error code as being related to the pressure switch. This is not a straightforward error code to fix so unless the advice helps to point someone who already has a decent knowledge to the right place it is better to get an engineer in. I can’t even guarantee that the error code description in this article is applicable to your particular model. Manufacturers can change their meaning as they upgrade the software that they use.