Hotpoint WD washer dryer flashing lights
Error F03 on Hotpoint and Indesit washing machines means “NTC fault” – the thermistor (temperature sensor) is giving a reading outside the expected range, or the connection to it has failed. This usually means the machine cannot correctly monitor the wash water temperature. The thermistor itself or its wiring connections need checking before assuming the sensor has failed.
What Error F03 Means
F03 indicates an NTC fault. The error description is “NTC fault: check thermistor and module connections.” The NTC (negative temperature coefficient) thermistor is the machine’s temperature sensor – it monitors the wash water temperature and reports back to the PCB so the machine can heat the water to the correct point. If the thermistor reading is absent, out of range, or implausible, the PCB triggers F03.
What an NTC thermistor does
The thermistor is a small electronic component whose electrical resistance changes with temperature. As wash water heats up, the thermistor’s resistance falls in a predictable way. The PCB reads this resistance and calculates the water temperature from it. A thermistor that is open circuit, short circuit, or giving an out-of-range reading will trigger F03. See our guide on how to test an NTC thermistor for testing and diagnosis.
What to check before replacing the thermistor
The error description specifically mentions checking connections – “check thermistor and module connections.” A loose, corroded, or broken wiring connector to the thermistor will produce the same error as a failed thermistor, at a fraction of the cost. Before ordering a new thermistor, check all connections to and from the sensor and trace the wiring back to the PCB connector.
How F03 Is Displayed on Different Machines
Hotpoint and Indesit machines indicate error codes in different ways depending on the model:
| Display type | How F03 appears |
|---|---|
| Digital display | F03 displayed directly on screen |
| Single flashing LED | Door lock light (or similar indicator) flashes 3 times, pauses, and repeats |
| Option button lights (e.g. Hotpoint WD / WF range) | Option buttons 3 and 4 flash simultaneously along with the on/off light – the number corresponds to the fault code |
On the Hotpoint WD range, option button numbers count from left to right across the control panel. If option buttons 3 (Rinse Hold) and 4 (Time Saver) are both flashing, along with the on/off indicator, this is the machine displaying error F03. The specific button labels vary by model but the numbering method is consistent. See our guide on how to read flashing light error codes for more on this method.
Need a Repair or Spare Part?
Related Guides
How to Test an NTC ThermistorHow to test whether the thermistor has failed or the fault is in the wiring connection.
Washing Machine Not Heating Up WaterHeating element, thermostat, and thermistor faults that cause a machine to wash in cold water.
Washing Machine Lights FlashingHow to read and interpret flashing LED error codes on Hotpoint, Indesit, and similar machines.
Error F08 / 8 Flashing LightsHeater relay fault on Hotpoint and Indesit washing machines – what it means and what to check.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does error F03 mean on a Hotpoint or Indesit washing machine?
F03 means “NTC fault” – a problem with the thermistor (temperature sensor) or its wiring connections. The thermistor monitors wash water temperature and the PCB uses this reading to control the heating element. F03 appears when the thermistor reading is absent, out of range, or implausible – which can be caused by a failed thermistor, a faulty connection, or broken wiring.
How do I know if the thermistor has failed or if it is a wiring problem?
Test the thermistor with a multimeter using the resistance test described in our NTC thermistor testing guide. A working thermistor shows a resistance that changes smoothly as temperature changes – typically several thousand ohms at room temperature, falling as temperature rises. An open circuit reading (no continuity) or a fixed reading that does not change with temperature indicates a failed thermistor. Before testing the component itself, check all wiring connectors to the thermistor and trace back to the PCB.
My machine shows 3 flashing lights and no error code – is this F03?
On older Hotpoint and Indesit machines without a digital display, 3 flashes from the door lock indicator (or another primary LED) followed by a pause and repeat indicates error code F03. On machines with multiple option buttons, option buttons 3 and 4 flashing together with the on/off light also indicates F03. See our guide on reading flashing light error codes for more detail on your specific machine type.
4 Comments
Grouped into 4 comment threads.
0 replies I had an F-03 error on my hotpoint wf840. Bought a new heating element on amazon which came with a temperature probe. Changed over the probe. It simply pulls out of the heating element. It is held in place with a rubber seal. The machine still came up with the same error. I spoke to a washing machine repair man. He told me that more often than not it is the element itself that has failed and not the probe. I replaced the element. Simply loosen the centre bolt to the end of the thread, do not remove the nut. Push this bolt down. This will help to break the seal. The element can be removed. I replaced the temperature probe in the new element with the old one. Result..... It worked. Easy to repair.
0 replies Cheers. It's always possible there's a dodgy connection on it Anonymous. Could try gently pulling on the wires to see if one comes out or not. If so it would at least look more sure it needs replacing. The thermistor should be fairly cheap and easy to fit - you can order one here - Buy washing machine thermistor but if you don't feel inclined to mess about that's fair enough. There is always the possibility of it not working along with the possibility of fixing it. Let us know if you do fix it by any chance.
Cheers. It’s always possible there’s a dodgy connection on it Anonymous. Could try gently pulling on the wires to see if one comes out or not. If so it would at least look more sure it needs replacing. The thermistor should be fairly cheap and easy to fit – you can order one here – Buy washing machine thermistor but if you don’t feel inclined to mess about that’s fair enough. There is always the possibility of it not working along with the possibility of fixing it. Let us know if you do fix it by any chance.
0 replies thank u Andy. very clear. have this exact problem of F3 error on Hotpoint Aqualtis AQGMD 149 washer dryer. not sure whether to take the time to open in up and test the thermistor, order one, wait with sodden washing, then fit that only for it maybe not to work... or as above just buy a new one.
thank u Andy. very clear. have this exact problem of F3 error on Hotpoint Aqualtis AQGMD 149 washer dryer. not sure whether to take the time to open in up and test the thermistor, order one, wait with sodden washing, then fit that only for it maybe not to work… or as above just buy a new one.
0 replies Well written and most informative article. I would add to it that even though the machines show up an error code 03 I have found that it doesn't follow that the thermister is faulty or open / Closed circuit, so before anyone rushes off to buy a new one, there's a number of steps I have taken to try and find out what is actually at fault. I removed the thermistor to check for visible damage, i.e. burnt or broken parts. In my case, I found nothing. I checked the connections from the unit to the PCB for continuity and all was well. I took the PCB out to check for cracks, dry joints, water contamination etc. I observed a few joints that appeared a little suspect so I re- soldered them and cleaned the board all over and applied some wd40 for added protection. My dryer, I have found will work o.k. In normal dry heat mode, but not on high heat. The thermistor is working as the live to the element is switching off & on as I tested with a probe but on high heat mode the machine goes into the fault as described by the author of this thread. I can only presume at this stage that maybe there is a possibility that the thermistor has outlived it's working life an although working efficiently at low heat, cannot cope with the high heat and isn't knocking off when it's supposed too and as a consequence is causing the machine to overheat and resulting in the fault Code 03? I do not know if they have a limited life, but knowing how manufacturers work, I presume they are not built to last? My last machine was or is a Wd22 which I've had for some 12 / 13 yrs and was relatively straight forward to maintain! I've replaced pretty much everything on it but the dryer motor gave up the ghost and decided that rather than spend the £100 +, I would get a more up to date model. Wise move? At this moment in time I am having my doubts!!
Well written and most informative article.
I would add to it that even though the machines show up an error code 03 I have found that it doesn’t follow that the thermister is faulty or open / Closed circuit, so before anyone rushes off to buy a new one, there’s a number of steps I have taken to try and find out what is actually at fault.
I removed the thermistor to check for visible damage, i.e. burnt or broken parts. In my case, I found nothing. I checked the connections from the unit to the PCB for continuity and all was well. I took the PCB out to check for cracks, dry joints, water contamination etc. I observed a few joints that appeared a little suspect so I re- soldered them and cleaned the board all over and applied some wd40 for added protection.
My dryer, I have found will work o.k. In normal dry heat mode, but not on high heat. The thermistor is working as the live to the element is switching off & on as I tested with a probe but on high heat mode the machine goes into the fault as described by the author of this thread. I can only presume at this stage that maybe there is a possibility that the thermistor has outlived it’s working life an although working efficiently at low heat, cannot cope with the high heat and isn’t knocking off when it’s supposed too and as a consequence is causing the machine to overheat and resulting in the fault Code 03?
I do not know if they have a limited life, but knowing how manufacturers work, I presume they are not built to last? My last machine was or is a Wd22 which I’ve had for some 12 / 13 yrs and was relatively straight forward to maintain! I’ve replaced pretty much everything on it but the dryer motor gave up the ghost and decided that rather than spend the £100 +, I would get a more up to date model. Wise move? At this moment in time I am having my doubts!!
I had an F-03 error on my hotpoint wf840. Bought a new heating element on amazon which came with a temperature probe. Changed over the probe. It simply pulls out of the heating element. It is held in place with a rubber seal. The machine still came up with the same error.
I spoke to a washing machine repair man. He told me that more often than not it is the element itself that has failed and not the probe. I replaced the element. Simply loosen the centre bolt to the end of the thread, do not remove the nut. Push this bolt down. This will help to break the seal. The element can be removed. I replaced the temperature probe in the new element with the old one.
Result….. It worked. Easy to repair.