Indesit or Hotpoint washing machine flashing 8 times
Error F08 on Hotpoint and Indesit washing machines (also shown as 8 flashing LEDs) indicates a heater relay fault – either “heater relay cannot be activated” or “heater relay stuck”. The relay is built into the main PCB on most affected models. This is not a straightforward DIY repair – unless you have experience working on PCBs and relays, an engineer visit is strongly recommended.
Some Hotpoint washing machines can retain a dangerous electrical charge even after being unplugged. Wait at least 5 minutes after unplugging before touching any internal component. See our guide on electric shock risk from unplugged appliances and the specific Hotpoint electric shock risk warning before opening any panel.
What Error F08 / 8 Flashing LEDs Means
F08 is a heater relay fault. The heater relay is a component on the main PCB (control board) that switches the heating element on and off during the wash cycle. The error indicates one of two conditions:
- Heater relay cannot be activated – the PCB is sending the signal to switch the heater on but the relay is not responding
- Heater relay stuck – the relay has become stuck in the on or off position and is not switching correctly
On Hotpoint and Indesit machines, the heater relay is integrated into the main PCB rather than being a separate, replaceable component. This makes it significantly harder to address than a simple relay swap, as replacing just the relay requires soldering skills – most repairs at this level involve replacing the entire PCB.
Some descriptions of this error also list additional check points: pressure switch connections, heater connections, wiring, and module connections. A loose or corroded connection rather than the relay itself is worth checking first, as it is more accessible and may be causing the relay to misbehave. Inspect all visible wiring connectors to and from the PCB and the heating element before concluding the PCB is at fault.
Can It Be Fixed Easily?
| Possible cause | DIY accessible? | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Loose or corroded wiring connection to the heater or PCB | Yes – with care | Check all wiring connectors to the heating element and on the PCB for looseness or corrosion. Disconnect and reconnect each connector to ensure a clean contact |
| Stuck relay on the PCB | Possible – limited | A stuck relay can sometimes be freed by a very gentle tap on the PCB casing. This is not a reliable fix and may only work temporarily |
| Failed relay on the PCB | Only with soldering skills | Replacing just the relay requires desoldering the old component and soldering in a new one – specialist skill required |
| Failed PCB | Engineer recommended | PCB replacement is possible but the board must be correctly sourced for the specific model. Many PCB faults are not visible to the eye |
| Pressure switch connection fault | Yes – with care | Check the pressure switch wiring connectors. A fault on the pressure switch can produce heater-related error codes on some models |
Need an Engineer?
PCB and relay faults are beyond straightforward DIY repair on most machines. A qualified engineer can diagnose whether the fault is the relay, a connection, or the full PCB before ordering expensive parts.
Related Guides
Washing Machine Not Heating Up WaterFull guide to heating faults – element, thermostat, and wiring causes explained.
Washing Machine Lights FlashingHow to read flashing LED error codes on Hotpoint, Indesit, and similar machines.
Hotpoint Aqualtis Error Code F02Motor fault error code on Hotpoint Aqualtis washing machines – causes and diagnosis.
Hotpoint Error Code F05Drain fault error on Hotpoint and Indesit machines – causes and diagnosis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does F08 mean on a Hotpoint or Indesit washing machine?
F08 (also shown as 8 flashing LED lights on machines without a display) indicates a heater relay fault. The heater relay on the main PCB is either not activating when commanded, or is stuck in one position. The machine cannot control the heating element correctly and stops to protect itself.
Can I fix error F08 myself?
Possibly for simple causes – checking and reseating wiring connectors to the heating element and PCB is accessible with care. A stuck relay may respond to a gentle tap on the PCB. However, a failed relay that needs replacing, or a failed PCB, requires soldering skills or specialist knowledge. If you are not confident working with PCBs, an engineer is the safer and more cost-effective route.
Will replacing the PCB fix error F08?
Possibly, but not certainly. F08 can be caused by connection faults rather than a failed PCB, so replacing the board speculatively is expensive and may not resolve the issue. An engineer can test the relay, check all connections, and confirm whether the PCB is the actual cause before any parts are ordered.
2 Comments
Grouped into 1 comment thread.
Have found a serious issue with my Hotpoint Aqualtis AQ 120F 49 FR. It has worked fine for 41/2 years. Yesterday flashing on and off with no error code so I thought it was a common issue in many electrical goods which causes weird faults like this and that is a leaking or failing capacitor. I opened the back to be greeted with a odor of burning circuit board and pulled the main power board out. On the top it looked fine so I popped it out to check underneath and found that a soldered leg joint for the substantial 60mm x 35mm capacitor had a shorting dry joint which had been discharging and burning the main board which looked like it had begun to catch fire.
The problem is most definitely a design flaw as the legs for the capacitor are vertically aligned and years of horizontal vibration and movement had worked it loose. There is a simple fix to avoid this before have to spend £200 on a replacement kit. It’s 4 blobs of heat resistant silicone, 2 at the base an 2 to on the transformer cover and it wont move.
Trouble is, how many will actually go bang or indeed catch on fire if left unattended. I caught mine in time but my guess it is a ticking time bomb across many models using that same power unit
Likely replying to Mark
Hello Mark. PCBs should be extremely reliable. Unfortunately many used in washing machines aren’t very well made at all.