I have a few references to the Hoover error 8 message in my technical manuals. They are listed for the Hoover Vision HD series washing machines, Hoover 3 phase autowashers, and the Hoover Nextra and Optima models.
- Hoover Vision: Error 8 = Tacho fault
- Nextra: Error 8 = Motor jammed / Drum shaft jammed or tacho generator fault (This is the same description as for Nextra Error 7)
- Hoover 3 phase autowashers: Error 8 = Tacho generator out of circuit. Can be wiring or board
- Optima: E08 = Tacho fault
The references vary slightly, but most mention the tacho coil. However, also check for worn carbon brushes, which have been reported by people in the comments section below to have also fixed this fault. (See help for diagnosing worn brushes on any washing machine) Note: Not all washing machines have carbon brushes fitted.
What is the tacho coil?
The tacho coil is a small electrical coil fitted onto the motor. It is fitted at the opposite end of the drive belt where the carbon brushes are. This error says something is wrong regarding the tacho coil but it doesn’t specify exactly what.
Possibilities are varied so unless you know what you are doing, and unless you can see something obvious like the coil has come away from the motor or the motor or drum has seized up it is probably better to call in a professional.
Resistance readings for tacho coils are usually quite high, so if you don’t have a sensitive enough meter it could appear to be open circuit when in fact it’s reading over 150 Ohms or more and may be ok.
What does the tacho coil do?
In conjunction with a magnet fitted on the end of the armature shaft each time the motor does a revolution it can be counted by the software or pcb through the tacho coil. This information is used to judge and control the speed of the motor at all times. If the tacho coil is open circuit the washing machine would lose all control of the motor. In the past the motor would then spin uncontrollably causing damage to the washing machine. These days if an open circuit or missing tacho coil (they can fall off the motor) is detected the machine will stop working and report an error code.
What could be causing the error?
This error means the tacho coil circuit is faulty. So it could be an open circuit tacho coil. But if the coil is OK, it could be a connection fault at the coil or pcb end. Or a break in one of the wires connecting it to the pcb. Or potentially even a fault inside the pcb.
Related Information
Technical information for the Hoover Nextra model references an error 7, and although different, it references the same tacho coil. My article has more information on the tacho coil, and has photos that may be useful when troubleshooting the error 8 – Nextra Error 7.
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Ging says
I have a problem with my Hoover condenser dry”DYC8813BX” It rotated, drained and fan blowed but cloth didn’t dry and no heat. Efter drying program finished so red light turned on every symbols and ”E08” error code. I watched the VDO from Youtube about checking elementand termostats and it seemed fine. I even cleaned the draining system and vacumed but it doesn’t help.
What do I miss?.
please help!!!
Andy Trigg (Whitegoodshelp) says
Hoover could have changed the codes for later machines but all the Error 8 codes I have for Hoover washing machines relate to the motor as described in my article. Only E08 error codes for ovens relate to heating sensors.
Grant says
Watched ‘Sledgers’ video, (great help!) got recommended reading on ‘tacho’, brushes long although housing close to commutator, still drum won’t rotate, hope to try main supply direct to motor but can’t find info on terminal block which connections or wire colours, any one know?
Thanks,
Grant.
Andy Trigg (Whitegoodshelp) says
Hello Grant, if the motor isn’t rotating at all check this article here – washing machine drum not turning
Terry says
Just wanted to say that my washing machine was displaying the E08 message. Ordered a new set of bushes for £10 and thanks to the above mentioned Youtube video have managed to fit them myself and get it working. Not bad when you consider Hoover want £109 just to come out and have a look at it.
AKS says
I got E08 error on my washing machine. The issue was that the motor’s power cable had become disconnected. I plugged it back in and the machine started working again.
Mez says
My Hoover washer had error 8 code, how do I get the clothes out until I get an engineer out to it, the door is locked, is there a manual way?
Andy Trigg (Whitegoodshelp) says
Hello Mez. I have over 50 diy repair help articles for washing machines, this one might help with a jammed door
Frank Sutherland says
our hoover optima stopped at spin, found the fault to be worn brushes, great help from your site and video
Marnia Sansbury says
Hoover vision tech vt816d22x erroe08 showing. Cant open the door and occasionally the motor grunts if I put it on spin only. This spin only cycle has been very temperamental lately but wash cycles have been fine till now. Any advice appreciated.