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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Hello David. Carbon brushes are only one of the possible causes so as you say it’s not carbon brushes in your case. That leaves the motor magnet, tacho coil, a connection fault on the tacho coil at the motor plug, a wiring fault between the motor plug and the PC board and even PC board fault. Out of the list of other faults the tacho coil is one that you could in theory test for if you have a continuity test meter. Everything you need to know is in the article. If you can’t see anything you’ll probably need an engineer.
I have a Hoover DYN 9144 DG washing machine. The Error E08 appeared after 10mins . The brushes seemed OK but worn so I suspected the tacho coil. Rather than buy new brushes and coil I bought a new motor from Hoover. Fitted that tonight and same error E08 appeared after about 10mins again.
Very frustrating! What do you suggest I should check next?
Hello Simon. That must be very frustrating, especially as the error didn’t reappear until 10 minutes in. You must have thought you had fixed it. However, buying a complete new motor instead of a pair of carbon brushes and a tacho coil was pretty extravagant. If you replaced the entire motor then it’s safe to say that the tacho coil, carbon brushes and magnet have been discounted. Unfortunately it could be connection faults between the tacho coil and the main PCB, or even a fault on the PCB itself. I would definitely advise not to replace the PCB, which would be another expensive gamble.
There is even a possibility that the error code E08 means something different on your model. Manufacturers have been known to change the meaning of error codes on later models. If the error only occurs after 10 minutes maybe that is the case. I would expect this error to occur virtually straight away as soon as the motor tries to turn.
One way to possibly test this is when the error occurs, if you reset the washing machine, possibly unplugging it for a minute or two and then try running it again – if it runs okay but gives the error code after 10 minutes I would suspect that the error code means something different on your washing machine.
If however once the error code has been triggered, the error code displays even after turning it off and starting the wash cycle again that might imply that something is failing only after the 10 minute period. In that case possibly something getting warm and losing connection or failing, or something like the heating element switching on but not working. Unfortunately you are most likely going to need an experienced engineer with test equipment.
Hi, I have a hoover Dynamic with E08 error which only occurs when the program attempts to start the spin part of the program. However it spins just fine on the spin only cycle.
Carbon brushes are fine.
Ideas would be much appreciated
Thanks
Hello Louise. The main difference between the separate spin cycle and when it does a spin as part as a wash cycle is that the latter has to drain out water first. So main suspect would be not draining water out fast enough. However, that’s not one of the normal listed causes of error 8. This error may not apply to your model as it’s listed for Hoover Vision HD series washing machines, Hoover 3 phase autowashers and the Hoover Nextra and Optima models.
Check when it drains out the water prior to a spin that the water is pumping out properly. Check the pump filter too.
Hi Andy, thanks for the response. You are quite right it is not draining within a wash cycle. The separate drain only cycle does function.
So what can be causing this and most importantly how can we fix it ?
Thanks
Louise
Hello Louise. Start at the link I put in my last comment.
I have a hoover “dyn9164ppg”–erroe code e08– runs for about 4/5 mins than the code appears–called an engineer out —he said this machine does not have bushes on the motor—as the machine does spin and drain—he said it was the pcb panel—is this correct—as he did not open the machine or use any of his tools—help
Hello Kal. Many modern washing machines don’t have carbon brushes. It’s easy to tell by just spinning the drum by hand. If the motor has carbon brushes you will hear a ratchety sound. If it’s almost silent then the motor probably has no brushes. However, if the brushes are bedded in very well you might not hear much of a ratchety sound. An engineer can’t tell it’s the PCB panel without looking at and/or trying a new one, but if it’s a common cause of the error and he’s come across it a lot he would be right to suspect it. However, I wouldn’t think you could be 100% sure it’s the PCB without trying a different one.
I have replaced the motor on my Hoover 8+ DYN8144D-80D washing machine thinking this wash the problem however the E08 error still persists