There are several error codes on Hotpoint Aquarius washing machines that are indicated by flashing lights. It’s less common these days, but many basic models of washing machine lack an electronic display. So, being unable to display actual error codes, they need to indicate errors in a more cryptic way.
This article is about specific basic models such as, WMA30, WMA31, WMA32 & WMA33 (although they may be the same for other Hotpoint Aquarius models using led lights). Aquarius models with a proper digital display would indicate error codes in a more sophisticated manner using actual text such as F1.. F15 etc.
The door lock light is flashing
This one is simple, and you should be to work it out yourself. If the door locked light is flashing, then the door is probably not properly shut. If the door is properly closed, but the door locked light is still flashing, then there may be a fault. It could be a fault on the door lock itself, or maybe the door lock is not being properly activated when the door closes. When the door closes, the door catch should fit inside the lock and operate something inside, which activates the lock. (How does a washing machine door lock work?)
Wash light is flashing
This would usually happen if someone turns the wash selected dial after the wash has started. Maybe a child has messed with it? The light should stop flashing at the end of the programme.
Pre-wash light is flashing
A flashing pre-wash light indicates a filling fault on these models. The software in the washing machine believes that the correct amount of water has not gone into the machine during the maximum time allowed. The first things to check are that the tap hasn’t been left turned off, or there are no kinked hoses etc. For full diagnostic on fill faults, check here – not filling with water
The end light is flashing
The end of cycle light flashes when the washing machine has been paused. Hopefully, pressing start/cancel should get it running again. If not, try cancelling the program and starting again.
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The manual says this is not a fault as such, but the out of balance detection system hasn’t been satisfied that the load inside is safe to spin, and therefore it has aborted the spin cycle. If you see the spin light flashing, you will probably find the laundry has not been spun dry.
In this situation you should find your laundry sopping wet, and clearly many people might interpret this as washing machine breakdown. This should only be an occasional occurrence. For full details on out of balance detection and how to load the washing machine properly, read my articles here — Why is the spin light flashing at the end of the cycle?
What if all the lights are flashing?
This indicates a critical error. The wash cycle has been abandoned. Unfortunately, this is one of those faults with no easily identifiable cause. The technical manual implicates potential faults on the motor, pump, drain hose and associated plumbing, pressure switch, pressure chamber and presumably many potential connection issues too. If this is a one-off occurrence, keep fingers crossed and keep an eye on the machine. Otherwise, call an engineer (Find an appliance engineer)
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Hi Andy Trigg, I have a Hotpoint WF210 wash machine and the wash cycle starts and runs for a while then suddenly stops midcycle always with the (from the top going down – vertical led lights) flashing:
*top light – Energy Save light
*Third light down – Rinse hold light both flashing slowly at same time and the on/off light flashing fast.
I have to run separate rinse and spin cycles to get my clothes rinsed and spin dry , Please help
Hello Michael. On WF washing machines if lights 1 and 3 flash it’s “Pressure switch not sensing”. Faults on pressure system could be various things though a blockage is the most common. For more detials see Faults on pressure system
Hi, I think I’ve read all the comments above about flashing lights but mine doesn’t come up. When I turn on the machine all the lights flash for a long time. I f I wait, and this period seems vary up to about twenty minutes, the flashing stops and the constant ready light remains on so I can then start the wash which seems to function normally. This has happened for possibly the last five washes. Does this indicate something specific? Model WF541.
Hi i have hotpoint washing machine i changed the lock and now machine will not start cycle. When i press to start cycle it will flash the lock symbol 3 times and beep 3 times can some help what could this be
Hello John. Normally if the door lock symbol flashes, it means the door is not closed properly. If the door is closed properly, then maybe it’s just not activating the door lock properly because the catch on the door is badly worn or the spring has broken. Sometimes if the door seal is not fixed properly onto the door room can prevent the door from closing properly.
The next suspect is the door lock is faulty. If the door lock has just been replaced, then assuming it’s the correct door lock, you have to check that it’s been fitted correctly.
If you replaced the door lock for the same symptoms, then maybe it’s nothing to do with the door lock and there could be a fault somewhere on the wiring or inside the PCB. Have a read of the paragraph at the top of this article entitled, “The door locked light is flashing”, and also the link at the bottom of paragraph describing exactly how the door lock works.