The error code F05 on some Hotpoint (and some Indesit) washing machines means, the pressure switch has “jammed” on. Note that this error is wrongly reported on many other websites as being, “there’s a problem with emptying the water”. But whilst this may sometimes be the cause, it is only one possibility. You need to fully understand the proper explanation to troubleshoot this error.
The pressure switch’s job is to signal when the drum has water inside, and when it does not. So if the switch is jammed on, the washing machine will think it is full of water when it should be empty. It then refuses to spin, and may abort the cycle. Sometimes this is caused because there is a problem with draining the water. If it is, then it should be an easy fix. But sometimes the water has successfully pumped away, and you still get the F05 error. If so, you need to understand how the pressure system works.
Pressure switch jammed on
Before a washing machine kicks into a spin, it needs a signal that the water has pumped away successfully. The last thing it wants to do is spin with the drum full of water. The water would be thrown out through the soap dispenser and various other places. So it waits for a signal from the pressure switch so that it knows it’s safe to spin. The error F05 indicates that for various possible reasons it’s not getting that signal.
There are three main explanations for a pressure switch still being on when the washing machine thinks it has pumped all the water away. Firstly, the pressure switch could be jammed on, literally. That is, the water has pumped away, but the switch is stuck in the on position. Secondly, the water might have successfully pumped out, but a blockage in the pressure system is trapping the air pressure that holds the pressure switch on. Finally, it could just be being held on because the water has not pumped away at all, and the volume of water is still activating the switch. For more information on this, read — how does washing machine control water levels?
Simple F05 error explanation
So a simple explanation for this error code is that the software controlling the washing machine thinks it has just pumped all the water away, but the pressure switch is still on.
Pressure switch jammed, or being held on?
The first thing to check is simple. Is the washing machine still full, or partially full, of water? If you can see that there is water in the drum, and you can clearly see that it hasn’t pumped away properly, then this is the fault. This issue can be caused by a pump fault, or blockage somewhere. If so, follow this guide for a washing machine stuck full of water.
If there is no water left inside the drum (apart from the obviously very soggy laundry that has not been properly spun) then F05 could be caused by a faulty pressure switch (this is rare), or a blocked pressure system.
A blockage in the pressure system can trap air pressure in the tube, keeping the pressure switch on. In this case, pulling off the small tube at the base of the pressure switch should result in an audible click as the pressure is released, and the pressure switch springs back to off (unplug machine first!). Bear in mind that if looking at the machine some time after the fault, trapped air in the pressure system could have slowly seeped out over time. For more details and help about faulty pressure switch or blocked pressure system, check this article faults on pressure system.
More causes of F05 error
Other faults listed as possible causes for this error are, faulty connections, and even the PCB, which I wouldn’t advise replacing speculatively. If you have error F05 and can see the washing machine is full of water, then you may be able to fix it by following this guide for a washing machine stuck full of water. Otherwise, you would probably be better calling an engineer – book an engineer.
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Hi, I have this fault on a Hotpoint Aqualtis AQ XXD169. I have replaced the pressure switch and motor and cleaned all the tubes etc. (which were not blocked by the way). I have con checked the switch (single switch, 3 wires) and it functions correctly, as does the old one. Can I now assume this is likely to be the PCB i.e. where that signal goes to? The machine will not pass through to the full spin, it gets stuck in the balance phase. However, it is not a permanent fault, just intermittent. Additional info – During the strip of the machine I noted very lttle scale and gunge build up, but the pump had some leakage across the drive shaft to the void space between the impeller and the motor. The pump has now been replaced. Machine has had light use (2 people over 5 years).
Hi Kev, can’t think why you’d think the motor was related to an F05 error code, hope it didn’t cost much. The pcb is suspect after you’ve checked the pressure system and switch but it’s always risky buying expensive parts which can’t be returned if it doesn’t fix the fault.
If washer gets occasionally stuck on the balance section before spin it can be an out of balanced load. If it gives the F05 error though then it won’t be.
Sorry Andy. I should have said pump motor, not just motor. During investigation, I found sludge on the wrong side of the impeller shaft. Since the pump assy was inexpensive, I thought I would change it and keep the postage to one parcel. The machine flips between F08 and F05 and sometimes goes all the way through. I have tried various loads to rule out a balance problem, with little success. I have noticed though, reducing the spin speed to below 1400 normally helps it spin through. From this I surmise it is a software thing, perhaps the out of balance algorithm is less critical when not at full speed. (just a thought)
I have also noticed that sometimes I get 6 beeps, like the child lock warning, and sometimes the door lock clicks 5 times after a fault reset (unplug – plug).
It is this lack of consistency, coupled with the knowledge that the machine is not blocked, mechanically or filter wise, amnd that the pressure switch is new, that leads me to think it is the computer.
Hi, I have fo5 flashing on my machine. I emptied the drum manually and found a fair amount of debris when I unscrewed the valve at the bottom of the machine. Thought this had sorted it but now I still get f05 but the machine cycle wont start, seems to have trouble filling up and stays locked. Is there anything else I can try? Thanks
Hello Bernie, the F05 error isn’t caused by a pump blockage, it’s can be a blockage in the pressure system which tells the washer when the water has gone but it can be other things too. To troubleshoot this error you need to understand how the pressure system works using the links at the bottom of the article.
Trying to get our Aqualtis AQ113D697I back to life after an F05. The initial fault was clearly a blocked pump, so that was cleared, the pump cleaned and the machine pumped out fine. However then the machine would not enter spin or release the door. I removed the level/pressure tube and blew down it (no obstruction) then replaced the pressure switch for good measure. Machine ran through a test cycle to end but left the door lock on. Manual released the door, the water had pumped out. If not the pressure sensor what is convincing the machine it is full of water when it isn’t ?
Could somebody please tell me how I find the pressure switch on a hotpoint washing machine please
It sounds complicated Mike. If you’ve eliminated the pressure switch and pressure chamber blockages then other faults listed as possible causes for this error are faulty connections and even the pcb, which I wouldn’t advise replacing. They are expensive, many need specialist software to set up and if it isn’t the pcb you can’t send it back. If the door lock is not releasing it could be a pcb not releasing the power unless by any chance the door lock has a pneumatic air lock to it which would tie in with a blocked pressure syste. If you door lock is locked by air pressure when water is in the machine (rare now) it would have a pressure tubing attached to it as described in this article different types of door locks
There is a company called QER who can check and repair washing machine pcbs if you are determined.
Mandy: There are links at the bottom of the article explaining all about pressure switches.
F05 error showing, I can see the water hasn’t drained. Door is locked what can I do?