Hotpoint machine shows test in display

Symptoms: Hotpoint washing machine has what looks like tESt in the display and just keeps running a short cycle on its own and won't accept a program. When it’s finished spinning, the whole process carries on again.

Stuck in demo mode

This can be caused when the demo mode is accidentally switched on. Instead of using a combination of two keys needing two hands to press, some Hotpoint washing machines used two buttons right next to each other to put the washing machine into demo mode when pressed simultaneously. Even a leg leaning against the start and cancel buttons whilst reaching over the washing machine can inadvertently turn on the demo (test) mode.

To turn it off and get the washing machine working again it depends which version of software the machine is running –

All the following methods are known to work so try each one in turn – if you see "d_OFF" then you’ve successfully turned off the demo display mode –

1. Switch the washing machine on, then press and hold the centre line between the start and cancel buttons so that you are pressing them both in simultaneously. After a few moments you should see "d_OFF" if it's worked
2. Switch off at mains, press and hold On/Off & Start/Cancel buttons, switch mains back on, keep holding down buttons until D_OFF appears in display
3. Press the cancel button alone, which may deactivate the test programme
4. Press On/Off and Start/Cancel together with top left option button until d OFF appears
5. Let it run through test mode (about 3 mins) then when it says end.. press on/off and start/cancel together until d off message appears

Sometimes the main board is faulty and you can't turn it off. If you cannot turn off this mode I would telephone Hotpoint and ask them to tell you the procedure for your model giving them the model number and the serial number from behind the door. If it still doesn't work the board could need replacing – expensive.