Indesit washer dryer light flashes 13 times
On an Indesit washer dryer with a rotary dial (such as the WD12 range), 13 flashes of the on/off LED in a repeating cycle – accompanied by the programme dial clicking round continuously – indicates error code 13: “Dryer fan does not work” or “Dryer NTC faulty.” This is a fault with the dryer function. The machine needs an engineer to diagnose whether the fan motor, the NTC thermistor, or an associated wiring connection has failed.
How to Read This Error Code
Indesit washer dryers with a rotary programme dial and no digital display indicate faults by clicking the dial round continuously while the LED flashes a set number of times in a repeating cycle. Count the flashes between each pause to identify the error number. Thirteen flashes indicates error 13.
If the dial is clicking round because a programme has been changed or interrupted, turning the machine off and resetting the dial to an off position will stop it. If the clicking is caused by an active fault, the machine will begin clicking again as soon as the fault is re-encountered during the next cycle. Resetting alone does not fix a fault – it only clears the current error display.
See our guide on programme selector dial clicking round continuously for more on how to distinguish a fault-triggered click from a programme change.
What Error 13 Means
Error 13 on the Indesit WD range means “dryer fan does not work” or “dryer NTC faulty.” The two possible causes are distinct but both relate to the dryer function:
Dryer fan faultThe dryer fan circulates hot air through the drum during the drying cycle. If the fan motor has failed or the fan is obstructed, the machine detects that airflow is not being generated and triggers error 13. The fan motor, its wiring connections, and any obstruction of the fan blades should be checked.
Dryer NTC thermistor faultThe NTC (negative temperature coefficient) thermistor is the temperature sensor that monitors the air temperature during the drying cycle. If it fails or reads outside the expected range, the machine cannot confirm the dryer is operating correctly. See our guide on tumble dryer not heating for background on how NTC sensors and heating faults interact.
Some Hotpoint and Indesit washing machines can retain a dangerous electrical charge even after being unplugged. Wait at least 5 minutes after unplugging before touching any internal component. See our guide on electric shock risk from Hotpoint washing machines before opening any panel.
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Related Guides
Programme Dial Clicking Round ContinuouslyHow to read error codes from a rotating dial and flashing LED on Indesit and Hotpoint machines.
Tumble Dryer Not HeatingNTC thermistor, TOC, and heating element faults that cause a dryer to run without heating – relevant to the dryer NTC fault in error 13.
Hotpoint WD Washer Dryer Error F03NTC thermistor fault on the Hotpoint WD range – closely related to the Indesit error 13 on similar machines.
Washing Machine Lights FlashingHow to count and interpret flashing LED error codes on Indesit, Hotpoint, and similar machines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 13 flashes mean on an Indesit washer dryer?
Thirteen flashes of the on/off LED, repeating in a cycle while the programme dial clicks round, indicates error 13 on the dryer function – either the dryer fan is not working or the dryer NTC thermistor is faulty. Both relate to the drying component of the machine rather than the wash function.
Will resetting the dial fix the error 13 fault?
Resetting stops the dial clicking temporarily but does not fix the underlying fault. As soon as the machine reaches the point in the cycle where it detects the fault again, it will resume clicking and displaying the error. The fault causing error 13 must be diagnosed and repaired – the dryer fan, NTC thermistor, or associated wiring needs investigation by an engineer.
Can I still use the washing function if error 13 is showing?
Error 13 specifically relates to the dryer function. Whether the wash function continues to operate normally depends on whether the machine allows the cycle to proceed at all when the error is active. In many cases error 13 will abort the cycle – but even if the wash function appears to work, the fault should be investigated before continuing to use the machine, particularly given the safety considerations around dryer overheating faults.
1 Comment
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I am repaired my Indesit WD12 UK wash-dry machine.
Got 13 flash.It is mean error about air heater system.
Taken the top cover, seen two thin blu wire top op one thermo sensor, they could be broken.Not visible.
Need to solder.Now is work again, I am so happy :-)