Washer will not start; display shows F01 or lights flash in a repeating pattern; sometimes a brief click is heard then nothing.
Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
Possible Causes
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Unplug the washer and turn off the water supply before any work. Do not work on live circuits.
F01 on Hotpoint washers usually indicates a short circuit in the motor drive circuit on the main control board.
- Power reset: Unplug the machine for 10–15 minutes, then plug back in and try a cycle. If F01 returns immediately, continue below.
- Inspect motor connector: Remove the rear panel, locate the drive motor at the bottom of the tub, and check the multi-pin connector for burning, corrosion, or loose pins. Reseat the connector firmly.
- Check wiring harness: Follow the harness from the motor up to the main control board (usually at the back or top). Look for crushed, rubbed-through, or burnt wires. Repair any damaged wiring with proper crimp connectors and insulation.
- Motor resistance check (for qualified persons with a multimeter): Disconnect the motor plug. Measure resistance between motor windings; they should be low and similar (typically a few ohms). If any winding is open or shorted to the motor casing, the motor is faulty and must be replaced.
- Control board inspection: Remove the control board cover. Look for burnt spots, cracked solder joints, or a visibly damaged triac (small 3‑legged component near motor connector). If damage is visible or F01 persists after wiring/motor checks, the control board must be replaced.
- Reassembly: Refit all covers securely, restore power, and test on a short wash or spin cycle.
Warning: If you are not comfortable testing live circuits or handling electronic boards, contact a qualified appliance technician. Incorrect handling can cause electric shock or further damage.
Repair Difficulty
Required Part
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