Indesit Washing Machine F02 Error Code: Motor Circuit Fault (Drum Won't Turn or Turns On and Off)
What the code means
Indesit Service UK lists F02 as "Motor circuit fault": intermittent or no drum rotation during the wash cycle. Indesit's advice is to call 0800 030 8901 to book an engineer. Indesit's WIL10 technical documentation (the French service file for this control platform) gives the technical meaning: the motor is locked, or its tachometer (the small speed-sensing coil on the motor) is short-circuited or open. Its service steps are to check whether the motor is jammed, check the contacts of the J9 connector on the control board, measure the tacho coil between pins 1 and 2 of the J9 wiring connector (it should read between 115 and 170 ohms; if it's shorted or open, check the wiring between those pins), check continuity between pins 6 and 7 of J9 on machines with a three-phase motor, then replace the motor, and finally replace the board. F02 is different from F03, a temperature sensor fault, and from F05, a drain blockage or pump problem. Hotpoint machines in the UK share these electronics and list F02 the same way.
Likely causes
- The drum or motor is physically jammed, for example by an item caught between the drum and tub, so the motor can't turn (WIL10 service file: motor locked)
- A loose, corroded or burnt contact at the motor connector or the J9 connector on the control board
- A failed tacho (speed sensor) coil on the motor, reading short-circuited or open instead of 115 to 170 ohms
- Damaged wiring between the motor and the control board, often where the harness flexes near the tub
- A failed motor, or less often a faulty motor drive on the control board
Safe DIY checks
Unplug the machine before any check. Don't remove the back panel or test the motor and board connectors yourself unless you're trained; the board carries mains voltage. Never open the door with hot water in the drum.
- Switch the machine off and unplug it at the wall for at least 2 minutes, then plug it back in and try a rinse and spin. If F02 clears and stays away, it may have been a one-off glitch.
- With the machine unplugged and empty, turn the drum by hand. It should spin smoothly and quietly. If it's stiff, grinding or stuck, something may be caught between the drum and tub, or the bearings may be worn; don't keep running the machine.
- Make sure the load isn't too big or bunched into one heavy lump, which can make the drum struggle to turn.
- If the door is locked with water in the drum, don't force it. Leave the machine unplugged and drain it through the pump filter at the bottom front, with towels and a shallow tray ready.
- If F02 comes back, book an Indesit engineer on 0800 030 8901. The tacho and wiring checks are done with the back panel off and a multimeter, at the motor and board connectors.
🛠 When to call a pro
- F02 keeps returning after a power reset, or the drum won't turn at all: Indesit's advice is to book an engineer.
- The engineer checks the motor isn't jammed, checks the J9 connector contacts, measures the tacho coil (115 to 170 ohms between J9 pins 1 and 2) and the motor wiring, then replaces the motor or, if those are fine, the control board.
- You hear grinding or the drum feels rough when turned by hand: that points to a mechanical problem such as bearings or a trapped item, which needs the drum area opened up.
- The machine is still under warranty: use Indesit service first.
Parts that commonly fix it
Always match the part number to your exact model.
Indesit washing machine drive motor (exact part for your model)
Only if the tacho coil reads short or open, or the motor is confirmed faulty. The tacho is part of the motor on most of these machines.
Search eBay →Indesit washing machine main control board (exact part for your model)
Only after the motor, tacho and wiring check out. It needs to match your model number.
Search eBay →Digital multimeter
For an engineer or experienced DIYer measuring the tacho coil resistance at the J9 connector.
Search eBay →Sources
- Indesit Service UK: Washing Machine Error Codes (F02 motor circuit fault: intermittent or no drum rotation during wash cycle; book an engineer on 0800 030 8901; F03 and F05 for contrast)
- Indesit WIL10 technical documentation, French (F02: motor locked, tachometer short-circuited/open; check motor jammed, J9 contacts, tacho 115-170 ohms between J9 pins 1 and 2, three-phase motor continuity pins 6-7, replace motor, replace board) (PDF)
- Hotpoint UK: Washing Machine Error Codes (F02 motor circuit fault on the shared electronics)
Last reviewed 2026-10-26. Always confirm against the manual for your exact model number.