Indesit Washer F06 Error Code: Door Lock Fault (Door Won't Lock, Open or Start)

What the code means

Indesit Service UK's washing machine error code guide lists F06 as a "Door lock fault". The symptoms it gives are that the door cannot be opened or closed, or that the programme will not start when the door is closed. Indesit's advice is to check for any obstructions in the door lock if the door will not close, and to call its service centre to book an engineer if the fault remains. The same entry carries a safety notice about a recall of the door lock system on certain Hotpoint and Indesit washing machines. Indesit's Arcadia service manual is more specific about what the board is seeing: the door lock failed to close or open, the door lock PTC triac (the switch on the main board that powers the lock) is stuck open or closed, or the board has lost its mains frequency or mains power signal. Its service actions are to look for water leaks that could short the contacts on the door lock connector, check the door lock terminal board for corrosion from manufacturing residues, check the door lock wiring, check the lock itself (about 170 ohms, plus or minus 10 percent, across its terminals on a classic door lock), and only then replace the door lock and, last, the main board. F06 is not a drain fault: if the door stays shut because water is still in the drum, that's F05. Hotpoint machines share Indesit's electronics and use F06 the same way.

Likely causes

• Clothing, a towel corner or debris caught in the door catch so the door won't close fully
• Broken door handle or latch hook, so the lock can't catch or release
• Failed door lock (interlock) assembly
• Water leak reaching the door lock connector, or a corroded door lock terminal board (service manual check)
• Damaged or loose wiring between the door lock and the main board
• Main control board fault, such as the door lock triac stuck open or closed (last, per the service manual)

Safe DIY checks

1. Switch the machine off at the wall socket and unplug it. If the drum is full or the water is hot, don't force the door; drain it through the pump filter first.
2. Leave the power off for about five minutes, then plug back in and try the door again. A power reset often releases a stuck lock.
3. If the door won't close, check the catch and the hole it goes into for clothing, fluff or debris, and make sure the door hook isn't bent or broken.
4. If the door is stuck shut, many Indesit and Hotpoint models have an emergency release: with the machine unplugged, pop off the lower front panel and look near the pump filter for a cord or tab (often green) and pull it down while opening the door.
5. Look under and around the machine for signs of a leak, since water reaching the door lock wiring can trigger F06.
6. Check whether your machine is covered by the Hotpoint and Indesit door lock recall using its model and serial number. If it is, stop using it and follow the recall instructions.
7. Plug back in, close the door firmly until it clicks, and start a short programme to test.

Parts that commonly fix it

Always match the part number to your exact model.

Related codes

• F01 Indesit Washer F01
• F05 Indesit Washer F05
• F13 Indesit Washer F13
• H20 Indesit Washer H20
• 5d Amana Washer 5d

All Indesit codes →

Sources

1. Indesit Service UK: Washing Machine Error Codes (F06 door lock fault: door cannot be opened or closed, or programme won't start when closed; check for obstructions, then book an engineer; door lock recall notice)
2. Indesit Arcadia service manual, fault codes (F06 door lock fails to close/open, door lock PTC triac open/closed, mains frequency or power signal fault; check leaks, terminal board, wiring, 170 ohm lock, then replace lock, then PCB)
3. iFixit: How to Fix the Indesit Washing Machine F06 Error Code (power reset, green emergency release cord, handle and lever checks)
4. Electrical Safety First: Hotpoint and Indesit washing machines recall (2014 to 2018, door catch can overheat)