Indesit Washing Machine F09 Error Code: Software Fault (Flashing Lights, Can't Select a Programme)

What the code means

Indesit Service UK lists F09 as "Software fault": the washing machine isn't operating, multiple lights and/or the display are flashing, and you can't select a programme. 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) defines F09 as a machine configuration error (EEPROM error). Its remedy depends on the board: if the production board has the EEPROM soldered on, replace the board and EEPROM together; if it's a spare board with a separate EEPROM, check the EEPROM is properly seated in its socket on the board. The Indesit Arcadia service manual describes F09 as a setting file error detected by the main PCB or display PCB, with the steps of disconnecting the machine for 2 minutes and checking for correct operation, then reprogramming the main PCB, renewing the main PCB, or renewing the display PCB. An Indesit Company service bulletin adds that F09 can appear after a control card or EEPROM is replaced with a part that isn't a matching, compatible one. F09 is different from F12, an electronic control fault where the machine won't turn on, and from F08, the heater fault. Hotpoint machines in the UK share these electronics and list F09 the same way.

Likely causes

• The main control board can't read or doesn't accept its machine configuration file stored on the EEPROM memory chip
• A replacement board or EEPROM that wasn't programmed for your exact model, or isn't compatible with the board it was fitted to
• On spare boards with a socketed EEPROM, the chip not seated properly in its socket (WIL10 service file)
• A glitch after a power cut or surge that a full power reset can sometimes clear
• Less often, a fault on the display (user interface) board, which the Arcadia service manual lists as a part to renew

Safe DIY checks

1. Switch the machine off and unplug it at the wall for at least 2 minutes, then plug it back in and try selecting a programme. That's the first step in Indesit's Arcadia service manual for F09.
2. 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.
3. If F09 appeared right after a board was replaced, contact whoever fitted it, because the new board or memory chip may not match your model.
4. If F09 comes back after the reset, book an Indesit engineer on 0800 030 8901. Reprogramming the board needs Indesit's service tools and isn't something you can do at home.

Parts that commonly fix it

Always match the part number to your exact model.

Related codes

• F01 Indesit Washer F01
• F02 Indesit Washer F02
• F03 Indesit Washer F03
• F05 Indesit Washer F05
• F06 Indesit Washer F06

All Indesit codes →

Sources

1. Indesit Service UK: Washing Machine Error Codes (F09 software fault: not operating, multiple flashing lights and/or display, unable to select a programme; book an engineer on 0800 030 8901; F08 and F12 for contrast)
2. Indesit WIL10 technical documentation, French, p.14 (F09: machine configuration error, EEPROM error; soldered EEPROM: replace board and EEPROM; spare board: check the EEPROM is seated in its socket) (PDF)
3. Indesit Arcadia service manual on ManualsLib (F09 setting file error detected by main PCB or display PCB; disconnect 2 minutes, reprogram main PCB, renew main PCB, renew display PCB)
4. Indesit Company service bulletin STN-WM-0405.1: card/EEPROM incompatibility on electronic washing machines (F09 machine setup error after a card or EEPROM is replaced) (PDF)