What is the meaning of error F12 on the Indesit washing machine, how to solve the problem?

Indesit washing machines are famous for their reliability and long service life. However, even high-quality equipment is not immune from breakdowns.

A huge advantage of modern devices is that they give a hint where exactly the failure occurred.

Read the article about what error F12 means on an Indesit washing machine, how to decipher it and fix it.

What does code F12 mean?

If the washing machine is equipped with an electronic display, then error F12 will be indicated on it in an alphanumeric image.

Outdated models with mechanical control signal an error in a different way: the program selection knob begins to rotate, and the power indicator will blink in parallel. The light signal is repeated 12 times, followed by a short pause and the cycle repeats.

To understand that the technology indicates error F12, you need to start from the car model, since the set of signals may differ:

• Indesit IWDC – the “spin” and “rinse” functions are on, all indicators located horizontally flash in parallel;
• Indesit WISN – the lock button flickers quickly and the “wash” and “rinse” buttons flicker slowly;
• Indesit WIL-WISL-WIUL – the hatch lock button is flashing, the “quick ironing” and “intensive washing” buttons are flickering a little slower.

In 99% of cases, error F12 appears immediately after the device is turned on to the network, before the program has been selected. During operation of the equipment, an error rarely appears. If it occurs during washing or spinning, the drum stops rotating. The machine does not respond to commands.

Decoding

Error F12 is simply deciphered. It indicates a lack of communication between the indicators and (signals and buttons) the control board.

Reasons for appearance

Reasons why it may appear error F12 on an Indesit washing machine:

1. The program crashed when the device was connected to the network. Most often, such a violation occurs due to a voltage drop, a sudden change in water pressure in the water supply system, or due to an emergency shutdown.
2. There were violations during the operation of the machine. Error F12 may appear if too many items were loaded into the drum, or the user started the third wash cycle without a rest break.
3. The buttons that are responsible for a specific program are out of order.
4. The contacts leading from the control module to the indicators have burnt out or come loose.
5. The control module has failed.

Depending on the reason that caused the malfunction of the equipment, the actions to eliminate the malfunction will differ.

How to fix the problem?

The simplest solution to the problem is to reboot the equipment. If it was not possible to deal with error F12 in this way, you will have to disassemble it.

Rebooting the Indesit washing machine if the program fails

If the cause of the error is not related to a breakdown, but is due to a malfunction of the program, you can try to fix it yourself. To do this, reboot the device.

In order not to permanently damage the equipment, the procedure is performed according to the following scheme:

• turn off the device by pressing the “off/on” button on it;
• unplug the cord from the outlet;
• leave the machine turned off for 15-20 minutes;
• After the specified time has passed, the machine is turned on to the network.

If it was not possible to cope with the problem the first time, the procedure can be repeated 2 more times. There is no need to reboot the device more times, as this can lead to serious damage to the module.

Rebooting the control module

If rebooting the device as a whole did not help eliminate the error, you can try to reboot the control module separately.

After resetting the program, the error should disappear (if the reason lies in a malfunction of the control module).

Checking contacts between indicators and module

Sometimes the cause of error F12 is the separation of the contacts connecting the indicators and the control module. Most often this happens during a spin cycle, when the device stands on an uneven surface and moves out of place. Also the reason may be transportation of equipment.

To check the contacts, you will have to remove the top cover to gain access to the control panel. It is attached with bolts that are unscrewed.The wires connecting the module and the panel are checked for integrity, and if necessary, the contacts are cleaned.

Replacing buttons

To access the buttons on the washing machine, you must remove the front panel. Procedure:

1. Disconnect the device from the network.
2. Tighten the bolts holding the top cover, carefully lift it, without applying much force, so as not to damage the plastic latches.
3. Loosen the fasteners of the panel, which are located in the niche of the powder receptacle, and then remove the part.

   The latch responsible for securing it is located in the upper left corner of the washing machine body.

4. When the panel is removed, check the functionality of the buttons. Sometimes to restore them it is enough to simply clean them.

If the button definitely needs to be replaced, then this procedure can be performed without removing the panel. It is enough to pick it up with a thin screwdriver and remove it, then install the new part.

When should you call a specialist?

You can't always cope on your own. If the cause of error F12 is a failure of the control board, then you will not be able to do it without the help of a specialist. Replacing the “brain” of a device is a complex task that requires certain knowledge and skills. The cost of work will vary depending on the model of the washing machine.

Approximate prices in the Russian Federation:

1. Replacement of a control or display unit – from 2000 rubles. Working time is from half an hour to 1.5 hours.
2. Repair of control or display board – from 2500 rubles. In case of a simple breakdown, work is carried out on site. If the board needs to be re-flashed, the technician will take it to the service center.

The stated price only includes machine repairs. If you need to buy a board, the user will pay for it separately. The cost of a new part starts from 8,000 rubles.

Professionals always provide a guarantee for the work performed, documenting this. The forms must contain the seal of the service and the signature of the employee.

How can I prevent this problem from occurring in the future?

Prevention measuresto prevent the F12 error from appearing in the future:

• use an adapter for connection - this will protect your equipment from power surges;
• do not overload the drum, put in the machine the amount of things that does not exceed the maximum permissible weight;
• install equipment on a flat surface to protect it from vibrations during drum rotation;
• transport the device carefully, do not allow it to fall or shake.

Helpful information

Troubleshooting Tips F12 errors on the Indesit washing machine:

1. If the indicators start beeping during washing, you should first try to restart the device. Do not open the door when there is wet laundry and water inside the drum.
2. Any actions involving opening the case must be performed when the device is unplugged. Otherwise, the risk of electric shock increases.
3. If the device is under warranty, then you do not need to open it yourself. You must immediately contact the service center to diagnose and repair the breakdown that led to the error. If this is not the user’s fault, then repairs are carried out free of charge.

Read about deciphering error codes for Indesit washing machines. this section.

Video on the topic of the article

What does error F12 mean for an Indesit washing machine and how to fix it, the video will tell you:

Conclusion

Error F12 does not always indicate a serious breakdown. Sometimes you can eliminate it on your own, the main thing is to carry out the repair work correctly. If you cannot cope with the problem yourself, you need to seek help from a specialist.