F13 Error on Hisense Washing Machines

What the F13 error indicates on a Hisense washing machine

The F13 error on Hisense washing machines usually points to an issue with the door lock. In practice, the machine tries to secure the door so it can start safely, but the locking system (latch/lock/door safety) does not confirm the correct status, so the washer protects itself.

It’s common for F13 to appear at one of these moments:

• When starting a program: you press “Start” and the washer won’t begin
• During the cycle: it stops and shows the code
• At the end: the door stays locked or takes too long to release

The most common causes are usually mechanical or contact-related:

• The door isn’t fully closed (laundry caught, gasket not seated, latch not engaging)
• The door latch tongue is misaligned (impact, hinge sag, play in the latch)
• Moisture/dirt around the latch area preventing good contact
• A loose connection in the door lock wiring or connector (less common, but typical if it’s intermittent)

How to clear F13 and what to check so it doesn’t come back

With F13, it’s best to go step by step: first confirm the door is properly closed, then perform a true reset, and if it persists, focus your diagnosis on the door lock (because that’s what the code is pointing to).

1. Check the door closure properly (don’t rush)
   • Open the door and make sure there’s no laundry trapped in the gasket or the frame
   • Clean and dry the latch area (the tongue and its housing) if there’s moisture or dirt
   • Close it again and press until you feel a firm “click”
2. Do a complete power reset
   • Turn off and unplug the washer (or switch off the breaker)
   • Wait 5–10 minutes
   • Plug it back in and try a short program

   This reset helps when the lock gets “stuck” after a failed attempt.

3. If the door stays locked, don’t force it
   • Wait a few minutes: on many models the release is not immediate
   • If there’s water in the drum, drain first using the drain/spin program (if it allows it)
   • Don’t pull on the door: you can break the latch or knock the hinge out of alignment
4. Check whether the fault is intermittent
   • If it sometimes starts and sometimes doesn’t, it often points to a dirty latch, a damaged tongue, or a loose connection
   • If it happens immediately and always the same way, it’s more likely a faulty door lock
5. Avoid the most common F13 triggers
   • Don’t close the door “halfway” or leave it resting without fully latching
   • Don’t overload: the pressure from the load can push the gasket and make closing harder
   • After cleaning, dry the lock area well (moisture can cause erratic readings)
6. When it makes sense to call a technician
   • F13 comes back after a reset and with the door closing perfectly
   • The door stays locked frequently or the lock makes unusual noises
   • You can see obvious play in the hinges or the hook isn’t going in straight

   In these cases, the door lock/latch assembly, its connector, and the wiring are typically checked. If the lock can’t confirm the status, the washer won’t start for safety reasons.

If F13 was caused by an imperfect closure or moisture/dirt on the latch, it usually clears after cleaning, closing the door properly, and resetting. If the code returns even when everything looks correct, the most common cause is that the door lock needs to be inspected or replaced.