Error F13 on Hotpoint washing machines

What the F13 error usually means on a Hotpoint

The F13 error on Hotpoint is linked to the drying section and usually appears on washer-dryers. It typically indicates a fault in drying temperature detection, so the unit goes into protection and the drying cycle won’t complete or may not even start.

When F13 appears, you’ll commonly notice:

• The wash finishes, but drying doesn’t start or stops
• The drying program gets partway through or stops with the code
• Clothes come out damp because the machine shuts down for protection

This error usually points to sensors/readings within the drying circuit, which is why in most cases it ends up requiring a technical inspection.

How to clear F13 and what to check before calling service

With F13 you can do safe checks (reset and usage conditions), but if the code persists, it typically means the dryer system needs proper diagnosis.

1. Full power reset
   • Turn the washer-dryer off
   • Unplug the unit for 2 minutes
   • Plug it back in, wait 30 seconds, and try a short drying cycle
2. Test with a moderate load
   • Avoid very large loads (drying has to work harder)
   • If you were drying very heavy items, reduce the quantity and try again
3. Confirm the selected program includes actual drying
   • Make sure it isn’t a wash-only program or a setting with drying disabled
   • If your model lets you set drying level/time, choose a standard setting
4. Don’t repeat cycles in a loop if F13 returns
   • If the code appears every time, stopping early avoids unnecessary heating attempts
   • Note whether it shows up at the start of drying or after a few minutes—this helps diagnosis
5. When it’s worth calling Hotpoint service/technician
   • F13 repeats after the reset and with a moderate load
   • Drying never starts, or it always stops in the same way
   • You notice abnormal drying behavior (stops, pauses, unrealistic times)

   At that point, it’s common to check the drying temperature detection system and the associated control section, because the machine isn’t reading temperature as expected

If F13 was a one-off lockout, the reset may clear it. If it comes back on every attempt, the most efficient next step is a technical inspection of the drying system to fix the cause and restore normal drying