F03

Temperature Sensor (NTC) Error

Home Appliance Error Codes Ariston Washing machines

Can you still use it? With care until repaired

Who can fix it? Needs a technician

Typical repair time 30 minutes – 1.5 hours

Typical cost SAR 80 to 600

What it means

This is an Ariston (Hotpoint-Ariston) electronic washer code meaning the main board no longer accepts the reading from the water temperature sensor (NTC thermistor), so it cannot control heating. The hot program usually stops, and the same number can mean a different fault on other brands. The meaning can vary between Ariston series, so confirm it in your manual.

Models covered: Ariston (Hotpoint-Ariston) washing machines on the electronic EVO platform; the code shows on the display or as blinking lights. Older mechanical models do not show codes.

Symptoms4

A hot cotton program stops a few minutes after filling.
Laundry comes out lukewarm or cold despite a high temperature setting.
On models without a display, the code shows as blinking program lights.
The spin stage is often unaffected if it starts without heating.

Possible causes4

Sensor worn out after years of heat and scale.
Sensor connector corroded by moisture inside the cabinet.
Broken or pinched wire between sensor and main board.
Fault in the reading circuit on the main board.

How to diagnose5

Try a cold program and a hot one, and note when the code appears to tell the technician.
Unplug for several minutes and restart to confirm the fault is constant, not a glitch.
The technician unplugs the machine before removing the back panel, then checks the sensor and connector near the heater.
The technician measures the sensor resistance against the manufacturer table and checks the wire to the board.
If all readings are correct, the technician checks the main board.

How to fix5

Clean corrosion off the connector and reseat it.
Repair the damaged wire.
Fit a new sensor that matches the model.
Repair the reading circuit or replace the main board.
Run a hot program and confirm the water heats and the code stays away.

Repair cost

0–200

200–600

600–1,500

1,500+

In Saudi riyals; the highlighted part is the expected range for this fault.

Most cases end with a new sensor or a connector cleaning at limited cost; the top of the range is for a main board fault.

Prices are rough estimates including the part and the technician’s fee, and vary with brand, model and part source.
Prices last updated: September 2026

Frequently asked questions

My machine says Hotpoint-Ariston. Does this code apply?

Yes, if it is an electronic model that shows F codes, but confirm the meaning in your model manual since some series differ.

Does scale affect the temperature sensor?

Scale coats the sensor and heater over time, slowing the reading and speeding up failure; regular descaling helps in hard-water areas.

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This guide is for information only and does not replace an inspection by a qualified technician. If the fault involves brakes, steering, engine temperature, electrics or refrigerant, do not attempt the repair yourself.

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