BS: Hotpoint Aqualtis AQM8F 49 U error F15

Subject: BS: Hotpoint Aqualtis AQM8F 49 U error F15
From: Bernard
Date: 07 Apr 12 - 03:58 PM

Sorry if this duplicates, but my first attempt simply disappeared...!!

I'm at a friend's house, and her washing machine won't work. It's displaying an F15 error code, which the Hotpoint website suggests is a blockage.

I've had the pump apart, and there's no blockage - pipework is clear, too. The pump's resistance is 196 ohms, so that should be okay.

Anyone seen this problem? FixYa is no help at all!

Subject: RE: BS: Hotpoint Aqualtis AQM8F 49 U error F15
From: EBarnacle
Date: 08 Apr 12 - 12:27 AM

Is there any point before or after the pump, such as a nonfunctioning valve that could be creating said blockage?

Subject: RE: BS: Hotpoint Aqualtis AQM8F 49 U error F15
From: Bernard
Date: 08 Apr 12 - 02:58 PM

Nope - that's the point, there isn't a blockage! The drum drops straight into the pump, and the pump simply squirts up the outflow hose. The drum empties quickly if I lie the outflow hose on the floor...

The pump runs briefly until the controller thinks there's a problem... I'm inclined to think the controller is at fault, which is why I'm asking if anyone else has seen this problem.

The only 'valve' is a flap of rubber on the outflow of the pump (similar to the non-return valve on bagpipes!), but that is behaving normally.

I was expecting the usual problem of a hair clip or bobble in the pump (my daughter's is always suffering that way!), but it's as clean as a whistle.

Subject: RE: BS: Hotpoint Aqualtis AQM8F 49 U error F15
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Apr 12 - 06:26 PM

I bet there is a bonkers computer chip in there. That was the problem with my refrigerator a couple of years back.

There are online repair sites where you can get some pretty good answers and order parts. Just Google the brand and model of your product. The ones that have lots of models and have a forum are a better bet that someone just trying to sell you a part without any interchange about testing to see which part needs replacing or a forum to discuss how to do the repair.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Hotpoint Aqualtis AQM8F 49 U error F15
From: Bernard
Date: 08 Apr 12 - 08:27 PM

SRS - thanks, but I already tried that, and came up with nowt... that's why I came here, the fount of all knowledge!

Sure enough, I have a plausible answer to investigate...

Apparently it's common for the plastic tube on the pressure sensor up by the detergent drawer to get bunged up with soap... so the machine thinks it's not emptying properly and the F15 error is displayed.

It's going to be a week before I can get back to it, but it sounds like it may be a cheap fix... if so, it's a pint for JohnJ!

I know - there's no post from him - he rang me instead. So old-fashioned!! The daft thing is he only lives ten miles away...

;o)

Subject: RE: BS: Hotpoint Aqualtis AQM8F 49 U error F15
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 08 Apr 12 - 09:06 PM

I was about to suggest that the pump will stop when it thinks the machine is empty, and perhaps the water depth/quantity sensor might be hung up. I've seen that on older models, but not on anything smart enough to give even a wrong "error number."

The discharge line may also have enough space to accept initial flow, and may let that seep through fast enough to make it look clean; but full discharge flow may just compress what's in the line - air or water - enough to trip the blockage indication. (often seen when the crapper flushes once, but won't do it twice in a row without waiting a while.)

John

Subject: RE: BS: Hotpoint Aqualtis AQM8F 49 U error F15
From: John J
Date: 09 Apr 12 - 04:44 AM

Just a thought: you mentioned the pump fired up and then stopped - were you monitoring the volts to the pump whilst this was happening?

Let me know when you're going round next, I'll bring a bag of spanners.

I'm away all next week though.

JJ

Subject: RE: BS: Hotpoint Aqualtis AQM8F 49 U error F15
From: Bernard
Date: 10 Apr 12 - 07:50 AM

Just to add to the confusion, even when the machine is empty and you try to run a spin cycle, the error comes up... so I'm inclined to stay with the pressure sensor theory, as there is nothing monitoring the actual outflow.

The outflow pipe is definitely clear - I had it off the pump to check it - and the fault still showed up even with no water in the washer.

I reckon the error codes aren't specific enough to point to the problem, it's just suggesting there is some sort of blockage because it can't sense a change in pressure - then you're supposed to call a man with a van to interpret the code and fix it for a wad of cash... which the lady in question has a dire shortage of!

Ho hum!

Subject: RE: BS: Hotpoint Aqualtis AQM8F 49 U error F15
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 11 Apr 12 - 06:11 AM

My washboard always shows an error message. Apparantly it means: "shut this idiot up".

Subject: RE: BS: Hotpoint Aqualtis AQM8F 49 U error F15
From: Bernard
Date: 11 Apr 12 - 10:49 AM

I'm familiar with that one, RtS - it's usually accompanied by a large fist!!

;o)

Subject: RE: BS: Hotpoint Aqualtis AQM8F 49 U error F15
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 19 Apr 12 - 06:38 AM

If your machine is still out of order Mrs S says you can borrow my washboard for as long as you like!(PLEASE!)

RtS

Subject: RE: BS: Hotpoint Aqualtis AQM8F 49 U error F15
From: MikeL2
Date: 20 Apr 12 - 06:35 AM

hi Bernard

We have a Hotpoint Aquarius+ at the moment.

For some time now we have been having similar problems as you define.

We get various Error codes - most usually F3...but we have had F15. It appears that Hotpoint washers "tell lies" when they have problems !!!

We find that if we cancel the programme and switch off both at the machine and at the wall socket and then switch back on we can use the machine. ( Hi Tech stuff this !!)

I think that it is something to do with the heat at which the machine runs at.

We have been doing this for some time and we can manage. However the situation seems to be happening more often. We have not come up with a solution so we are in the process of looking for a new machine. We think that we will go for a Bosch this time.

Best of luck with your diagnosis. Will watch out with interest.

regards

MikeL2

Subject: RE: BS: Hotpoint Aqualtis AQM8F 49 U error F15
From: Bernard
Date: 20 Apr 12 - 10:03 AM

MikeL2 - I'm fairly sure you're right - the error code is saying something is wrong, but the machine hasn't a clue what!

Something like that really helpful error message older computers used to have... 'Keyboard Error - press F2 to continue'!!

I may be having another fiddle this weekend, but don't hold yer breath!!

Subject: RE: BS: Hotpoint Aqualtis AQM8F 49 U error F15
From: GUEST,maria
Date: 20 Nov 12 - 07:12 AM

hi did some 1 veined the problem ?
i have the same error F15

Subject: RE: BS: Hotpoint Aqualtis AQM8F 49 U error F15
From: GUEST,999
Date: 20 Nov 12 - 02:41 PM

What has the manufacturer of the machine had to say about it?

Subject: RE: BS: Hotpoint Aqualtis AQM8F 49 U error F15
From: Bernard
Date: 20 Nov 12 - 08:19 PM

We gave up in the end and scrapped it - probably a fault in the programmer as I first suspected. Not an economic repair option!

There's no way of getting sense out of the manufacturer - they just refer you to the Daylight Robbery Department!

Subject: RE: BS: Hotpoint Aqualtis AQM8F 49 U error F15
From: GUEST,RAY
Date: 12 Nov 14 - 11:21 AM

I HAD A SIMILAR PROBLEM ON MY HOTPOINT WASHER DRYER FLASHING LIGHTS HOTPOINT SAID IT WAS THE PUMP, PUMP WAS OK IF YOU TAKE OUT INSURANCE WITH THEM IT COSTS 15.POUNDS A MONTH AND ITS REPAIRED WITHOUT ANY FURTHER COST IF THEY CANNOT REPAIR THEY WILL SUPPLY A NEW WASHER CHEAPER THAN CALLING OUT THE ENGINEER PAID FOR THE COVER AND HAD IT REPAIRED ALL WORKING WELL NOW IT WAS A STAT ON THE HEATER ELEMENT FOR THE DRYER THAT WAS CAUSING THE TROUBLE SO YOU GET A FAULT AND IT COULD BE ANYTHING ON THE MACHINE

Subject: RE: BS: Hotpoint Aqualtis AQM8F 49 U error F15
From: olddude
Date: 12 Nov 14 - 12:13 PM

Unplug clear all sensors plug in and try bet it works

Subject: RE: BS: Hotpoint Aqualtis AQM8F 49 U error F15
From: Noreen
Date: 12 Nov 14 - 07:17 PM

Doubt it, olddude- as the machine was scrapped 2 years ago!

Subject: RE: BS: Hotpoint Aqualtis AQM8F 49 U error F15
From: GUEST
Date: 14 Nov 15 - 05:05 PM

Just had the same problem and managed to fix it. Sorry, I'm not technical and don't know anything about washer/dryers so may not be able to expain in the correct technical language.

After replacing the pump which did nothing to fix the problem, I decided to open the machine up again and check every electrical connection. I noticed there was a wire that was not connected to anything. The wire had a small (green I think) plug on the end of it, I'm guessing it was a sensor of some description. I plugged it back into the hole and the F15 error code went away. The wire was on the top of the drum on the right hand side, at the back of what I'm guessing is the dryer air pipe (there were two similar wires side-by-side).

Sorry if this doesn't make sense, just trying to help.