F13 error code on Hotpoint-Ariston ARMXXF145 washing machine & dryer

 Background

One day I have had the error code F13 on my Hotpoint-Ariston washing machine.

After a search on the Internet I have found it was due to a temperature sensor but for the drying function and not the washing (we never use the drying, as it is not efficient). Anyway it was blocking the whole washing machine even if you did not use the dryer... of course this issue has occurred just before vacations...

This was done on an Hotpoint-Ariston ARMXXF145, but should work for all the Whirlpool brands (Hotpoint, Indesit, Ariston, etc...) as they shared similar electronics or even the same.The hack

The sensor is a simple NTC temperature sensor that cost around 3€ but it totally blocks the machine if broken.

A NTC temperature sensor is a simple sensor based on a resistor which have a variable resistance according to temperature.

The hack is to replace the NTC by a simple resistor that will give a fake temperature value (around 20°C).

In my case the NTC sensor reference was a c00083915.

This NTC can be replaced by a 20kOhm resistor, thus the washing machine will think you have a coherent ambient temperature. Thus you can use your washing machine (but not the dryer...) till the replacement part arrive.

Do the following hack at your own risk.

Material

• screwdrivers (star and cruciform)
• Soldering station 
• tin wire
• 20kOhm resistor: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_EuzGyKD
• Thermoresistant Tube Heat Shrink to isolate soldering wires: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_EHh9Hd7

Get to the sensor

Now you need to unplug the washing washing to avoid any electric shock. You have tutorials on Youtube to unmount your washing machine, you just need to remove to top of my washing machine

In my Hotpoint-Ariston ARMXXF145 washing machine, the sensor is as below:

Unmount the sensor

To unmount the sensor you need to remove the big metallic part (piece where the hot air is blown):

You'll have to rmove a lot of screws (some are maybe hidden behind the metallic plate, some screws are certainly missing...):

Once you can remove the sensor and unplug it to get it (in this order... it is safer):

Modify the NTC sensor

You need now a 20kOhm resistor.

What I did is I saw the sensor as below to remove the metallic part (where the NTC resistor is located):

Once done, you'll see 2 metallic pads, you have to solder on those 2 pads, then add thermoresistant Tube Heat Shrink to isolate (avoid short circuit), you can see how the resistor is protected (not visible) by the thermoresistant tube:

Now you can mount the sensor back in your washing machine. no need to put it back at its place, it will always send the same value...

Conclusion

With this hack you can now use your washing machine but DO NOT USE THE DRYER.

It is just a hack to wait the replacement sensor.

It is not a permanent solution.