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ASKO Washing Machine Error Codes and Display Messages: Water Inlet, Drain, Door Lock, Motor, Temperature, Heating, Overflow, Unbalance, Communication and Pressure Sensor Faults

ASKO washing machines are premium front-loading appliances used in domestic, professional and commercial environments. Depending on the generation and contro...

Bison Technical Team Enterprise IT specialists

Updated 26 Aug 2026 17 min read 5 total views

ASKO washing machines are premium front-loading appliances used in domestic, professional and commercial environments. Depending on the generation and control platform, an ASKO washer may report a problem as a plain-language display message, a flashing indicator, or an F/L-series fault code.

This distinction is important because ASKO fault numbering is not universal across every washer generation. For example, WM70 documentation identifies F10 as Overflow, F11 as Water outlet fault and F12 as Water inlet fault, while older machines can use other F-numbers or flashing indicators for similar conditions. citeturn1search0turn1search13

Older ASKO documentation, for example, shows machines where F3 represents a water outlet fault, F4 a water inlet fault and F6 a door-opening fault. citeturn1search11

Therefore, always diagnose an ASKO washer using both the displayed message and the exact model/platform, rather than assuming that an F-number has the same meaning on every ASKO machine.

ASKO's current washer designs also incorporate protective systems such as maximum water-inlet timing, overflow protection, Anti Block™ drainage, overheating protection and unbalance detection. citeturn0search0turn0search5

Quick ASKO Fault Reference

Display/Fault	Typical Meaning	First Items to Check
Water inlet fault	Washer cannot reach required water level	Tap, pressure, inlet hose, filter, inlet valve
Water outlet/drain fault	Water cannot drain within expected time	Pump filter, drain pump, hose, waste connection
Door lock/opening fault	Door cannot lock/unlock correctly	Door closure, latch, lock assembly, wiring
Motor/Wash motor fault	Drum-drive system problem	Motor, MCU/inverter, wiring, tacho
Thermistor/Temperature fault	Invalid temperature sensing or insufficient temperature rise	NTC, wiring, heater, water level
Heating fault/Temperature stop	Water fails to heat correctly	Heating element, relay, wiring, supply
Overflow/Overfilling	Excessive water level or leak protection activated	Inlet valve, pressure system, leaks, drain pump
Unbalance/Imbalance	Load cannot be balanced for high-speed spin	Laundry distribution, load size, levelling
Communication fault	Electronic modules cannot communicate correctly	Harness/connectors, MCU, control PCB
Pressure sensor fault	Incorrect or implausible water-level signal	Pressure sensor, pressure hose, air chamber, leaks

1. ASKO Water Inlet Fault

Display may show:

Water inlet fault
Water intake error
Water supply fault

On some WM70-generation machines this condition is identified as:

F12 – Water inlet fault

ASKO WM70 service documentation states that this fault can be generated when the correct water level is not achieved within the allowed filling period. citeturn1search0

Common causes

Household water tap closed
Low water pressure
Inlet hose kinked or crushed
Mesh inlet filter clogged
Inlet valve defective
Valve coil electrically open
Water-level/pressure sensing problem
Wiring fault
Control PCB not supplying the inlet valve

User-level troubleshooting

First verify that the water tap is fully open.

Turn off the appliance and water supply. Disconnect the inlet hose and inspect the small filter screen at the washing-machine inlet.

Remove sediment carefully.

Check the hose for:

kinks
crushing
blockage
damaged fittings

Reconnect everything securely, reopen the water supply and check for leaks.

ASKO operating instructions specifically recommend checking the tap and inlet filter when a Water Inlet Fault occurs. citeturn1search1turn1search3

Technician diagnosis

If adequate water reaches the machine but filling does not occur, test:

inlet-valve coil,
supply voltage to the valve,
pressure/level sensor,
pressure hose,
wiring harness,
control PCB.

Do not replace the inlet valve automatically. A valve that receives no power may simply be responding to another fault in the level-sensing or electronic-control circuit.

2. ASKO Water Outlet / Drain Fault

Display may show:

Water outlet fault
Drainage error
Draining fault

WM70 documentation identifies:

F11 – Water outlet fault

ASKO documentation describes this condition as water remaining in the washer after the drainage system has operated for too long. citeturn1search0

Most common causes

Pump filter blocked
Coins, buttons, lint or other debris in pump
Drain hose kinked
Drain hose blocked
Waste pipe blocked
Drain pump impeller jammed
Drain pump electrically defective
Pressure sensor incorrectly reporting water remaining
PCB or wiring fault

Troubleshooting

Switch off and unplug the washer.

If water is still inside, be prepared for water discharge before opening any accessible drain filter.

Check the drain hose from the washer to the waste connection.

Look for:

sharp bends,
crushed sections,
internal blockage,
incorrect installation,
blocked household drain.

Clean the accessible pump/filter according to the instructions for your model.

ASKO specifically recommends checking for foreign objects at the drain-hose outlet, a blocked drain pump and kinks in the drainage hose. citeturn1search1turn1search3

Some ASKO machines use an Anti Block™ drain-pump design, intended to counteract drainage stoppages. citeturn0search4

Technician checks

If the pump runs but the machine does not empty:

inspect the pump impeller,
check pump output,
inspect sump and drain hoses,
check pressure/level sensing.

If the pump does not run:

test pump winding,
check connectors,
measure supply voltage,
inspect PCB output.

A drainage error can therefore be caused by something as simple as a blocked filter or as complex as a level-sensing/control-board failure.

3. ASKO Door Lock Fault / Door Opening Fault

The display may report:

Close the door
Door opening fault
Door opening error
Door lock fault

These messages should not all be interpreted identically.

"Close the door"

This normally means the machine has not detected a properly closed door.

Check:

laundry trapped between door and seal,
door not pushed fully closed,
damaged latch,
obstruction around the door seal.

ASKO user documentation states that when the machine requests the door to be closed, properly closing it allows the program to start. citeturn1search1

Door opening/lock fault

A persistent door error can indicate:

defective interlock,
damaged latch,
broken door handle mechanism,
wiring fault,
control PCB problem,
water-level system preventing safe unlocking.

Never force the washer door open.

If water is still inside the drum, resolve the drainage problem first.

Some ASKO models provide an emergency door-opening arrangement, but the exact procedure is model dependent. Current ASKO specifications list an emergency door-opening key on some models. citeturn0search0turn0search5

Technician diagnosis

Check:

mechanical latch alignment,
interlock resistance/operation,
harness continuity,
pressure/level indication,
control-board output.

4. ASKO Motor Fault / Wash Motor Fault

Display may show:

Motor fault
Wash motor fault

ASKO service documentation describes motor faults as potentially involving the motor circuit or loss of the expected motor/tacho/MCU signal. citeturn1search9turn2search1

Symptoms

The washer may:

fill normally but drum does not rotate,
tumble intermittently,
stop during washing,
fail during spin,
display the fault immediately after attempting drum movement.

Possible causes

Drive motor failure
Motor Control Unit (MCU) failure
Inverter/electronic drive failure
Tachometer/tacho feedback failure
Loose motor connector
Damaged wiring
Control-board communication issue
Mechanical drum restriction

Preliminary checks

Turn the washer off and disconnect it from power.

With the drum empty, rotate it manually.

It should generally rotate without severe mechanical binding.

Grinding, scraping or extreme resistance can indicate a mechanical problem rather than an electronic motor fault.

Technician diagnosis

Inspect:

motor connector,
harness,
motor windings,
tacho feedback where applicable,
MCU/inverter,
communication wiring,
main control PCB.

Do not replace the motor simply because "Motor fault" appears. Electronic motor-control faults and damaged wiring can produce the same symptom.

5. ASKO Temperature / Thermistor Fault

ASKO service literature uses terms including:

Thermistor fault
Temperature fault

The thermistor is an NTC temperature sensor used by the controller to monitor wash-water temperature.

ASKO service information describes a thermistor fault when the thermistor circuit is open, malfunctioning or returns an implausible reading. citeturn2search1

Possible causes

Failed NTC thermistor
Open sensor circuit
Short circuit
Corroded connector
Broken wiring
PCB sensing-circuit failure

Symptoms

Washer does not heat
Program takes unusually long
Program completes using cold water
Temperature fault appears
Heating is disabled for safety

ASKO service information indicates that the heating element can be disconnected by the control system if the thermistor is short-circuited or disconnected. citeturn2search0

Technician checks

Measure the thermistor and compare its resistance with the service specification for the exact model.

Also inspect:

connector condition,
wiring continuity,
sensor mounting,
control PCB input.

Never bypass a thermistor to make the heater operate.

6. ASKO Heating Fault / Temperature Stop Fault

A heating problem differs from a thermistor problem.

The temperature sensor may be working correctly while the water simply fails to heat.

Older ASKO service documentation describes a Temperature stop fault and advises checking the heating system. citeturn1search9turn1search16

Common causes

Heating element open circuit
Heater leaking electrically to earth
Heater relay failure
PCB output failure
Damaged heater wiring
Incorrect water level
Thermistor problem
Supply/fuse problem on applicable installations

Typical symptoms

Clothes remain cold
Wash cycle takes excessively long
Temperature target is never reached
Heater-related fault occurs
Machine proceeds without normal heating

Technician diagnosis

Check:

heater resistance,
insulation resistance to earth,
heater wiring,
relay/control output,
thermistor,
water-level system.

The water-level system matters because the controller must confirm an appropriate water condition before energising the heater.

7. ASKO Overflow / Overfilling Fault

Display may show:

Overflow
Over flow fault
Overfilling

On WM70 platforms:

F10 – Overflow

ASKO WM70 documentation associates F10 with excessive water in the machine or activation of the overflow protection system on applicable models. citeturn1search0turn1search13

Important

An overflow fault should be treated more seriously than a routine inlet fault.

If the washer continues filling unexpectedly:

Turn off the water supply immediately.

Possible causes

Inlet valve stuck mechanically open
Pressure sensor failure
Pressure hose disconnected
Pressure hose leaking
Air chamber blocked
Control PCB holding inlet valve open
Water leakage into the base
Overflow protection activated
Drainage system problem

ASKO's commercial documentation explains that its water-overfill protection can stop the program, close the inlet valve and activate drainage if the expected maximum water level is exceeded. citeturn0search4

Diagnostic clue

If water continues entering even when the washer is powered off, suspect a mechanically stuck inlet valve.

If filling stops when power is removed, an electrical/control or sensing issue becomes more likely.

Do not continue operating a washer that repeatedly reports overflow.

8. ASKO Unbalance / Imbalance Fault

Display may show:

Unbalance
Imbalance

This is often a load-distribution problem rather than a component failure.

ASKO's balance-control system detects whether laundry is evenly distributed before high-speed spinning. Commercial ASKO documentation states that after repeated unsuccessful attempts to redistribute a load, an unbalance error can be shown. citeturn0search4

Common causes

Single heavy towel
Bath mat
Blanket
Small load containing one heavy item
Clothes tangled together
Overloaded drum
Washer not level
Weak floor
Shipping/transit bolts still fitted after installation
Suspension problem

What to do

Pause the machine and redistribute the laundry.

If washing one heavy item, add suitable additional items to improve distribution.

Check that all feet are firmly contacting the floor.

Make sure the machine is level front-to-back and side-to-side.

ASKO operating documentation explains that the washer can make repeated attempts to achieve acceptable balance before proceeding. citeturn1search3

When service is needed

If an unbalance error occurs with nearly every normal mixed load, inspect:

levelling,
suspension,
dampers,
springs,
drum/bearing movement,
balance detection/control system.

9. ASKO Communication Fault

A communication fault is generally an electronic-control fault rather than a plumbing problem.

ASKO washer platforms can contain several electronic subsystems, including a main control unit, Motor Control Unit and communication interface. WM70 technical documentation identifies motor communication and communication-interface connections in the washer's electronics. citeturn2search26

Possible causes

Loose connector
Oxidised connector
Broken wiring harness
Motor Control Unit problem
Main PCB fault
Communication-interface fault
Power-supply instability
Electrical noise or damaged electronics

Basic reset

Turn the washer off.

Disconnect mains power for several minutes.

Reconnect and retry once.

If the communication fault returns, further diagnosis is required.

Technician procedure

Disconnect power before opening the machine.

Inspect:

PCB connectors,
MCU connections,
communication harness,
damaged wires,
moisture or corrosion,
burnt components.

A multimeter can confirm power and continuity, but electronic communication itself normally requires model-specific diagnostic information.

Avoid replacing the main PCB before verifying the wiring and secondary control modules.

10. ASKO Pressure Sensor / Water-Level Fault

The pressure sensor or level system tells the controller how much water is inside the machine.

Older ASKO service documentation specifically identifies a Pressure sensor fault, including conditions involving pressure loss or leakage in the level-sensing hose. citeturn1search9turn1search16

Possible causes

Pressure hose disconnected
Pressure hose split
Pressure hose pinched
Air chamber blocked with detergent residue
Pressure sensor defective
Water leak causing unexpected level drop
Sensor wiring damaged
PCB input circuit failure

Possible symptoms

A faulty pressure system can cause much more than one error message.

It may produce:

incorrect filling,
underfilling,
overfilling,
drain fault,
heater not operating,
door refusing to unlock,
cycle interruption.

This happens because water-level information is used by several safety and operating functions.

Technician diagnosis

Inspect the entire pressure path:

Drum/sump → air chamber → pressure hose → pressure sensor → wiring → PCB

Check for detergent deposits in the air chamber and moisture or cracks in the pressure hose.

Never bypass the water-level sensor. It is part of the washer's overflow and heater-safety logic.

Older ASKO Fault Numbers – Important Model Differences

Older ASKO washers can use a different numerical system from WM70 machines.

For example, technical reference material for earlier machines lists faults including water supply, overfilling, pumping-out failure, thermistor fault, heating-pause fault and motor fault under an older F1–F6 scheme. citeturn2search0

Other ASKO operating documentation identifies:

F3 – Water outlet fault
F4 – Water inlet fault
F6 – Door opening fault

on particular models. citeturn1search11

By contrast, WM70 documentation identifies:

F10 – Overflow
F11 – Water outlet fault
F12 – Water inlet fault citeturn1search0

Therefore:

Never order an ASKO replacement component using the fault number alone. Always verify the complete model number, product number and displayed fault description.

ASKO Washer Fault-Diagnosis Sequence

For efficient troubleshooting, use the following order.

Step 1 – Record the exact error

Before switching the washer off, record:

complete message,
F/L number,
model number,
point in cycle where fault occurs.

A photograph of the display can be useful.

Step 2 – Determine when the error occurs

At program start: investigate door locking, inlet and electronics.

During filling: investigate water supply, inlet valve and pressure sensing.

During washing: investigate motor, temperature sensor and heating.

Before spin: investigate drainage and water-level sensing.

During high-speed spin: investigate load balance, suspension and motor control.

At apparently random points: investigate wiring, connectors, control electronics and communication.

Step 3 – Perform external checks

Check:

water tap,
inlet hose,
drain hose,
accessible filters,
door closure,
load balance,
power supply.

Step 4 – Reset only after correcting the likely cause

Turning the washer off and back on can clear some displayed faults after the underlying problem has been corrected. ASKO operating instructions for several models specifically describe power-cycling after corrective action. citeturn1search1turn1search3

Repeatedly resetting a machine without diagnosing a recurring fault is not a repair.

When to Stop Using the Washing Machine

Disconnect the washer and arrange professional inspection if:

water continues entering unexpectedly,
the machine repeatedly overfills,
water is leaking underneath,
electrical burning smell is present,
circuit breaker/RCD repeatedly trips,
motor fault repeatedly returns,
communication fault persists,
heater fault repeatedly appears,
door-lock components appear damaged,
wiring or PCB damage is visible.

Water, mains electricity and high-current heating/motor circuits make internal washer repair potentially hazardous.

Preventing ASKO Washing Machine Faults

Keep the drainage system clean

Periodically inspect the accessible drain filter and remove debris.

Inspect hoses

Look for:

cracking,
bulging,
kinking,
leaking fittings.

Avoid excessive detergent

Excess detergent can create foam and deposits in hoses, pressure chambers and drainage components.

ASKO's commercial washer documentation also describes foam-control systems designed to detect and remove excessive foam. citeturn0search4

Balance loads correctly

Avoid washing a single extremely heavy absorbent item when possible.

Keep the washer level

Incorrect levelling increases vibration and makes balancing difficult.

Do not ignore intermittent errors

An occasional inlet or drain fault may be the first indication of:

declining water flow,
partial pump blockage,
weakening valve,
contaminated pressure chamber,
loose electrical connection.

Early diagnosis can prevent a complete failure later.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What does Water Inlet Fault mean on an ASKO washing machine?

It means the washer has not achieved the expected water level within the permitted filling period. Check the water tap, inlet hose, inlet filter and water pressure first. If those are normal, the inlet valve, pressure system, wiring or PCB may require testing. citeturn1search0

2. What is ASKO F12?

On documented WM70 platforms, F12 means Water inlet fault. Do not assume this mapping applies to every ASKO generation. citeturn1search0

3. What is ASKO F11?

On WM70 documentation, F11 is Water outlet fault, meaning the washer has failed to drain correctly within the expected period. citeturn1search0

4. What is ASKO F10?

On WM70 machines covered by ASKO service documentation, F10 indicates Overflow. Check the level system, inlet valve, drainage system and possible leaks. citeturn1search0

5. Why does my ASKO washer say Water Outlet Fault?

The most common causes are a blocked pump/filter, obstructed drain hose, kinked hose or drain-pump problem. A faulty water-level system can also cause the washer to incorrectly believe that water remains inside.

6. Why is my ASKO washer not draining?

Check the drain filter/pump area and drain hose first. Foreign objects and hose restrictions are specifically listed in ASKO troubleshooting information as causes of drainage errors. citeturn1search1

7. Why won't my ASKO washing-machine door open?

Water may still be present, the door interlock may have failed, or the pressure system may be preventing unlocking. Never force the door. Resolve any drainage problem first.

8. What does Motor Fault mean?

The controller has detected a problem with drum-drive operation or its feedback/control system. Depending on the model, possible causes include the motor, MCU, tacho feedback, wiring or electronic controller. citeturn2search1

9. Does Motor Fault always mean the motor needs replacing?

No. Wiring, connectors, tacho feedback, MCU/inverter or the main control system can cause similar errors.

10. What does Thermistor Fault mean?

The washer has detected an abnormal temperature-sensor circuit or reading. The NTC thermistor, wiring and PCB should be checked.

11. What is a Temperature Stop or Heating Fault?

It generally means the expected water temperature has not been reached correctly. The heater, thermistor, wiring, heater control and water-level system may need testing. citeturn1search9

12. Why does my ASKO washer wash only with cold water?

Possible causes include a failed heating element, thermistor fault, heater relay/PCB fault or a water-level condition preventing the heater from being enabled.

13. What does Overflow or Overfilling mean?

The machine has detected excessive water or, on applicable models, an overflow-protection condition. Shut off the water supply if filling is uncontrolled and investigate the inlet valve, pressure system and leaks.

14. Why does my ASKO washer show Unbalance or Imbalance?

The machine cannot safely distribute the load for high-speed spinning. Redistribute the laundry and check washer levelling. ASKO's balance-control system can make repeated redistribution attempts before reporting an unbalance condition. citeturn0search4

15. Is an unbalance error a serious fault?

Usually not if it happens occasionally with difficult loads. If it occurs on nearly every load, inspect installation, levelling, suspension and the balance-detection system.

16. What causes a pressure sensor fault?

Typical causes include a leaking/disconnected pressure hose, blocked air chamber, defective pressure sensor, wiring problem or water leak.

17. Can a pressure sensor cause an overflow error?

Yes. If the controller cannot correctly determine water level, filling may continue longer than intended until another safety system detects the abnormal condition.

18. Can a blocked pressure hose cause several different ASKO errors?

Yes. Water-level information affects filling, draining, heating and door safety, so one pressure-system problem can potentially produce several symptoms.

19. What causes an ASKO communication fault?

Typical causes include loose connectors, damaged harnesses, MCU/control-board faults or communication-interface problems.

20. How do I reset an ASKO washing-machine error?

For many user-correctable faults, correct the cause first, turn the washer off, wait briefly and restart it. Exact reset procedures vary by model. Do not repeatedly reset overflow, motor, heater or electronic faults without diagnosis.

21. Why did my ASKO error disappear after restarting?

Some faults are temporary or become inactive once the underlying condition—such as a blocked drain or interrupted water supply—is corrected. If the error returns, further investigation is necessary.

22. Are ASKO error codes the same on every model?

No. This is one of the most important points when servicing ASKO washers. Different generations use different code mappings and some machines display descriptive messages instead of relying primarily on numbers. citeturn1search0turn1search11

23. Can I diagnose an ASKO washer from the error number alone?

It is not recommended. Record the model/product information and exact display message as well as the code.

24. Should I replace the PCB when several unrelated errors appear?

Not immediately. Multiple errors can be caused by a shared power, wiring, connector, pressure-sensing or communication problem. Verify those circuits before replacing an expensive control board.

25. When should I call an ASKO service technician?

Professional diagnosis is recommended for recurring motor, heater, pressure-sensor, communication, door-lock or overflow faults, and whenever internal electrical testing or dismantling is required.

Technical Summary

ASKO washing-machine fault diagnosis is best approached by fault category rather than fault number alone.

The most important categories are:

Water inlet → water supply, filter, inlet valve, pressure sensing
Water outlet → drain pump, filter, drain hose, level sensing
Door lock → latch, interlock, wiring, water level
Motor → motor, MCU/inverter, tacho, harness
Temperature → thermistor/NTC, wiring, PCB
Heating → heating element, relay, thermistor, level system
Overflow → inlet valve, pressure system, leakage, drain system
Unbalance → load distribution, levelling, suspension
Communication → harness, connectors, control modules
Pressure sensor → sensor, pressure hose, air chamber, leakage

Because ASKO has used several washer platforms over many years, always consult the documentation for the exact model and product number before replacing components or interpreting a numeric code.

For official product information and model-specific support, use ASKO's official website.