What to do
- Try one reset
Unplug for 2 minutes and try again.
When to call an engineer
If the reset doesn't clear it. The heating element is mains wiring inside a wet machine, so Hotpoint's advice is to book an engineer.
A repair visit will usually check the heating element, its temperature sensor and the wiring back to the control board.
- Note the model and serial number. They're on a label inside the door, around the door frame or on the back.
- Write down the exact code, and what the appliance was doing when it appeared.
- Check whether it's still under warranty. If it is, the repair may cost you nothing.
Quick answers
What does the Hotpoint F08 error code mean?
The heater has a fault, so the programme pauses partway through. On a digital display F08 can look like FOB; it's the same code.
Can I fix Hotpoint F08 myself?
Engineer only (2 minutes for a reset). Start with: try one reset. If the reset doesn't clear it. The heating element is mains wiring inside a wet machine, so Hotpoint's advice is to book an engineer.
Is Hotpoint F08 worth repairing?
Get a quote first. Get a quote and weigh it against the machine's age. Usually worth it under about seven years old.
Checked against
Last reviewed October 2026. Manufacturers update their pages, and your manual is the final word. Spotted a mistake? Email contact@appliance-error-codes.com.