Hotpoint Washer Error Code F03

F03 on a Hotpoint washer signals a fault in the NTC thermistor circuit or a stuck heater relay on the control board. The NTC thermistor monitors water temperature and should read approximately 20K ohms at 20 degrees Celsius. When the circuit reads as shorted or open, or the relay is stuck, the washer stops and displays F03 to prevent unsafe operation.

No, you should not continue using the washer while F03 is active. One possible cause is a heater relay stuck in the closed position, which could allow the water to overheat. Running the machine in this condition risks damage to laundry and to internal components, so it is best to leave the washer off until the fault is diagnosed and resolved.

A reset may temporarily clear the F03 code and allow the washer to start a cycle, but the fault will return if the underlying problem has not been fixed. Because one potential cause is a stuck heater relay, allowing the machine to run without repair carries a safety risk. A reset should only be used as a step in the diagnostic process, not as a long-term solution.

Some causes of F03 are DIY-friendly. Reseating the edge connector J8 on the control module costs nothing and requires no parts. Testing thermistor resistance with a multimeter is also within reach for a confident DIYer. Replacing the thermistor is a straightforward part swap, but a stuck heater relay usually means replacing the entire control module, which is a more advanced repair.

Repair cost depends on the root cause. A replacement NTC thermistor is generally an inexpensive part, typically in the range of $10 to $40 for the component. If the control module needs replacing due to a faulty heater relay, parts and labor combined can range from $150 to $350 or more depending on the specific model and local labor rates.