Hoover A3794 Computer Logic Washer Error Code

[Curious]

Could you help on a fault I'm encountering with my hoover computer logic 1300 washing machine? During a wash cycle the error message F2 or F8 flashes and beeps in the temperature window. The machine was bought second hand and has no manual, any advice on these faults and possible solutions would be greatly appreciated.

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

Error code F2 on this model is caused by a "time out on empty." F8 is "pressure switch operating out of sequence". The pump could be blocked. However, my guess would be that if the water does appear to empty OK that the pressure system is blocked and the washing machine isn't getting the signal that the water has gone.

On the Hoover logic, the pressure chamber should be on the back of the tub backplate and it's a plastic bottle with a tube attached to the top. This tube goes up to the pressure switch and is how the washing machine monitors the water levels.

When the water enters this pressure chamber bottle it forces air up the tube and switches the pressure switch on. When the water is pumped out prior to spin, the water should drain out of the pressure chamber bottle and the pressure is released allowing the pressure switch to switch off.

The programmer waits for this to happen before it knows the water has gone and it's OK to spin. If the water is pumped out - but the water in the pressure chamber bottle remains trapped because of gunge in the bottle and the hose leading from it to the tub, then the programmer will think the water is still present and give an F2 error. The F8 error could be tied in with this.

Take the pressure tubing (the pressure tubing is the thin hose going from the pressure chamber bottle to the pressure switch) off at the pressure switch end and blow down it very gently. If there's a blockage you will be able to detect some resistance. You can clear blockages by blowing hard but it would likely be just a temporary fix and the blockage could reoccur months later.

To clear a blockage properly you need to take the pressure bottle off and clean it and the aperture leading to it out. If you find it difficult to get off, it will be because it's the old type that has a plastic tube fitted to it and they often seize inside the backplate. If this happens get back to me for instructions

[Curious]

Andy, your diagnosis on the pressure chamber was spot on. I have managed to get the washing machine working with the "blow down tube" method. I couldn't clean the pressure chamber as the black silicon tubing from the chamber to the drum which is held on by a plastic jubilee clip, is almost welded to the drum and very hard to get off. If you have any tips on this, please let me know, if not, next time it goes funny I'll call in a professional. Many many thanks for your kind advice.

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

When the older type of pressure chamber bottle was fitted (not rellevant to any modern washing machine now). It had a long plastic tube (under the black hose) that pushed through the aluminium aperture on the backplate. It's usually a 50 / 50 chance that it will be seized in.

Your choices are as follows :

Leave things as they are:

This runs a risk of either the fault repeating itself in several months time, or if you are unlucky it could cause flooding. This is because although not spinning is the main symptom of a blocked pressure chamber (when water gets trapped inside the chamber). If the blockage stops water getting into the chamber in the first place it will cause overfilling and flooding.

If you don't want to chance it you can fix it 100% by replacing the pressure chamber and hose. This would allow you to cut the old one off and clean inside properly. The cost of the new pressure chamber and hose (delivered) would only be about £10 and if you e-mail me I will send you a secure link where you can order them. I will also post full instructions on how to change it because when you cut the pressure chamber off it will leave the plastic tube inside the backplate.

Another option is to put some soda crystals inside the drum (no clothes) and put the washer on a boil wash or just use washing machine detergent containing bleach. This wouldn't be a bad idea anyway. This may help get rid of some of the gunge but it's a bit hit and miss and there's certainly no guarantee it will clear a blockage.

( Related: The cause of most blocked pressure systems is dealt with here. Note the advice on doing a regular "service wash" I only use 40° washes is that OK?