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How to Reset Hotpoint-Ariston Aqualtis Washing Machine: Button Sequence, Error Codes, Models AQ7/8/9

User question

how do I reset an Aqualtis washing machine?

Artificial Intelligence Response

Direct answer to the question

• The quickest way to reset most Hotpoint-Ariston Aqualtis washing machines is:
 1. Switch the machine OFF and unplug it (or open the circuit-breaker).
 2. Leave it without power for 5 – 10 minutes.
 3. Plug it back in, close the door, then press and hold “START/PAUSE” + “RESET” (or “ON/OFF” on models without a dedicated Reset key) for ≈ 10 s until the LEDs blink twice and the door latch clicks.
• If you only need to cancel a running cycle, press and hold “START/PAUSE” for 2–3 s, wait for the pump to drain, then re-select the desired programme.
• When an error code re-appears immediately after a reset, the underlying fault (blocked pump, heater open-circuit, etc.) must be repaired; the reset only clears the control logic, not the hardware problem.

Detailed problem analysis

  1. Why resets are required
    • Modern Aqualtis machines use an Indesit/Hotpoint micro-controller platform. Transient mains glitches, firmware stalls or EEPROM checksum errors may freeze the UI, stop programme progression or leave a ghost error code. A reset re-initialises RAM and (in service mode) can purge non-volatile fault logs.

  2. Types of reset and exact procedures
    A. Soft (Power-cycle) reset – cures most UI freezes
    • Switch OFF → Unplug → wait ≥ 10 min to discharge the SMPS filter capacitors → plug in → power ON → run a short “Rinse & Spin” to verify.
    • Advantage: zero risk, no special button timing.

    B. Programme-cancel reset – stops a cycle already in progress
    • Press and hold START/PAUSE for ~3 s. Indicators flash, pump energises to drain.
    • When water level = 0 and drum is stationary, the door interlock releases (≈ 2 min).
    • Re-select a new cycle.

    C. User-level button-combination reset – clears minor logic faults, some codes
    • Most Aqualtis models (AQ7/8/9 series) use:
    – Machine OFF, door closed.
    – Press and hold START/PAUSE + RESET (or ON/OFF on early boards).
    – Keep holding, restore power or press ON/OFF; after ~10 s LEDs blink twice, lock clicks → release buttons.
    • Alternative on “digital motion” panels: press ON/OFF + START/PAUSE for 3 s while selector is at “OFF”.

    D. Service-mode / factory reset – clears stored fault log (EEPROM)
    • Intended for technicians; timing varies by firmware build:

    1. Selector at OFF, door closed, power ON.
    2. Rotate dial 1 click clockwise (Cottons).
    3. Within 5 s press the SPIN-speed button 4 times. LEDs enter diagnostic blink.
    4. Rotate dial a further 9 clicks clockwise.
    5. Press SPIN 4 times again → EEPROM clear.
    6. Return dial to OFF and power-cycle.
      • Use only after the physical cause of an error (e.g. F05 drain fault) has been fixed, otherwise the code will quickly return.
  3. Typical error codes that often survive a soft reset
    • F01 – Motor triac shorted / PCB failure
    • F05 – Drain pump blocked or pressure switch stuck
    • F08 – Heater relay stuck or NTC open
    • F09 – EEPROM checksum (may clear in service reset but often indicates PCB replacement)

  4. Hardware faults a reset will NOT solve
    • Open-circuit heating element, seized drum bearings, worn carbon brushes, broken door lock, etc. These require component-level troubleshooting.

Current information and trends

• Recent Aqualtis replacements (e.g., Hotpoint “ActiveCare” and “Ultima” lines) incorporate Wi-Fi diagnostics via the hOn / HomeNet app; resets can now be triggered through the mobile interface after firmware update 03-2024.
• EU Ecodesign regulations (2021/341) mandate that error codes remain available to end-users; hence, clearing EEPROM logs without fixing the root cause may fall foul of warranty terms introduced in 2022.

Supporting explanations and details

• Why 10 minutes?—The control board power supply uses 450 V electrolytics; their RC time-constant is such that < 5 minutes may leave enough charge to keep the micro alive and prevent a true boot-from-reset.
• Button-combo logic—The firmware scans the keyboard at boot; holding two keys forces the service register “RST_PINS[1:0]” low, initiating a non-maskable reset (NMR) routine that re-initialises RAM and clears the watchdog flag.

Ethical and legal aspects

• Opening the cabinet to reach the control board exposes mains terminals: comply with IEC 60335 isolation rules; disconnect from supply and verify 0 V with a CAT III multimeter.
• Factory-resetting during warranty without brand authorisation can void statutory guarantees in some EU countries.
• Do not bypass safety devices (door lock, pressure switch); doing so contravenes CE conformity and poses scald and flood hazards.

Practical guidelines

• Always record the exact error code before any reset—this is invaluable for proper diagnosis.
• If the machine is full of water, drain it via the filter access port before transport or PCB removal.
• After a hard or service reset, run the internal self-test (selector at “OFF”, press SPIN + START 3 × , varies by model) to verify sensors and actuators.

Possible disclaimers or additional notes

• Sequence differences exist between early “Arcadia” PCB (2006-2010) and later “Evo-II” boards (post-2013). Consult the service manual matched to the full model code (e.g. AQ7F 29 U UK).
• If the control panel is completely dead and no reset sequence responds, first check: mains socket, plug fuse (UK models), internal 2 A time-delay fuse on the PCB, and continuity of the harness neutral.

Suggestions for further research

• Download the official service manual from Hotpoint-Indesit’s technical portal (needs engineer login) or view publicly mirrored copies on elektrotanya.com.
• Study Indesit “Arcadia” platform schematics to understand common failures (e.g., STMicroelectronics M27C512 EEPROM corruption).
• Monitor appliance-repair forums (UKwhitegoods, Applia-Forum) for firmware update files and unofficial JTAG re-flash guides.

Brief summary

A reset of an Aqualtis washing machine is usually achieved by removing power for 5-10 minutes and then holding the START/PAUSE plus RESET (or ON/OFF) buttons for ~10 seconds until the LEDs blink. This clears temporary logic faults and some error codes; however, persistent errors indicate genuine hardware problems that the reset will not fix. More advanced factory resets exist but should be performed only after repairs, with awareness of safety and warranty implications.

Disclaimer: The responses provided by artificial intelligence (language model) may be inaccurate and misleading. Elektroda is not responsible for the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the presented information. All responses should be verified by the user.