FAQ
TL;DR: Ariston AQXD129 showing F5 after 3 washes? “The pump works, but as if it has no strength.” Check for drain obstructions, impeller play, and rare control faults. [Elektroda, malelka, post #16788686]
Why it matters: This FAQ helps DIYers quickly restore proper draining and clear F5 without guessing or unnecessary parts.
Quick Facts
- Symptom cluster: F5, weak trickle drain, soaked laundry, timer stuck at 0:01 during wash. [Elektroda, malelka, post #16788686]
- Hidden blockages: a coin in the drain hose can act like a “valve” and stop flow intermittently. [Elektroda, jaszczur1111, post #16792471]
- Tank-to-pump hose is a frequent catch point for socks and small items. [Elektroda, jaszczur1111, post #16788855]
- Diagnostic tip: impeller should have no lateral play; triac control faults are rare causes. [Elektroda, jaszczur1111, post #16797639]
- Real outcome: removing the pump and opening the back cover restored normal operation. [Elektroda, malelka, post #16845220]
What does error F5 mean on an Ariston AQXD129 in this case?
In this thread, F5 appeared with weak draining, wet laundry, and the timer freezing at 0:01. That points to a drainage problem rather than filling. Restore flow first, then retest the program. [Elektroda, malelka, post #16788686]
Why is my washer draining like a thin trickle instead of a stream?
The pump runs but water exits weakly when the path is restricted. In this case, the user saw only a thin stream and soaked laundry. Treat it as a partial blockage or a weak pump drive issue until proven otherwise. [Elektroda, malelka, post #16788686]
Where should I check first for blockages?
Start at the drain hose to the standpipe or tub. A coin can act like a valve, blocking flow only during pumping. Move the hose to a bathtub and watch the stream while draining. [Elektroda, jaszczur1111, post #16792471]
Could the tank-to-pump hose be the culprit?
Yes. Small items like a sock can lodge between the tank and pump and choke flow. Remove the hose and inspect its full length, including any catch-ball area. [Elektroda, jaszczur1111, post #16788855]
How do I quickly test for a hidden drain-hose blockage?
- Place the washer’s drain hose into a bathtub or basin.
- Run the drain/spin cycle and observe for surging or cutoff.
- If flow starts then stops, suspect an internal “valve” effect like a coin.
“Sometimes a coin sits in the hose and turns off the flow.” [Elektroda, jaszczur1111, post #16792471]
Can a brand-new drain pump still be faulty?
Yes. A replacement pump can be defective. Disassemble the pump and check the impeller for lateral play; any play indicates wear or a bad unit. “The impeller should not have any play on the axis.” [Elektroda, jaszczur1111, post #16797639]
How do I check the pump impeller properly?
Remove the pump (often three Torx screws). Separate the motor from the housing. Try to rock the impeller sideways. It should feel tight, with no cross-axis movement. Replace the pump if it wobbles. “The impeller should not have any play on the axis.” [Elektroda, jaszczur1111, post #16797639]
Could the control module or triac cause weak draining?
Yes, but it is uncommon. A faulty triac or its control can underpower the pump. Rule out blockages and impeller wear first, then evaluate electronics if symptoms persist. [Elektroda, jaszczur1111, post #16797639]
Do I need a special rhombus tool to clear the F5 error?
Not here. Once the mechanical issue was resolved, the washer worked without an error reset. Fix the cause, then run a full cycle to confirm. [Elektroda, malelka, post #16845220]
What ultimately fixed the issue in this thread?
A technician removed the pump, opened the back cover, and the washer returned to normal operation. No additional parts were charged. That confirmed a non-module, mechanical resolution. [Elektroda, malelka, post #16845220]
Are Italian-made pumps more reliable than Chinese ones?
One contributor advised checking for a pump labeled “Made in Italy,” implying better reliability. Treat this as an opinion and confirm with your supplier’s warranty terms. [Elektroda, Gobro, post #16800608]
What other spots can hide debris besides the filter?
Inspect the tank-to-pump run, especially near any internal ball or sump, where a sock can sit. Also recheck the main drain hose for intermittent obstructions. [Elektroda, Gobro, post #16795399]
Why does the timer stick at 0:01 during the wash?
The program waits for proper draining before finishing. With a weak outflow, it never reaches end conditions and appears stuck at 0:01. Restoring drainage resolves the stall. [Elektroda, malelka, post #16788686]
Is the hydrostat involved here?
The user considered the hydrostat but lacked a meter to test it. The fix came from mechanical access to the pump and back cover, not from hydrostat replacement. [Elektroda, malelka, post #16795261]
Any data point from this case to guide troubleshooting order?
Yes. The error recurred after three washes with a new pump, and draining improved only after emptying four times. That pattern points to obstruction or pump-drive issues before module faults. [Elektroda, malelka, post #16788686]
