The F15 error on your Indesit Washing means the machine’s electronic control board has detected a fault with the motor drive circuit, usually linked to the main motor triac or the motor’s tachometric feedback signal. This is an internal electrical fault, not something caused by an overloaded drum or blocked filter, so a power reset is worth trying first before assuming a part has failed.

Error code F15
Meaning Motor driver or triac fault on the main control board
Severity High — the machine usually cannot run a wash cycle safely until fixed
Time to fix 30–90 minutes
Tools needed Multimeter, screwdriver set, replacement control board or motor (if faulty)

What the F15 error means

The F15 code points to a problem in the electronics that drive the drum motor. On most Indesit models this means the control board’s triac (an electronic switch that controls motor speed and direction) has failed, or the board is not receiving a correct feedback signal from the motor. Because this affects the machine’s ability to spin the drum safely, the control board will usually stop the cycle and flash this code rather than risk damaging the motor further.

This is different from drain or heating faults like those covered in the Indesit Washing F02 Error Code: Causes and Fixes guide — F15 is specifically about the motor control circuit, not water handling.

Common causes

  • Faulty triac component on the main control board
  • Damaged or worn carbon brushes on the motor
  • Failed motor tachometric sensor sending incorrect feedback
  • Loose or corroded wiring connections between the board and motor
  • Water ingress into the control board causing a short circuit
  • A power surge or spike damaging the board’s electronics

How to fix the F15 error

  1. Power cycle the machine: Turn it off at the wall, wait two minutes, then switch it back on. This clears temporary faults and sometimes resolves the code without further action.
  2. Check the wiring connections: Unplug the machine, remove the back panel, and inspect the wires running between the control board and the motor for looseness, corrosion, or damage.
  3. Inspect the motor brushes: Worn carbon brushes can disrupt the motor’s electrical connection. If they look short or unevenly worn, replace them with manufacturer-approved parts.
  4. Test the motor with a multimeter: Check resistance across the motor windings against the manufacturer’s specification to rule out an internal motor fault.
  5. Inspect the control board for damage: Look for burnt components, water marks, or a failed triac. A board with visible damage will need replacing rather than repairing.
  6. Call an engineer if unresolved: If the fault persists after these checks, the control board or motor likely needs professional replacement, as these are specialist electrical parts.

FAQ

Can I keep using the washing machine with an F15 error?
No. The machine will typically stop mid-cycle and refuse to spin, so it’s not safe or practical to continue using it until the fault is fixed.

Is F15 expensive to repair?
It depends on the cause. A wiring fix is cheap, but a full control board replacement can be one of the pricier washing machine repairs, so it’s worth getting a quote before deciding whether to repair or replace the machine.

Does F15 mean the motor is definitely broken?
Not necessarily. It often points to the control board’s motor driver circuit rather than the motor itself, so both parts need checking before replacing anything.