Free Shipping on Domestic Orders $75+

How to Fix the Indesit Washing Machine F06 Error Code

eCuration and one other contributor

Last updated on Jun 1, 2026

5.3K

View statistics:

Past 24 Hours:: 70
Past 7 Days:: 595
Past 30 Days:: 1,799
All Time:: 5,290

No one has left comments on this guide. Will you be first?

Go to guide comments

No one has marked this guide "completed." Will you be the first?

No one has favorited (and subscribed to) this guide. Will you be the first?

15 - 30 minutes

Moderate

Video Guide This guide was transcribed from a YouTube video.

Introduction

Go to step 1 ↓

The F06 error on these Indesit, Hotpoint, and compatible Whirlpool washing machines can mean the door is locked shut and won't release. This guide shows safe ways to open a stuck door, starting with the easiest reset and working toward emergency release methods. The door handle, door lever, door lock, or an electrical fault can cause this issue. If the washer has a burning electrical or sulfur smell, leave it unplugged and get professional help or replace the machine.

What you need

Tools

Work Gloves
Optional Affiliate link
Available for sale on Amazon

View
Spoon
Optional Affiliate link
Available for sale on Amazon

View
Large Flathead Screwdriver
Optional
Available for sale on Home Depot

View
Needle Nose Pliers
Optional
Available for sale on Home Depot

View
Plastic Cards
$2.99

4.9

Optional
String
Optional
Pry Bar
Optional Affiliate link
Available for sale on Amazon

View

1. Step 1 Make the washer safe
  
  Edit
  Switch off the washer and unplug it before touching the lower panel, filter area, or door lock area.
  
  Stop using the washer if you smell burning electrical insulation or sulfur, and leave it unplugged until it has been inspected.
  
  Don't force the door open if the drum is full of water or the water is hot.
  
  The F06 error on these models indicates the door is stuck shut and won't release normally.
  Ask FixBot
  
  Add Comment
  
  1024
2. Step 2 Try a power reset
  
  Edit
  Switch the washer off at the actual plug socket.
  
  Leave the power off for five minutes.
  
  Try to open the door normally after the wait time has passed.
  
  This reset may release the door lock without any tools.
  Ask FixBot
  
  Add Comment
  
  1024
3. Step 3 Remove the lower panel
  
  Edit
  Use the end of a spoon or a flat blade screwdriver to pop off the lower front panel.
  
  Look on the right-hand side near the filter for the green emergency release cord.
  
  Keep the washer unplugged while the lower panel is removed.
  Ask FixBot
  
  Add Comment
  
  1024
4. Step 4 Pull the green emergency release cord
  
  Edit
  Pull the green cord downward to release the door lock.
  
  Listen for the door lock to release.
  
  If the door stays stuck, pull the cord up and down with a firm grip until the lock releases.
  
  Pull the green cord down with one hand while trying to open the door with the other hand.
  
  Use pliers to grip the cord if your fingers can't get enough leverage.
  
  Don't crush or tear the cord with the pliers.
  Ask FixBot
  
  Add Comment
  
  1024
5. Step 5 Check the handle and lock movement
  
  Edit
  Inspect the door handle and locking lever after the door opens.
  
  A handle or lever that looks broken may need a separate replacement repair.
  
  Pull the green cord and watch the lock mechanism move up and down.
  
  If the handle and lever look good but the lock won't release, suspect a fault inside the door lock or control system.
  Ask FixBot
  
  Add Comment
  
  1024
6. Step 6 Try an old plastic card
  
  Edit
  Use an old plastic card, not a real credit card.
  
  Slide the card into the gap near the door latch.
  
  Push the card against the latch area to try to release the locking mechanism.
  
  This method may not work on every washer, but it can release some stuck latches.
  Ask FixBot
  
  Add Comment
  
  1024
7. Step 7 Try string or garden cord
  
  Edit
  Feed a piece of string or garden cord into the groove around the door.
  
  Use a flat blade screwdriver to push the cord into the groove if needed.
  
  Hold the cord at the top and bottom of the door.
  
  Pull the cord toward the left-hand side to catch the locking lever and release the door.
  
  This method may work on some washers even if the card method fails.
  Ask FixBot
  
  Add Comment
  
  1024
8. Step 8 Pry the door only as a last resort
  
  Edit
  Use a large screwdriver to wedge the door open only if the washer is being scrapped or you accept the risk of damage.
  
  Wear work gloves and keep your hands clear of the latch area while prying.
  
  Expect this method to damage the door, latch, cabinet, or lock parts.
  
  Don't use this method on a washer you plan to repair unless all safer release methods have failed.
  Ask FixBot
  
  Add Comment
  
  1024
9. Step 9 Decide whether to repair the fault
  
  Edit
  Check whether the washer still reports the door as locked after the door is open and the power is restored.
  
  A washer that still thinks the open door is locked has a definite fault in the lock or control system.
  
  Replace a broken handle or lever if that is the only visible fault.
  
  Get professional diagnosis if there was a burning electrical or sulfur smell, or if the lock fault remains after opening the door.
  
  Consider replacing the washer if it is old, has electrical burning smells, or would need repeated call-outs and repairs.
  Ask FixBot
  
  Add Comment
  
  1024

Conclusion

After the door is open, don't run the washer again until the door lock fault has been repaired or diagnosed. A stuck door caused by a broken handle or lever may be worth repairing, but burning smells or a washer that still reports a locked door while open point to a more serious electrical fault. Repair didn't go as planned? Ask our Answers community for help.

Cancel: I did not complete this guide.