Tumble Dryer
F03
The F03 error code on a Hoover tumble dryer indicates a fault with the NTC temperature sensor — it’s a moderately serious fault that will stop your dryer from heating, but it’s often fixable without a professional.
What does this error mean?
The F03 code means your dryer’s control board is receiving an abnormal signal from the NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) thermistor — the sensor that monitors the drum’s internal temperature. When the board can’t read a reliable temperature, it shuts down the heating circuit as a safety precaution. This prevents overheating but also stops your laundry from drying.
Est. repair cost
£10–£25 DIY (NTC sensor part only); £80–£130 professional repair; £130–£200 if control board replacement needed
🔍 Likely causes
🛠️ Step-by-step fix
Reset the machine: switch it off at the plug, wait 10 minutes, then power it back on. A one-off temperature spike can trigger F03 falsely — a reset clears it if that’s the case.
Clean the lint filter thoroughly — remove it, rinse under a tap, and leave it to dry fully before refitting. A blocked filter restricts airflow and creates heat spikes that trigger the sensor fault.
On condenser models, remove and clean the condenser unit: slide it out from the bottom panel, rinse it under cold running water, and leave it to dry completely before reinserting. Do this over a bath or outside — it’s messy.
Check the NTC sensor wiring: unplug the machine, then carefully remove the back or top panel (refer to your model’s user manual for access). Locate the NTC sensor — a small probe usually clipped near the drum exhaust duct — and check that its connector is firmly seated. Reseat it if loose. This is safe DIY as long as the machine is fully unplugged.
Test or replace the NTC sensor: NTC sensors for Hoover dryers are available online for £10–£25 (search your full model number on sites like eSpares or 4ourhouse). With the machine unplugged, unclip the old sensor, fit the new one, and reconnect the wiring plug. Run a short cycle to check if F03 clears.
If F03 returns after a new sensor, do not proceed further — the control board may be at fault. Stop here and call a qualified appliance engineer.
📞 When to call a professional
If cleaning filters and replacing the NTC sensor doesn’t clear the F03 code, the main control board is the likely culprit — replacing this is not straightforward DIY and requires an engineer. Call a Hoover-approved service centre or an independent appliance engineer and tell them: ‘My Hoover tumble dryer is showing an F03 error code, I’ve already replaced the NTC sensor, and I suspect a control board fault.’ This gives them a head start and may reduce your call-out time.
⚖️ Repair or replace?
An NTC sensor replacement costs £10–£25 in parts if you do it yourself, or £80–£130 for a professional repair including labour. A control board replacement will typically cost £130–£200 fitted — at that point, if your dryer is over 8 years old, a new mid-range Hoover or Candy condenser dryer (£250–£350) is often better value. For machines under 6 years old in otherwise good condition, repair is almost always the right call.