Tumble Dryer
F06
The F06 error code on a Candy tumble dryer indicates a door lock or door switch fault — the machine cannot confirm the door is properly closed and locked, so it refuses to run as a safety measure. It’s a common fault and often straightforward to resolve at home.
What does this error mean?
Your Candy tumble dryer’s control board is sending a signal to lock the door, but it’s receiving no confirmation back that the lock has engaged. This is typically detected via the door interlock switch — a small electrical component that tells the machine whether the door is open or closed. Until the machine registers a secure door, it will display F06 and refuse to start.
Est. repair cost
£8–£25 DIY part (latch, hinge, or interlock switch); £80–£150 professional repair including labour
🔍 Likely causes
🛠️ Step-by-step fix
Check for obstructions: Open the door fully and inspect the rubber door seal, the latch housing, and the door catch area for any trapped fluff, fabric, or debris. Clear anything you find and try restarting the machine.
Inspect the door latch: Look at the plastic hook on the door and the corresponding catch on the machine body. If the hook is cracked, bent, or missing, the latch assembly needs replacing — these typically cost £8–£18 online and clip in without tools.
Reset the machine: Unplug the dryer from the mains, wait 5 minutes, then plug it back in and try a new cycle. This clears any temporary control board glitch causing a false F06.
Check the door hinge: Open and close the door slowly — it should move smoothly with no sagging or stiffness. If the door drops noticeably, the hinge may be broken. Replacement hinges cost £10–£25 and can be swapped with a screwdriver.
Test the door interlock switch: If the latch and hinge look fine but F06 persists, the interlock switch is the prime suspect. A multimeter can test for continuity — if you’re comfortable using one, a replacement switch costs £12–£25 and is accessible by removing the inner door panel. If you’re not confident working near electrical components once the back or top panel is removed, stop here and call a professional.
Check wiring connections: With the machine unplugged, if you can see the wiring harness running to the door switch, check connectors are firmly seated. Do not probe live components — if any wiring looks burnt or the fault remains after all checks, call an engineer.
📞 When to call a professional
Call an appliance repair engineer if the latch, hinge, and basic reset have all failed to clear the F06 code — this points to a faulty interlock switch, wiring fault, or control board issue that requires safe disassembly and electrical testing. When calling, tell the engineer: ‘My Candy tumble dryer is showing an F06 door lock error, the latch looks intact, and a reset hasn’t fixed it.’ Expect most engineers to diagnose the fault and carry the common parts for this repair on their first visit.
⚖️ Repair or replace?
A professional repair for an F06 fault — typically a new door interlock switch or latch — costs £80–£130 including labour. If your dryer is under 5 years old, repair is almost always worthwhile. If it’s over 8 years old and the control board is at fault (potentially £150–£200+ to fix), replacement with a new Candy or equivalent condenser dryer from £250–£350 is likely the better value.