Tumble Dryer
F06
The F06 error code on a Hoover tumble dryer indicates a fault with the door lock mechanism or door switch — the machine has stopped because it cannot confirm the door is properly closed and secured. It’s a common fault and often fixable without a call-out, but ignoring it means your dryer simply won’t run.
What does this error mean?
Your Hoover dryer’s control board monitors the door lock switch continuously throughout a cycle. When it throws an F06, it means the signal from the door interlock — the component that confirms the door is shut and latched — is either missing, intermittent, or out of the expected range. The machine cuts power to the drum and heating element as a safety measure until a valid door-closed signal is received.
Est. repair cost
£8–£35 DIY (latch, seal, or interlock switch parts); £80–£150 for a professional repair including labour
🔍 Likely causes
🛠️ Step-by-step fix
Power off and unplug the dryer completely before doing anything — always start here for safety.
Inspect the door latch and catch: open and close the door firmly several times. Look for a broken plastic hook on the door or a deformed catch on the machine body. If either is cracked or snapped, a replacement latch kit costs £8–£20 and clips in without tools on most Hoover models.
Clean out the door latch recess: use a dry cloth or soft brush to remove any fluff or detergent residue that may be preventing the latch from fully engaging. Plug back in and run a short cycle to test.
Perform a hard reset: with the machine unplugged, hold the door firmly shut, plug back in, and start a cycle. On some Hoover models this clears a latched fault code caused by a one-off misread.
Check the door seal (gasket): run your fingers around the rubber seal for tears or sections that have pulled away from the drum rim. A distorted seal can stop the door closing flush. Replacement seals cost £15–£35 and are a straightforward DIY swap.
If the latch and seal are fine and the fault persists, the door interlock switch itself needs testing with a multimeter or replacing. Interlock switches cost £10–£25 in parts — this involves removing the inner door panel, which is DIY-viable if you are comfortable with basic disassembly; otherwise call a professional.
📞 When to call a professional
If you have replaced the door latch and interlock switch and the F06 code persists, the fault is likely in the wiring harness or the PCB — both require professional diagnosis. Call a Hoover-approved or Which?-rated local appliance engineer and tell them: ‘My Hoover tumble dryer is showing an F06 error code, I’ve already checked the door latch and interlock switch.’ This saves diagnostic time and cost.
⚖️ Repair or replace?
A professional repair for an F06 fault typically costs £80–£150 depending on whether it’s a switch swap or a PCB replacement. If your Hoover dryer is under 5 years old, repair is almost always the right call. Over 8 years old or if repair costs exceed 50% of a new equivalent model (entry-level condenser dryers start around £250–£300), replacing is the more economical decision.