Tumble Dryer
F08
The F08 error code on an AEG tumble dryer signals a heating system fault — specifically a problem with the appliance reaching or maintaining the correct drying temperature. It’s a common but serious fault that will stop your dryer from drying clothes properly until it’s resolved.
What does this error mean?
F08 indicates that the dryer’s control board has detected a failure in the heating circuit. On AEG heat pump and condenser dryers, this typically means the machine is running but not generating enough heat, or the thermal safety cut-out has tripped to prevent overheating. The appliance shuts down heating as a precaution to protect the drum, motor, and internal components from damage.
Est. repair cost
£80–£160 professional repair; £10–£35 DIY part (thermal fuse or NTC sensor) if fault is confirmed by an engineer first
🔍 Likely causes
🛠️ Step-by-step fix
Reset the machine: Switch the dryer off at the mains, wait 10 minutes, then switch back on and restart a cycle. A one-off thermal trip can sometimes self-reset.
Clean the lint filter thoroughly: Remove the filter (usually inside the door rim), rinse under a tap, and leave to dry fully before reinserting. A blocked filter is the most common trigger for F08.
Clean the condenser/heat exchanger: On condenser and heat pump models, remove the condenser unit (usually behind a lower front panel), rinse it under a cold tap until the water runs clear, leave to dry, and refit securely.
Check the dryer is not overloaded: Overloading reduces airflow and causes overheating. Load the drum no more than three-quarters full and retry.
Inspect the vent hose (vented models only): Ensure the external vent hose is not kinked, blocked, or pushed too far into the wall outlet. Clear any obstruction and retry.
If the fault persists after all the above, do not attempt to open the appliance or test internal components yourself — the heating element, thermal fuse, and NTC sensor are all located inside the machine near live electrical parts and should only be replaced by a qualified engineer.
📞 When to call a professional
If the F08 code returns after cleaning the filters, condenser, and venting and performing a reset, call a qualified appliance repair engineer. Tell them it’s an AEG tumble dryer showing an F08 heating circuit fault — a good engineer will likely bring a replacement NTC sensor, thermal fuse, and heating element to the job. Do not continue running the machine, as persistent overheating can damage the control board and significantly increase repair costs.
⚖️ Repair or replace?
A professional repair for F08 typically costs £80–£160 depending on which component has failed — a thermal fuse is cheap, a control board is expensive. If your AEG dryer is under 5 years old, repair is almost always worth it given AEG’s build quality. If it’s over 8–10 years old and the repair quote exceeds £130, replacing with a new heat pump dryer (from around £400) is likely better value long-term.