Tumble Dryer
F13
The F13 error code on an Electrolux tumble dryer signals a fault with the NTC temperature sensor — the component that monitors heat inside the drum. It’s a moderately serious fault that will stop your dryer working safely until it’s resolved.
What does this error mean?
Your Electrolux dryer uses an NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) sensor to continuously measure the air temperature inside the drum. When the control board receives a reading that’s out of the expected range — either an open circuit, short circuit, or implausible temperature value — it throws the F13 code and halts the cycle. This is a protective measure to prevent overheating or a fire, so the machine is working as intended by shutting down.
Est. repair cost
£80–£150 professional repair (parts + labour); £10–£25 DIY NTC sensor replacement part only
🔍 Likely causes
🛠️ Step-by-step fix
Switch the dryer off at the wall and unplug it. Leave it for 10–15 minutes, then plug back in and run a short cycle. A one-off glitch can occasionally trigger F13 and a hard reset clears it.
Clean the lint filter thoroughly — remove it, rinse under the tap, and let it dry completely before replacing. A blocked filter is one of the most common causes of temperature-related faults on Electrolux dryers.
If your model is a condenser dryer, pull out and clean the condenser unit (usually behind a flap at the bottom front). Rinse it under cold running water, shake out excess water, and refit it. Blocked condensers dramatically restrict airflow and heat management.
Check the dryer vent hose (on vented models) is not kinked, crushed, or blocked. A blockage as short as 30cm from the machine can cause heat build-up sufficient to trigger temperature sensor errors.
If the error persists after cleaning, the NTC sensor itself is the most likely culprit. The part typically costs £10–£25 online (search your model number plus ‘NTC sensor’). Replacing it involves accessing the rear or front panel — if you’re comfortable with basic appliance DIY and have unplugged the machine, this is manageable. If in doubt, stop here and call a professional.
Do not attempt to open or replace the main control board yourself — this requires professional diagnosis and carries a risk of damaging an expensive component or creating an electrical hazard.
📞 When to call a professional
If cleaning filters and a hard reset haven’t cleared the F13 code, call a qualified appliance repair engineer. Tell them you have an Electrolux tumble dryer showing fault code F13, that you’ve cleaned the filters, and that you suspect an NTC temperature sensor fault — this will save diagnostic time and money. You should also call immediately if you notice any burning smell, scorching, or visible damage to wiring.
⚖️ Repair or replace?
A professional repair for an F13 fault — typically sensor replacement plus a call-out — will cost around £80–£150 in the UK. If your dryer is under 5 years old, repair is almost always worth it. If it’s 8 years or older and has had previous faults, a new mid-range condenser dryer (£250–£400) may be the more economical long-term choice, particularly given improved energy efficiency in newer models.