Tumble Dryer
F10
The F10 error code on a Siemens tumble dryer signals a problem with the appliance’s temperature sensor or a related overheating fault — it’s a moderately serious error that will stop your dryer from running until it’s resolved.
What does this error mean?
F10 indicates that the dryer’s NTC (temperature sensor) has detected an out-of-range reading — either the drum is overheating or the sensor itself is faulty and sending incorrect data to the control board. Siemens dryers use this code as a safety cut-out to prevent fire risk or component damage. In most cases, the machine will lock out completely until the underlying fault is cleared.
Est. repair cost
£80–£150 professional repair; £10–£30 DIY part (NTC sensor or thermal cut-out) if self-replacing
🔍 Likely causes
🛠️ Step-by-step fix
Switch off the dryer at the wall and leave it unplugged for at least 30 minutes. This allows any genuine overheating to dissipate and may clear a temporary sensor fault.
Clean the lint filter thoroughly — remove it, wash it under warm water, and leave it to dry fully before reinserting. A clogged filter is the single most common cause of overheating faults.
On condenser models, locate the condenser unit (usually behind a flap at the bottom front), remove it, and rinse it clean under a tap. Refit once dry. Do this every 1–2 months as routine maintenance.
On vented models, check the exhaust hose at the back of the machine. Straighten any kinks, clear any blockages, and ensure the external vent flap opens freely.
Plug the dryer back in, run it with a small, light load (e.g. a few towels), and check whether the F10 code returns. If it clears and stays clear, blocked airflow was the culprit.
If the code returns immediately or persists with a clear filter and unblocked vent, the NTC sensor or thermal cut-out is likely faulty. These parts can be replaced DIY using a verified spare (search your model number on Siemens’s UK parts site or a reputable supplier like eSpares). If you’re not comfortable accessing internal components, stop here and call an engineer.
📞 When to call a professional
If the F10 code returns after cleaning all filters and checking the venting, call a Siemens-approved or Which?-Trusted appliance repair engineer — tell them your model number and that the machine is displaying F10, which they’ll recognise as a temperature sensor or overheating fault. You should also call a professional if the machine feels unusually hot to the touch, smells of burning, or trips your household fuse board.
⚖️ Repair or replace?
A professional repair for an F10 fault — typically an NTC sensor or thermostat replacement — will cost around £80–£150 including call-out in the UK. If your Siemens dryer is under 6 years old and was mid-to-high range, repair is almost always the better value. If it’s over 8 years old and has had previous faults, a new heat pump dryer (£350–£600 for a comparable Siemens model) may be more cost-effective long term.