Asko Washer Code F3 – Troubleshooting Guide

Asko washing machines are not the cheapest brand on the market so people expect them to work well for several years. When an error code, like a code F3, it is more than aggravating. However, you will find that an F3 code signals some basic maintenance needs to be done. 

An Asko washer code F3 indicates the water isn’t draining. This is caused, most likely by a clog either in the drain hose or in the drain pump filter. A quick check and a cleanout will resolve your problem without calling a service technician.

It’s important to understand your way around your Asko washer and get to know its various codes. Knowing when it’s time for diagnostics and maintenance will protect the investment you have in your washing machine and keep it running for years, possibly decades. 

What Do I Do About An F3 Code?

You will need to find the clog and clear it. It is either in the drain pipe or in the drain pump. There is a coin trap that catches a lot of stuff besides coins. 

Here is the process for clearing the drain hose and pump.

• There is a drain pump door at the bottom left of the washer. Open it. You will see a black drain pipe. Use it to drain all the water out of the machine. You will need a pan or bucket underneath it to catch the water. It’s also best to have some towels handy.
• After the water is drained, you need to unscrew the coin trap and remove it.
• Look to see where the drain hose connects to the wall or a U-bend connector. Detach that end.
• Blow into that exposed end of the drain hose as hard as you can. This should clear the blockage and push it back through the coin trap.
• To finish clearing. Pour water into the open end of the drain hose and block it back through the drain. 

What you should see, if this is the problem, is a bunch of grime, sludge, maybe some coins and buttons and a lot of water. When you are done, put everything back together and run the washer empty through a rinse cycle to make sure it works.

What If That Doesn’t Work?

There are a couple of options if this doesn’t work to resolve the problem. You can clean the drain pump filter inside the machine. Those with an older machine will find that they also collect a lot of grime. 

These are plastic and you will need to be careful in removing them. They are hard to remove, especially if they are full of debris. 

Cleaning the Dran Pump Filter

The drain filter is located next to the black drain hose. After you’ve drained the water, unscrew the filter and pull it out. 

You can clean the filter by washing it under clean water. The cavity should also be cleaned as it may have a lot of junk in it too. Replace the filter, and screw the cap on tightly. 

Those who continue to have problems probably have a failed drain pump. It will need to be replaced. 

It is up to you at this point whether to consult a service technician to do the replacement. However, the drain pump in an Asko washer can be easily removed so you may want to try to repair it yourself to save some money. 

Replacing the Drain Pump

1. Turn off the power and water to the machine. Drain the water out of it.
2. The first step is to remove the front panel. You start by removing it from the bottom and release it from the clip on the right. Push it to the left to remove it.
3. When you open it, you will see the drain pump in the machine. It is the “heart” of the washing machine and has several tubes and drains coming out of it. Use some pliers to remove the tubes from the drain pump. One can be wiggles free without pliers.
4. After the hoses are free, look to the back of the drain pump and disconnect the wiring module from the drain pump. You can now remove the drain pump.
5. Now you can install a new pump. Take off the black gasket from the old drain pump and put it on the new pump.
6. Put the new drain pump back in the machine, inserting it into the rubber holder. Reconnect the wiring harness in the back and slide the pinch clamp into the bellows. Tighten. Then, attach the other hoses.
7. Put the front panel back on, aligning the clips and slides.
8. Run the machine through a rinse cycle with an empty drum to make sure it works properly.

FAQs

How to reset an Asko washer?

Resetting an Asko washing machine is easy. Press the start/stop button and hold for at least three seconds. The washer will drain water so that the door opens. Now, close the door again and the washing machine will start in the same place it left off in the cycle. 

How to run diagnostic mode on an Asko washer?

Running a diagnostic cycle is one of the first things you should do if your Asko washing machine is acting oddly. However, the company doesn’t give instructions in the manual on how to do this. 

However, you can diagnostically test the W640 and W660 machines. Here are the instructions:

• Press P1 five times and then press the button for the test you wish to run. You must press the testing button within 15 seconds of starting the program. 

For instance, P1 is the inlet valve 1 which is the prewash compartment while P2 is the inlet valve 2, relating to the main wash compartment. The list goes on to test inlet valve 4, the door pull, and the heater relay.

• Pressing the “enter” button will put you at an advanced level to test things like the drain pump.

Once you’ve completed the testing, exit the program by pressing the exit button.

How to force an Asko washer to drain? 

Draining an Asko washing machine is similar to other types of machines. You arm yourself with a bucket and maybe some pliers. Turn off the power and water to the machine. 

Now, look in the back and find the drain hose. Detach it from the drain and lower it into the bucket. Always keep the hose lower than the water level so gravity works in your favor. 

Conclusion

Asko washing machines are some of the more expensive washers on the market and are considered some of the best out there as well. Even though they are smart units, you can still do some of the basic diagnostic and repairs on your washer yourself rather than call a service technician 

Surprisingly, the Asko washing machine is easier to work on than other lower-priced machines with everything easily identifiable and easy to remove. Most repairs and replacements can be done with a set of pliers and a screwdriver. You don’t need a lot of technical experience either as most repairs involve removing hoses and clamps to replace a part.

That could save you a lot of trouble waiting for a service technician to come out and also save you a good bit of money.