Dryer stops mid-cycle, may show F04, sometimes accompanied by overheating or very hot cabinet surfaces.

Safety first: Unplug the dryer and allow it to cool completely before working on it.

• Clean airflow path: Remove and thoroughly clean the lint filter. If condenser type, remove the condenser unit and wash out lint and debris. For vented models, disconnect and clean the exhaust hose and wall vent.
• Check rear and front vents: Ensure the rear grille and front air inlets are not blocked by dust or objects.
• Inspect thermostats: Access the heater housing from the rear. Locate the cycling thermostat and high-limit thermostat/thermal fuse. Check for signs of overheating or damage.
• Continuity test: With a multimeter, test the thermostats and thermal fuse for continuity. Replace any open (blown) devices with the correct Hotpoint-Ariston rated parts.
• Resettable thermostat: Some models have a manual reset thermostat (small red button). If present, press to reset after resolving airflow issues.

Important: Always fix the root cause of overheating (airflow restriction) before replacing thermostats, or the new parts may fail again.