Hotpoint fault codes are shown here...
http://www.hotpointservice.co.uk/hs/pages/content.do?keys=FAQ:ERROR_CODES
I don't know if it's a comprehensive list for all models with a digital display but...
F08 is shown as a heater relay problem - presumably a dodgy connection on your machine and resolved when you un-made and re-made the various connections.
In several years of computer service I have experienced more than a few faults similar to this - always an annoyance for the service engineer because you get the fix without really knowing why. Anyway - you have saved yourself ££££.
Well done & good luck...
Peccavi
March 2010
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