it means the water isnt draining away, usually blocked filter. i have the same problem and found a matchstick in the pump....but i still have the alarm 03! Guessing the pump has burned out. looks like a common prob!
FYI.. Hotpoint told me AL01 means you have a leak
AL03 Blocked filter or blocked/broken pump
AL05 The draining cycle has timed out
I've had them all!
will
June 2007