Fisher & Paykel washing machines use electronic diagnostics to detect problems with components such as the drain pump, inlet valves, diverter system, SmartDrive motor, Rotor Position Sensor (RPS), display electronics and motor-control electronics.

An important point when troubleshooting these machines is that a numeric fault code does not necessarily have exactly the same meaning on every Fisher & Paykel washer. SmartDrive, AquaSmart, FabricSmart, Intuitive, front-loader and newer connected platforms use different electronics and diagnostic systems.

Current Fisher & Paykel documentation also demonstrates this platform variation. Some washers display a number after the word FAULT, some display an Err number, while newer models can provide alerts and E-series faults. Fisher & Paykel instructs users to record the displayed fault and appliance serial number when a persistent fault requires service.

Therefore:

Always identify the complete model number before ordering parts or interpreting a Fisher & Paykel fault code.

The information below is particularly useful for many older SmartDrive, AquaSmart and related direct-drive top-loader platforms, but model-specific service documentation should take priority.

Quick Fisher & Paykel Fault Code Reference

Fault	Typical diagnostic category	Components to investigate
37	Drain/pump-out problem	Drain hose, pump, pump wiring, pressure system
49	Cold inlet valve fault	Cold valve, harness, controller
50	Hot inlet valve fault	Hot valve, harness, controller
51	Diverter valve fault	Diverter, actuator, plumbing, controller
52	Diverter/top-up fault	Diverter valve, blockage, actuator
53	Rotor Position Sensor fault	RPS, harness, motor controller
105	Communication timeout	Display module, motor controller, communication wiring
130	Rotor Position Sensor error	RPS, wiring, motor controller
131	Repetitive RPS error	RPS, harness, motor/control electronics
132	Single current trip	Motor wiring, stator, controller
133	Repetitive current trip	Motor, wiring, controller
136	Motor stall	Motor, bearings, RPS, harness, motor controller

These meanings are particularly associated with applicable SmartDrive-generation platforms. Service documentation should be checked for the exact model and phase before replacing components. SmartDrive service information, for example, specifically identifies Fault 136 as a motor-stall condition.

Fisher & Paykel Fault 37 – Drain Pump / Pump Blocked Fault

What Fault 37 Means

On many Fisher & Paykel SmartDrive platforms, Fault 37 indicates that the machine is attempting to drain but the expected reduction in water level is not being detected.

SmartDrive service information describes this as a pump-blocked/no-change-in-water-level condition. Possible causes include restricted drainage, a blocked pump, pump failure, wiring problems or an abnormal drain installation.

Common Symptoms

You may notice:

• Water remaining inside the washer
• Washer stopping before spin
• Pump humming without draining
• Very slow draining
• Repeated beeping
• Fault 37 appearing during rinse or drain
• Wet clothes remaining in the basket

Possible Causes

1. Blocked drain pump
2. Foreign object inside pump
3. Kinked drain hose
4. Blocked drain hose
5. Drain hose installed too high
6. Pump impeller jammed
7. Pump motor failure
8. Loose pump wiring
9. Pressure-sensing problem
10. Motor controller or associated electronics fault

Troubleshooting Fault 37

Disconnect the washer from electricity before accessing internal components.

Step 1 – Inspect the Drain Hose

Check that the hose is not:

• Kinked
• Crushed
• Blocked
• Positioned incorrectly
• Pushed too deeply into the standpipe

Step 2 – Check the Household Drain

A washer may be working correctly while the standpipe or household waste pipe is blocked.

Step 3 – Inspect the Pump

Foreign objects commonly found around washer pumps include:

• Coins
• Buttons
• Hair clips
• Lint
• Threads
• Small fabric items

Remove any obstruction that prevents the impeller from operating.

Step 4 – Check Electrical Connections

A technician should inspect:

• Pump connector
• Wiring harness
• Terminals
• Signs of overheating
• Corrosion
• Continuity

Step 5 – Investigate the Pressure System

If the washer actually drains but still produces Fault 37, the controller may not be receiving the expected water-level change.

Check the pressure tube and associated sensing system.

Fisher & Paykel Fault 49 – Cold Water Inlet Valve Fault

What Fault 49 Means

Fault 49 on applicable SmartDrive machines generally indicates that the electronics have detected a problem associated with the cold-water inlet valve circuit.

Possible Causes

• Cold inlet valve coil open circuit
• Damaged valve
• Disconnected connector
• Broken wiring
• Corroded terminal
• Control-module fault

Troubleshooting

First verify that the cold-water supply itself is available.

Check:

1. Cold tap is open.
2. Inlet hose is not kinked.
3. Inlet filter is not blocked.
4. Valve connector is firmly attached.
5. Valve coil has electrical continuity.
6. Wiring between valve and controller is intact.

A valve that passes mechanical checks but has an electrically open coil normally requires replacement.

Fisher & Paykel Fault 50 – Hot Water Inlet Valve Fault

Fault 50 is commonly associated with the hot-water inlet valve circuit on relevant SmartDrive platforms.

SmartDrive diagnostic information describes Fault 50 as a hot-valve fault detected through the valve diagnostic circuit.

Check

• Hot-water supply
• Hot inlet hose
• Hose filter
• Hot inlet valve
• Valve coil
• Connector
• Wiring harness
• Motor controller

Important Note

Do not replace a valve simply because the machine is not filling with hot water.

A blocked filter, closed tap or installation problem can produce similar symptoms without an electrically failed valve.

Fisher & Paykel Fault 51 – Diverter Valve Fault

Fault 51 is particularly associated with Fisher & Paykel machines that use a diverter valve to control recirculation and drainage.

On applicable Eco SmartDrive systems, diagnostic information indicates that the controller may detect water being lost during the recirculation portion of the cycle when it should not be draining.

Possible Causes

• Diverter valve stuck
• Foreign material inside diverter
• Broken diverter mechanism
• Faulty actuator
• Damaged wiring
• Water contamination around electrical connections
• Control-board damage

Diagnosis

Inspect the diverter for:

• Detergent deposits
• Lint
• Foreign material
• Corrosion
• Mechanical sticking
• Damaged actuator

A technician can electrically test the actuator and control circuit.

Fisher & Paykel Fault 52 – Diverter Top-Up Fault

Fault 52 is closely related to Fault 51.

The machine may repeatedly attempt to restore the water level because water is unintentionally being diverted toward the drain rather than remaining available for the intended washing or recirculation operation.

Service information describes Fault 52 as excessive top-up attempts and points to the diverter system, including possible blockage or actuator problems.

Check

1. Diverter valve
2. Diverter actuator
3. Valve movement
4. Foreign objects
5. Drain path
6. Electrical connectors
7. Wiring
8. Controller output

Faults 51 and 52 should therefore normally be diagnosed as part of the same recirculation/diverter system rather than treated as completely unrelated errors.

Fisher & Paykel Fault 53 – Rotor Position Sensor Step Fault

Fault 53 generally relates to the Rotor Position Sensor (RPS) system on applicable SmartDrive washers.

The RPS tells the motor controller where the rotor is positioned. Without accurate rotor-position feedback, the controller cannot correctly energize the motor windings.

SmartDrive diagnostic information identifies Fault 53 as a rotor-position sensing problem after a motor step test.

Possible Causes

• Loose RPS connector
• Broken wiring
• Damaged RPS
• Corrosion
• Moisture
• Motor-control module fault

Troubleshooting

Inspect the RPS harness from the sensor to the controller.

Look for:

• Broken wires
• Loose connectors
• Corrosion
• Water damage
• Damaged terminals

If wiring is satisfactory, the RPS itself may require testing or replacement.

Fisher & Paykel Fault 105 – Communication Timeout

Fault 105 is commonly associated with a communication failure between electronic modules.

For applicable machines, diagnostic references identify this as a communications timeout between the display and motor-control electronics.

Possible Causes

• Temporary electronic communication failure
• Display module problem
• Motor controller problem
• Loose harness
• Damaged connector
• Wiring fault
• Power disturbance
• Model-specific sensor/control issue

First Troubleshooting Step

Turn the washer off and disconnect it from power.

Wait several minutes before reconnecting it.

If Fault 105 disappears and does not return, the problem may have been temporary.

If it repeatedly returns, further electronic diagnosis is required.

Technician-Level Diagnosis

Inspect communication wiring between the relevant modules.

Check for:

• Loose plugs
• Oxidized contacts
• Damaged wiring
• Moisture
• Burn marks
• PCB damage

Avoid replacing multiple electronic modules based solely on Fault 105. The correct component should be identified through model-specific diagnosis.

Fisher & Paykel Fault 130 – Rotor Position Sensor Error

Fault 130 generally indicates that the motor controller has detected an abnormal pattern from the Rotor Position Sensor.

The RPS is critical to SmartDrive motor operation.

Possible Causes

• Faulty RPS
• Loose RPS connector
• Damaged sensor harness
• Moisture
• Corrosion
• Motor wiring problem
• Motor controller problem

Recommended Inspection

Disconnect power and inspect the motor/RPS area.

Look carefully for water contamination because even minor corrosion around low-voltage sensor connections can disrupt the feedback signal.

Fisher & Paykel Fault 131 – Repetitive Rotor Position Sensor Error

Fault 131 is generally a more persistent or repetitive version of an RPS-related condition.

Unlike a single intermittent RPS event, repeated detection makes an actual sensor, wiring or electronic problem more likely.

Check

• RPS
• RPS harness
• Connector pins
• Motor wiring
• Moisture
• Corrosion
• Controller

If Fault 130 occasionally appears but Fault 131 becomes persistent, investigate the RPS circuit carefully rather than repeatedly resetting the washer.

Fisher & Paykel Fault 132 – Single Current Trip

Fault 132 indicates that the motor-control system has detected an excess-current event on applicable SmartDrive platforms.

Possible Causes

• Shorted motor winding
• Motor harness damage
• Connector problem
• Rotor obstruction
• Motor mechanically overloaded
• Controller switching fault

Troubleshooting

With power disconnected:

1. Rotate the basket manually.
2. Check for mechanical resistance.
3. Inspect motor wiring.
4. Inspect connectors.
5. Test motor windings according to the exact model's service specifications.

Do not use a generic winding-resistance figure from another SmartDrive generation. Electrical specifications can differ substantially between phases and models.

Fisher & Paykel Fault 133 – Repetitive Current Trip

Fault 133 represents a more serious or repeated overcurrent condition.

SmartDrive diagnostic documentation describes Fault 133 as a repetitive current trip and notes that it uses essentially the same diagnostic path as Fault 132.

Likely Areas

• Motor
• Motor harness
• Stator
• Rotor
• RPS system
• Motor controller

Repeated overcurrent faults should not simply be cleared and ignored.

Continuing to operate a washer with a serious motor-current problem could place additional stress on electronic components.

Fisher & Paykel Fault 136 – Motor Stall

Fault 136 is one of the more important SmartDrive motor faults.

It means that the motor controller attempted to start the motor but the motor did not start correctly.

SmartDrive service documentation explicitly identifies Fault 136 as Motor Stall. Potential causes include motor harness problems, a jammed or faulty motor, seized bearings/seals, RPS-related problems on applicable platforms, or motor-controller failure.

Common Symptoms

• Basket does not rotate
• Washer fills but does not agitate
• Washer will not spin
• Humming or unusual motor noises
• Machine stops during cycle
• Fault 136 displayed

Step 1 – Disconnect Power

Never manually inspect or rotate internal drive components while the appliance is energized.

Step 2 – Check Basket Rotation

Try rotating the basket manually.

It should move without severe mechanical resistance.

If it is extremely difficult to rotate, investigate:

• Foreign object between baskets
• Seized bearing
• Damaged seal/bearing system
• Motor obstruction
• Mechanical drive problem

Step 3 – Inspect Motor Harness

Check connections between:

• Motor
• RPS
• Motor controller

Look for burnt, loose or corroded connectors.

Step 4 – Check the RPS

A failed rotor-position feedback system can prevent the controller from driving the motor correctly.

Step 5 – Check the Motor Controller

If the mechanical system, motor windings, RPS and wiring test correctly, the motor controller becomes a possible cause.

Why Model and SmartDrive Phase Matter

One of the biggest mistakes when troubleshooting Fisher & Paykel washers is assuming that every machine using the same numeric fault has identical electronics.

SmartDrive machines evolved through several electronic generations or phases.

Changes between generations can include:

• Motor resistance
• Pump type
• Controller design
• Display module
• RPS circuitry
• Valve arrangement
• Diverter system
• Diagnostic procedure

For example, SmartDrive service documentation lists different nominal motor-resistance values depending on machine phase. Therefore a resistance value found online for one SmartDrive generation should not automatically be applied to another.

Newer Fisher & Paykel Washers May Use Different Fault Displays

Not every modern Fisher & Paykel washer follows the older SmartDrive numeric-code system.

Official documentation for some front-loaders describes faults appearing as Err followed by a number, while other models display the word Fault and a number. Newer platforms can also provide E-series faults and onscreen alerts.

Therefore, before interpreting a code, record:

• Complete model number
• Product code if available
• Serial number
• Exact displayed error
• Whether it is shown as Fault, Err or E-code
• Point in cycle where it appears

General Fisher & Paykel Washer Fault Reset Procedure

For a persistent electronic fault, Fisher & Paykel user documentation commonly recommends a basic power reset.

A general procedure is:

1. Stop the washer.
2. Switch it off.
3. Disconnect or switch off power at the wall.
4. Wait approximately one minute.
5. Restore power.
6. Restart the washer.
7. If appropriate, remove the load and attempt a rinse cycle.

Official guides for several Fisher & Paykel washer platforms recommend switching off the appliance, waiting, restoring power and retrying. If the fault returns, the fault number should be recorded for service.

A reset does not repair a blocked pump, defective motor, failed valve, damaged sensor or faulty control board. It only helps determine whether the event was temporary.

Washer Does Not Drain

If your Fisher & Paykel washer will not drain, investigate:

• Drain hose
• Household drain
• Pump
• Pump impeller
• Pump wiring
• Pressure system

Fault 37 is especially relevant on compatible SmartDrive platforms.

Washer Does Not Fill

Check:

• Water taps
• Inlet hoses
• Hose filters
• Water pressure
• Cold valve
• Hot valve
• Valve wiring

Faults 49 and 50 can indicate electrical valve problems on applicable machines.

Washer Fills but Loses Water

Investigate:

• Drain-hose siphoning
• Diverter valve
• Diverter actuator
• Drain plumbing

On applicable Eco SmartDrive platforms, Faults 51 and 52 are particularly relevant to diverter/recirculation problems.

Washer Will Not Agitate or Spin

Check:

• Basket for obstruction
• Motor wiring
• Motor windings
• RPS
• Bearings
• Motor controller

Relevant SmartDrive faults can include:

• Fault 53
• Fault 130
• Fault 131
• Fault 132
• Fault 133
• Fault 136

Safety Precautions

Washing machines contain potentially hazardous:

• Mains electricity
• High-current motor circuits
• Moving components
• Water near electrical components
• Sharp sheet-metal edges
• Electronic boards

Before removing panels:

Disconnect the washer from mains electricity.

Do not perform live-voltage measurements unless you are trained and qualified to work safely on mains-powered appliances.

Water valves, pumps, sensors and motors can often be checked through resistance or continuity testing with power disconnected, but always use the specifications for the exact model.

When Should You Call a Technician?

Professional diagnosis is recommended when:

• Fault returns after reset
• Motor does not rotate
• Breaker trips
• Burning smell is present
• Wiring is overheated
• PCB has visible damage
• Water has entered electronics
• Bearings appear seized
• RPS requires testing
• Motor controller is suspected
• Multiple fault codes appear
• Replacement electronic modules require configuration

Fisher & Paykel's own documentation recommends recording the fault code and serial number when a persistent fault requires assistance because the fault number helps the service technician identify the possible problem.

Important Parts-Replacement Advice

Do not order expensive electronic parts based only on a generic internet fault-code list.

Before ordering:

1. Find the complete model number.
2. Record the product/serial information.
3. Confirm the washer platform.
4. Confirm the SmartDrive phase where applicable.
5. Verify the fault against model-specific documentation.
6. Test wiring and connectors.
7. Test the suspected component.
8. Verify the replacement part number.

This is especially important for:

• Display modules
• Motor controllers
• RPS sensors
• Motors/stators
• Diverter valves
• Inlet valves

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What does Fault 37 mean on a Fisher & Paykel washing machine?

On many SmartDrive-generation washers, Fault 37 means the washer is not detecting the expected drop in water level during draining. A blocked drain hose, blocked pump, failed pump, wiring problem or pressure-system issue should be investigated.

2. How do I fix Fisher & Paykel Fault 37?

Check the household drain, washer drain hose and drain pump first. Remove pump obstructions and verify that the pump operates. If the machine drains correctly but still reports Fault 37, investigate the pressure-sensing and control systems.

3. What is Fisher & Paykel Fault 49?

On applicable SmartDrive machines, Fault 49 generally indicates a cold-water inlet valve circuit fault.

4. What is Fault 50?

Fault 50 typically indicates a hot-water inlet valve electrical fault on relevant SmartDrive platforms.

5. What does Fault 51 mean?

Fault 51 is associated with the diverter valve system on applicable Eco SmartDrive washers. Water may be going to the drain when the machine expects it to recirculate.

6. What does Fault 52 mean?

Fault 52 generally indicates repeated water-level top-up attempts associated with the diverter system. A sticking or obstructed diverter should be investigated.

7. What does Fisher & Paykel Fault 53 mean?

Fault 53 generally indicates a Rotor Position Sensor feedback problem. Inspect the RPS, wiring and connectors before suspecting the motor-control electronics.

8. What does Fault 105 mean?

On applicable platforms, Fault 105 indicates a communication timeout involving the display and motor-control system.

9. Can I reset Fault 105?

A temporary communication problem may clear after completely disconnecting the washer from power and restarting it. If Fault 105 repeatedly returns, wiring or electronic modules need diagnosis.

10. What is Fisher & Paykel Fault 130?

Fault 130 is generally associated with an incorrect Rotor Position Sensor signal or pattern.

11. What is Fault 131?

Fault 131 generally indicates a repeated Rotor Position Sensor-related error and should prompt inspection of the RPS, wiring, connectors and motor-control system.

12. What does Fault 132 mean?

Fault 132 is generally a single motor-current trip. Wiring, motor windings, mechanical loading and motor-control electronics should be checked.

13. What does Fault 133 mean?

Fault 133 represents a repetitive motor-current trip on applicable SmartDrive machines. It is more persistent than Fault 132 and requires proper motor/control-system diagnosis.

14. What does Fisher & Paykel Fault 136 mean?

Fault 136 means Motor Stall on applicable SmartDrive platforms. The motor controller has been unable to start the motor. Possible causes include wiring, a jammed motor, seized bearings, RPS problems or a failed motor controller.

15. Can a bad bearing cause Fault 136?

Yes. If bearings or seals seize badly enough to prevent the basket/motor from rotating, the controller may detect a motor-stall condition.

16. Can the Rotor Position Sensor prevent the washer from spinning?

Yes. The SmartDrive system depends on rotor-position feedback to control motor commutation. Incorrect RPS signals can cause motor faults or prevent correct motor operation.

17. Why does my Fisher & Paykel washer beep continuously?

Continuous beeping accompanied by a fault number generally indicates that the control system has detected a fault. Some official Fisher & Paykel guides describe the washer beeping and displaying a numeric fault when a problem is detected.

18. Are Fisher & Paykel error codes the same on all models?

No. This is extremely important. Fault-code meanings and diagnostic procedures can differ between SmartDrive phases, AquaSmart machines, front-loaders and newer washer platforms.

19. Where can I find the model number?

Check the washer's identification/rating label. Depending on the design, it may be located around the cabinet, rear panel, lid/door opening or another manufacturer-specified location.

20. Should I replace the control board when a fault appears?

Not immediately. Wiring, connectors, mechanical systems, pumps, valves and sensors should be tested first. Control modules are relatively expensive and may be incorrectly diagnosed when a peripheral component is actually responsible.

Final Technical Summary

Fisher & Paykel washing machines have used several generations of sophisticated electronic diagnostics, particularly in their SmartDrive and related direct-drive platforms.

The major fault families covered in this guide can be summarized as:

Fault 37: drainage/pump-out problem
Fault 49: cold inlet valve fault
Fault 50: hot inlet valve fault
Fault 51: diverter valve fault
Fault 52: diverter/top-up fault
Fault 53: Rotor Position Sensor fault
Fault 105: electronic communication timeout
Fault 130: Rotor Position Sensor signal error
Fault 131: repetitive Rotor Position Sensor error
Fault 132: single motor-current trip
Fault 133: repetitive motor-current trip
Fault 136: motor stall

Fault 136, for example, is explicitly documented in SmartDrive service information as a motor-stall condition, while Fisher & Paykel's consumer documentation confirms that fault presentation itself varies among product generations.

For reliable diagnosis, the most important rule is:

Identify the exact Fisher & Paykel model and platform before interpreting a fault code, measuring components or purchasing replacement parts.

A code should be treated as the starting point of diagnosis, not automatic proof that a particular component must be replaced.

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