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Decoding Fisher and Paykel Dishwasher Faults
The dishwasher is arguably one of the most prized appliances in the modern household for saving time, effort, and a whole lot of elbow grease. Fisher & Paykel is one of the popular choices when it comes to dishwashers, known for sleek designs and their general performance. However, like with all appliances, faults can occur sometimes. Well, that’s what fault codes do; these codes may look cryptic at first but are extremely valuable for diagnosing and correcting problems.
Don’t freak out if you find your Fisher & Paykel dishwasher blinking at you or flashing some kind of error code. In this blog post, we are going to suggest to you what the fault codes really say and what exactly is one’s further course of action.
What are Fault Codes, and Why Are They So Important?
Fault codes are like your dishwasher’s way of speaking up when something’s wrong. Fisher & Paykel dishwashers use these codes to indicate specific problems within the machine. Be it a blocked drain, a problem in the water supply, or even an electrical glitch, each code gives crucial clues about what may be causing trouble.
Understanding these codes saves time and probably some money spent in unnecessary service calls as you can diagnose yourself and consequently decide whether to go for a simple fixation or seek help from the pros.

Fault Code Identification
Most Fisher & Paykel dishwashers display fault codes using an alpha-numeric display like F1, F2, or F9. Others might flash lights or use audible beeps depending on the model to show that there is a fault. Always refer to your user manual for confirmation of how an error is communicated on your particular dishwasher model.
Common Fisher & Paykel Dishwasher Fault Codes and Solutions
Following are some of the most common error codes you may display, what they mean and how to fix them:
Fisher Paykel Dishwasher Fault Codes & Solutions
Error Code | Cause | Solution |
---|---|---|
F1 – Flood Detected | Water leak detected in the base of the dishwasher. | Turn off and unplug the dishwasher. Tilt to drain excess water, dry the base, check for leaks, and wait 24 hours. |
F2 – Motor Failure | The wash motor has failed. | Restart the dishwasher. If the issue persists, check for obstructions or replace the motor. |
F3 – Temperature Sensor Fault | The temperature sensor is malfunctioning. | Unplug for 10 minutes. If the issue persists, replace the sensor or heater element. |
F4 – Drainage Fault | Dishwasher is unable to drain properly. | Check for clogged or kinked hoses, clean the filter, and inspect the pump. |
F5 – Lid Error | The lid is not sealing properly. | Ensure no obstructions and check lid actuators for damage. |
F6 – No Water Detected | The dishwasher is not getting enough water. | Ensure water supply is on, check inlet valve and hoses for blockages. |
F7 – Water Flow Error | Dishwasher is detecting too much water flow. | Turn off the water supply, restart, and check for leaks. |
F8 – Electrical Problem | General electrical fault detected. | Unplug for 10 minutes, check wiring connections, and inspect the control board. |
F9 – Software Fault | Communication error between electronic components. | Unplug for 10 minutes. If needed, reprogram or replace the control module. |
U1 – Water Supply Issue | Low water pressure or inadequate water supply. | Ensure tap is fully open, check for clogged inlet hoses. |
U4 – Door Open During Operation | The door was opened while the dishwasher was running. | Close the door properly and restart the cycle. |
U6 – Spray Arm Blocked | The spray arms are obstructed. | Check for items blocking the spray arms and ensure they rotate freely. |
F1 – Flood Detected
This code means the flood switch has been tripped because water has entered the bottom of the dishwasher.
What to Do:
- Press Stop and unplug the dishwasher.
- Check the base for water; if there is any, tilt the machine carefully so that it can leak out.
- Just in case it was an issue with the blocked drain hose or it had a crack in it check for leaks
- If occurs again then the status has to be checked by a professional
F2-Motor Fault
It is a motor fault and will not operate proper spinning
What to Do:
- Switch off power at the power outlet then access motor to look blockages-food particles amongst other thing
- Ensure that it is properly connected.
- If nothing is found, the motor could be defective-in which case you will likely need a professional to replace it.
F3 – Water Temperature Fault
This fault code indicates that something has gone wrong with the water heating system.
What to Do:
- Check if your dishwasher is connected to hot water.
- Check for damage to the element.
- If the heating element is defective, then it must be replaced by an authorized technician.
F4 – Drain Blockage
The code indicates that there has been a problem with water draining from the dishwasher.
What to Do:
- Check to ensure kinking or blockages have not occurred in the drain hose
- Check filter and drain area for pieces of food or debris and clean them out.
- Run a rinse cycle to see if it will resolve the problem.
F9 – Power Supply Fault
This is one of the more common faults that occurs when there is insufficient or improper power supply to the dishwasher.
What to Do:
- Ensure the power cord is plugged in proper and the outlet is working.
- Do not use extension cords due to the voltage fluctuations.
- If this doesn’t resolve the situation, an electrician would need to be consulted to assess the power feeding the dishwasher
U1 – Faulty Water Supply
Insufficient supply of water for the running of the dishwasher
Action to Be Undertaken:
- Water supply on / hose not kinked /restricted
- Check inlet valve and the pressure of the water as poor supply may be at the root.
- If necessary, a service call should be scheduled to fix plumbing issues.
E6 – Detergent Dispenser Fault
This code would indicate an issue with the detergent dispenser not opening properly.
What to Do:
- Check the detergent compartment for blockages.
- Check that the correct type of detergent is in use for your dishwasher.
- If the dispenser is broken, it will have to be replaced.
Helpful Tips to Avoid Faults
Of course, while fault codes cannot be avoided completely, you can restrict chances of faults at the very initial stage by taking a few preventing measures to help avoid them:
- Routine Maintenance – Regular cleaning of filters, spray arms, and draining to avoid blockages.
- Detergent- Use only dishwasher detergent to avoid buildup from limescale and overall residue.
- Load Properly – Do not overload your dishwasher, because this can obstruct the spray arms and then poor cleaning ensues.
- Keep it Level – Your dishwasher must be installed on a level floor to make sure there will not be leaks or operational issues.
- Check Hoses Regularly – Inspect the drain and inlet hoses to make sure no cracks or kinks are apparent in their length from time to time for proper flow of water.
When to Call a Professional
Not every problem can be fixed with a DIY approach. If the fault code persists after troubleshooting or involves complex components like the motor or electronics, it’s best to bring in a licensed dishwasher technician. Attempting a fix beyond your expertise could lead to further damage and void your warranty.
Final Thoughts
Understanding Fisher & Paykel dishwasher error codes will save you a great deal of time and frustration. Following the above-mentioned tips will keep you in an excellent position to identify some common problems and troubleshoot them with ease. Keeping your dishwasher in fantastic shape is all about performing regular care and maintenance.
Whenever you need more detailed information, you are welcome to contact the customer service representatives at Fisher & Paykel. Sometimes, in cases that are a little more complicated, an appliance repair technician may be the one to get you out of a bind.
A fully functioning dishwasher isn’t just nice-it’s peace of mind. With these skills under your belt now, you can keep your Fisher & Paykel running smoothly and your kitchen cleanup a breeze!