Your Fisher & Paykel dishwasher works hard to keep your kitchen running smoothly, handling dirty dishes while you focus on other things. But when those cryptic error codes appear, it can feel like a puzzle you need to solve. Don’t worry! These codes are your dishwasher’s way of letting you know what’s wrong—and often, the fix is easier than you think.
In this guide, we’ll break down the most common error codes for Freestanding Dishwashers and Double DishDrawer™ Dishwashers, explain the symptoms to watch out for, and offer self-troubleshooting tips. And if the issue requires more expertise, Wise Appliance Service is here to help!
Freestanding Dishwashers: Common Error Codes and How to Self-Troubleshoot Them
Error Code F1: Flood Alert
The F1 code means water has leaked into the base of your dishwasher. You might notice water pooling inside or leaking onto your kitchen floor. This is your dishwasher’s way of preventing further water damage by refusing to start.
Symptoms:
• Water gathering at the base of the machine.
• Dishwasher stops working mid-cycle or refuses to start.
• You may hear the drain pump running continuously as the dishwasher tries to clear the water.
How to Self-Troubleshoot:
1. Turn off the dishwasher and unplug it from power.
2. Check the base for water and mop up any standing water.
3. Tilt the dishwasher forward to ensure all water drains out.
4. Restart the machine once the area is dry.
When to Call Wise Appliance Service:
If water keeps pooling, it could indicate a more serious issue, like a leaking hose or valve requiring professional repair.
Error Code F2: Motor Overload
What It Means:
The F2 code indicates that the motor has overheated. This usually happens when the dishwasher has been running multiple loads in a row or has been overloaded with dishes.
Symptoms:
• The dishwasher stops mid-cycle.
• You may hear a loud grinding or struggling noise from the motor before the code appears.
• The machine won’t restart until it has cooled down.
How to Self-Troubleshoot:
1. Turn off the dishwasher and unplug it.
2. Let the motor cool for 15-20 minutes.
3. Plug it back in and run a smaller load.
When to Call Wise Appliance Service:
If the error persists, the motor may need to be repaired or replaced by a technician.
Error Code F3: Water Temperature Too High
What It Means:
The F3 code appears when the water temperature exceeds 85°C (185°F). This could be due to a malfunctioning heating element or thermostat, or it could be that your water heater is set too high.
Symptoms:
• Dishes or the interior of the dishwasher feel excessively hot after a cycle.
• The dishwasher may stop mid-cycle and display the F3 code.
How to Self-Troubleshoot:
1. Check the water heater and ensure it isn’t set too high. The ideal temperature range is 50-60°C (120-140°F).
2. Let the dishwasher cool before restarting.
When to Call Wise Appliance Service:
If the error continues, the heating element or thermostat may be faulty and need professional attention.
Double DishDrawer™ Dishwashers: Common Error Codes
Error Code F4: Heating Element Failure
What It Means:
The F4 error indicates that the water inside the dishwasher isn’t heating properly, typically due to a malfunctioning heating element. This can result in dishes that don’t get fully cleaned.
Symptoms:
• The dishwasher runs through the full cycle, but dishes come out cold and still dirty.
• You might notice the usual steam from a hot wash is missing.
How to Self-Troubleshoot:
1. Check the heating element to ensure it is connected properly.
2. If you have a multimeter, you can test the element for any open circuits.
When to Call Wise Appliance Service:
If the water still isn’t heating, a technician will need to inspect and possibly replace the heating element.
Error Code F9: Power Supply or Controller Fault
What It Means:
F9 is a serious error related to the dishwasher’s power supply or electronic controller. It could be caused by a previous error, such as overheating or water damage.
Symptoms:
• The dishwasher won’t start or power on.
• You might notice flickering lights or no response from the control panel.
• The error appears shortly after starting a cycle.
How to Self-Troubleshoot:
1. Turn off the machine and unplug it for 10-15 seconds, then plug it back in.
2. If the error persists, check for visible signs of damage on the power supply or controller.
When to Call Wise Appliance Service:
Electrical issues should be handled by a professional. Contact Wise Appliance Service for safe inspection and repair.
Error Code U1: Water Supply Issue
What It Means:
The U1 code indicates that the dishwasher is not receiving enough water, which could be due to a closed valve or blockage in the water supply.
Symptoms:
• The dishwasher fails to fill with water.
• The machine won’t start a wash cycle.
How to Self-Troubleshoot:
1. Ensure the water supply valve is turned on.
2. Check the inlet hose for kinks or clogs that may block water flow.
When to Call Wise Appliance Service:
If the water supply seems fine but the error persists, there may be a problem with the inlet valve that needs professional attention.
Error Code U4: Power Disabled in One Drawer
What It Means:
This code appears when one drawer has a fault, disabling power to that specific drawer. This usually happens when there is a problem in the other drawer.
Symptoms:
• The affected drawer won’t operate.
• The other drawer may function normally.
How to Self-Troubleshoot:
1. Diagnose and fix the issue in the drawer that’s not working, such as removing obstructions or restarting the drawer.
When to Call Wise Appliance Service:
If you’re unable to identify the issue, our technicians can assist in troubleshooting.
Error Code U6: Door Lock Error
What It Means:
The U6 error indicates a problem with the door lock mechanism, which prevents the dishwasher from starting until the door is securely closed.
Symptoms:
• The dishwasher won’t start.
• You may hear clicking sounds as the lock attempts to engage but remains unresponsive.
How to Self-Troubleshoot:
1. Check to ensure the door is closed properly and that there are no obstructions.
2. Inspect the door latch and locking mechanism for any visible damage or misalignment.
When to Call Wise Appliance Service:
If the door seems to close properly but the error persists, the door lock mechanism may need professional inspection or replacement.
General Troubleshooting Tips for Fisher & Paykel Dishwashers
1. Check for Blockages: Ensure spray arms and filters are clear of food debris to keep the dishwasher running smoothly.
2. Restart When in Doubt: Sometimes, turning the dishwasher off and unplugging it for a few minutes can reset the system.
3. Inspect the Hoses: Ensure water supply and drain hoses are free from twists, kinks, or blockages.
4. Use the Right Detergent: Incorrect detergent or too much rinse aid can cause excess foaming and trigger errors.
When to Call the Experts: Wise Appliance Service
While some Fisher & Paykel dishwasher errors can be solved with a little DIY troubleshooting, others require the expertise of a professional. If you’re unsure about a fix or if the error persists, Wise Appliance Service is here to help.
Our experienced technicians are well-versed in Fisher & Paykel dishwashers and can quickly diagnose and repair any issue, ensuring your dishwasher is back to peak performance in no time.
