Fisher & Paykel Washer 37 Code: Pump Blocked Error

How the machine arrives at 37

Every Smartdrive from Phase 1 through 6 uses this as its pump blocked error. If the pressure sensor gives one unchanged water level through more than 3 minutes of draining, the machine concludes the pump is not clearing the water.

Four causes in the manual

1. A crushed or kinked drain hose, or pressure switch hose, so the rate of pumping out falls steeply.
2. A pump clogged in part or in full.
3. A pump that is not turning, owing to the controller module, the wiring, or a failed pump.
4. A diverter valve that is faulty or clogged on Eco models of Phase 5 and 6; it remains in recirculation mode, which gives the impression the pump cannot lower the level.

The manual further says the code can come up if the machine is pumping against an unusually tall run of drain hose or through a lengthened one.

Checks on the pump system

• Look along the drain hose for kinks.
• Check the length. Only one extension, 39 in (1 m) and of matching diameter, is allowed.
• Test the pump windings for an open circuit; the pump has a thermal cut-out, which resets after cooling.
• Empty the tub, lift the pump from its housing, and look in the pump and the drain hose for blockage.
• If the tub holds water, the manual goes in from above. The top deck and basket come off, the water is bailed out, and the cap and hood of the pump are removed to clear the restriction.

Wiring is next, meaning the pump harness is attached properly and has continuity. Should those be fine, the technician spins the machine and watches the pump, replacing the Motor Controller only if the pump stays still. The manual also proposes thinking about a Pump Hood Kit (WM013).

What is practical

Without tools you can spot a kinked or overlong hose and nothing else. The remaining steps involve taking panels off and handling a tub of water, so they go to a technician.

More entries

• Code 51 is the diverter entry that the manual cross-refers to.
• Code 44 is raised by water that remains in the tub as the spin begins.

Los Angeles Fisher & Paykel washer repair for drainage faults

Call (310) 872-1939 and tell us the hose length and whether the tub still holds water. The washer repair page has more.

Source: Fisher & Paykel Smartdrive washer service manual 517766 (March 2003), section 19, Detailed Fault Codes