Fisher & Paykel Washer 50 Error Code: Hot Water Valve

Phase 5 exception

Before the usual checks, the manual carries a separate note about Phase 5. When a Smartdrive loses power in the middle of a spin, fault code 50 can appear although no fault exists. A 50 after an interrupted spin on a Phase 5 machine is therefore not proof of a valve problem.

What the code means

Code 50 is the hot counterpart of code 49. A voltage seen on the valve diagnostic circuit tells the Motor Controller that the hot valve, called the digital valve in the manual, has a fault. Phases 2 to 6 can display it.

When it is genuine

The manual refers back to the fault code 48 procedure:

• check the harness is connected properly to the valve and no pins are bent backwards;
• check the valve coil is not open circuit;
• finally, the Motor Controller module.

It names as most likely cause a valve harness that is not connected correctly, or a valve with an open circuit.

Spec note

A remark in the specifications says low flow can have an effect on the digital (hot) valve and lead to seating problems with the seal. Operating pressure is given as 20 kPa (3 PSI) at the minimum and 1034 kPa (150 PSI) at the maximum. The manual does not connect this to code 50, so treat it as background.

Other valve codes

• Code 48: the hot and cold valves flagged together.
• Code 49: the cold valve flagged by itself.

Hot water valve repair in Los Angeles

If power was cut mid-spin when 50 showed, tell the person who answers (310) 872-1939.

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