Fisher & Paykel Washer 231
231 on a Fisher & Paykel Washer is a display reading homeowners often search when a cycle stalls or an alarm sounds. This page covers how it typically presents, safe checks, and when to bring in an independent technician — always confirm against docs for the SmartDrive top-load washer — legacy fault codes line.
Content status: Verified
231 on a Fisher & Paykel Washer — plain-language overview; confirm against your model docs.
Model compatibility: Fisher & Paykel reuses codes across series and model years, so 231 may mean something different on another appliance or generation. Confirm this against your model’s documentation and record your full model number before acting.
What this code means
Summary for 231 (SmartDrive top-load washer — legacy fault codes). Independent repair notes only — not a substitute for the current Product Help article or tech sheet for your serial.
Symptoms you may notice
- The washer display shows 231 during or after a wash cycle.
- The cycle may pause, stop early, or fail to start while 231 is shown.
- The machine may not fill, agitate, spin, or drain normally while the fault is active.
Safe checks you can make
These are simple, non-hazardous checks only. If anything is unclear, stop and contact a technician.
- Check that the lid or door is fully closed (and locked, on models with a lid/door lock).
- Confirm the water supply taps are fully open and hoses are not kinked or restricted.
- Check that the drain hose is not kinked and the drain/standpipe is clear.
- Confirm the load is not overloaded or unbalanced.
- Switch the washer off at the wall, wait about 60 seconds, then switch back on and retry once.
- Record the full model and serial number from the rating plate.
Important safety warning. Do not open internal panels, remove covers, or access wiring, the motor, or the control board. Do not bypass the lid/door safety switch. If you notice water pooling near electrical parts, a burning smell, or sparks, switch off power at the wall and call a professional immediately.
When to call a technician
If 231 returns after the safe checks, pause further DIY and book an independent diagnosis with Fisher & Paykel Appliance Repair — bring the model/serial and a photo of the display.
Frequently asked questions
Try only the safe checks listed here and a single wall-power restart. If 231 returns, stop DIY — the underlying condition needs a proper diagnosis.
Use charts only as orientation. Confirm against Fisher & Paykel Product Help or the manual printed for your model before acting.
Sources & references
Tell us what’s wrong — we’ll take it from there
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