Fisher & Paykel Dishwashers C2 Error: Rinse cycle fault
Fisher & Paykel dishwasher error code C2 is a low-severity fault meaning Wash cycle fault — rinse or final phase did not complete. C2 is an advisory code. C2 clears on the next power-cycle.
~90%
DIY Fixable
From $0
Typical Repair Cost
10–20 min
Pro Repair Time
Quick Assessment
Answer to continue safely
Is it safe to keep using?
Yes. C2 is an advisory code. The machine is safe to use. Dishes may not be perfectly clean or dry if the rinse phase is underperforming, but there is no risk to the appliance or the user. Address the underlying cause to restore full wash quality.
Can I reset the code?
Yes. C2 clears on the next power-cycle. If it does not recur after refilling rinse aid and checking the water supply, the fault was a transient cycle advisory. Persistent C2 warrants investigation of the thermistor and heating element.
When to stop immediately?
Stop if you notice: C2 is accompanied by F3 or F4 — the harder fault code indicates a real component failure, C2 appears consistently on every cycle despite full rinse aid and clear water supply.
Symptoms You May Notice
C2 displayed at the end of a cycle
The drawer completes the wash but flags C2, indicating the rinse or final programme phase did not meet the expected performance parameters.
Dishes have detergent residue or filming
The rinse phase that removes detergent from dishes did not complete fully, leaving a white film or soapy residue on glassware.
Drying performance is poor
If the final hot rinse did not reach temperature, the dishes lack the heat needed for effective condensation drying.
Possible Causes
Rinse aid dispenser empty or blocked
Without rinse aid, the final rinse water does not sheet off dishes correctly, and some DishDrawer models flag C2 when rinse aid consumption per cycle is abnormal.
DIY PossibleFinal rinse temperature not reached
The final hot rinse phase did not reach the target temperature (typically 70°C on sanitise programmes) within the time window — same root cause as F4 but not severe enough to generate a hard fault.
DIY PossibleWater supply issue affecting final fill
A marginal water supply means the final rinse fill phase is slow, causing the rinse phase to time out before the tub is fully charged.
DIY PossibleDeveloping thermistor or heating element fault
A marginally degraded thermistor or heating element that cannot consistently achieve full rinse temperature generates C2 as a precursor to F3 or F4.
DIY PossibleSafe Checks You Can Do
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1
Refill rinse aid dispenser
Check the rinse aid indicator light on the control panel. If it is lit, refill the rinse aid dispenser with a quality rinse aid. Confirm the dispenser cap is fully closed after filling.
Fisher & Paykel recommends using a rinse aid specifically formulated for dishwasher use. Avoid using washing-up liquid as a substitute.
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2
Run a full Normal cycle and check rinse result
After refilling rinse aid, run a complete Normal cycle with a light load and inspect glassware for residue or filming. If the result is clean, C2 was caused by empty or blocked rinse aid delivery.
If glassware still shows filming, check the rinse aid setting (dispenser dosage dial) — it may need to be increased for your local water hardness.
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3
Check for partial fill restriction
Confirm the supply tap is fully open and the inlet filter screen is clean. A slow final rinse fill can cause the rinse phase to time out and flag C2.
A clean inlet filter screen and fully open supply tap take less than 5 minutes to verify.
When to Call a Professional
Contact a qualified technician if:
- Persistent C2 after rinse aid and supply checks pass — thermistor or element degradation needs professional testing
- Rinse aid dispenser mechanism faulty and not releasing rinse aid during the rinse phase
Need Professional Help?
Find qualified technicians in your area for proper diagnostics and repair.
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