Fisher & Paykel Washers 49 Error: Water temperature sensor fault
Fisher & Paykel washer error code 49 is a mid-severity fault meaning Thermistor fault — wash water temperature sensor failure. Cold-wash cycles can usually continue safely while you arrange repair. Power-cycling clears the fault.
~55%
DIY Fixable
From $100
Typical Repair Cost
1–2 hrs
Pro Repair Time
Quick Assessment
Answer to continue safely
Is it safe to keep using?
Maybe. Cold-wash cycles can usually continue safely while you arrange repair. Avoid selecting warm or hot programmes as the heating system is unreliable without temperature feedback, which could cause overheating in some models.
Can I reset the code?
Yes. Power-cycling clears the fault. If it returns only on heated programmes, the thermistor or heater circuit is the confirmed fault area rather than a random controller error.
When to stop immediately?
Stop if you notice: Steam or unusually hot exhaust air is noticed during a cycle, The machine displays both code 49 and code 50 together.
Symptoms You May Notice
Code 49 on heated wash programmes
The fault typically appears on warm or hot wash cycles when the controller attempts to verify water temperature via the thermistor.
Cold wash only — warm cycles not heating
The machine fills and washes but the water never heats, as the controller cannot confirm temperature without sensor data.
Wash cycle completes on cold water
Some models default to cold-water operation and complete the cycle, displaying code 49 as a non-stopping fault.
Possible Causes
Failed water temperature thermistor
The NTC thermistor mounted on the tub heater assembly has failed open or short, returning an out-of-range resistance to the controller.
DIY PossibleLoose thermistor connector
The thermistor wiring connector has worked loose from the PCB, breaking the sensor circuit.
DIY PossibleFailed heating element
On Fisher & Paykel models with an internal heater, the heating element itself has failed. The controller detects no temperature rise and raises a thermistor fault as a secondary code.
Requires ProfessionalSafe Checks You Can Do
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1
Power-cycle & run cold wash
Power-cycle the machine and run a cold-water cycle. If the cycle completes normally, the issue is specifically with the heated programme sensor circuit rather than the core wash system.
Confirming that cold cycles run normally helps narrow the fault to the thermistor or heater circuit specifically.
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2
Inspect the thermistor connector
After unplugging, access the tub area and locate the thermistor. Check that its connector is fully seated on the main harness.
On top-loader SmartDrive models the thermistor is typically located at the lower tub near the heater boss.
Tools required -
3
Test thermistor resistance
Disconnect the thermistor and measure resistance. At room temperature (25°C), a healthy NTC thermistor typically reads around 10 kΩ. An open circuit or near-zero reading confirms failure.
Compare readings between room temperature and after placing the sensor in warm water — resistance should drop noticeably with temperature.
Tools required
When to Call a Professional
Contact a qualified technician if:
- Heating element replacement requires accessing the tub base and handling 240V heater connections
- Code 49 persists after confirmed thermistor replacement, suggesting heater or board fault
Need Professional Help?
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