Fisher & Paykel Dishwashers F4 Error: Thermistor fault
Fisher & Paykel dishwasher error code F4 is a mid-severity fault meaning Thermistor fault — water temperature sensor. Cold-rinse cycles can be run safely while you arrange repair. A power-cycle will clear the F4 code.
~65%
DIY Fixable
From $90
Typical Repair Cost
1–2 hrs
Pro Repair Time
Quick Assessment
Answer to continue safely
Is it safe to keep using?
Maybe. Cold-rinse cycles can be run safely while you arrange repair. Avoid running heated programs — an uncontrolled heating cycle caused by a low-reading thermistor could overheat the wash water and trip the heating element thermal cut-out, generating a secondary F3 fault.
Can I reset the code?
Yes. A power-cycle will clear the F4 code. If F4 returns on the next heated cycle, test the thermistor resistance and replace if out of specification. The code will keep returning until the thermistor or its connector is repaired.
When to stop immediately?
Stop if you notice: F4 appears on every heated cycle after repeated power-cycling, Wash water becomes excessively hot or steam is visibly excessive.
Symptoms You May Notice
F4 displayed during a heated cycle
The code appears after the wash fills with water and the controller takes a temperature reading that falls outside the expected range.
Cycle aborts before the main wash
The DishDrawer ends the cycle early because it cannot confirm water temperature, defaulting to a fault state.
Water appears to heat (steam visible) but F4 still shows
If the thermistor is reading low, the controller keeps heating past the target temperature — this can generate F4 alongside a very hot wash tub.
Possible Causes
Failed NTC thermistor
The water temperature thermistor inside the tub has failed open or short, returning a resistance value the controller rejects as invalid.
DIY PossibleLoose thermistor connector
The connector between the thermistor and the control board has come loose, breaking the signal circuit.
DIY PossibleLimescale on thermistor probe
Heavy calcium deposit on the thermistor probe insulates it from the water, causing slow or inaccurate temperature readings.
DIY PossibleControl board input circuit fault
The thermistor input on the PCB has failed, reading all sensors as out-of-range.
Requires ProfessionalSafe Checks You Can Do
-
1
Power-cycle the drawer
Switch off at the wall for 60 seconds and restart. Run a normal 55°C cycle and observe whether F4 reappears.
Transient thermistor faults caused by connector vibration sometimes clear with a reset.
-
2
Descale the thermistor probe
If you are in a hard-water area, run a citric acid descale cycle (200 g citric acid dissolved in 1 litre of warm water, poured into the tub base) before your next heated wash.
Limescale on the probe is a common cause of F4 on machines over 5 years old in hard-water regions.
-
3
Inspect and reseat the thermistor connector
After unplugging, locate the thermistor probe at the base of the tub and trace its wire to the connector at the control board. Press the connector firmly home and check for corrosion on the pins.
A small amount of dielectric grease on the connector pins will resist future moisture ingress.
Tools required -
4
Test thermistor resistance
Disconnect the thermistor and measure resistance with a multimeter. At room temperature (20–25°C) a healthy Fisher & Paykel DishDrawer thermistor typically reads 10–12 kΩ. An open circuit or near-zero reading confirms failure.
Thermistor replacement is a low-cost repair; the part is available from Fisher & Paykel parts suppliers.
Tools required
When to Call a Professional
Contact a qualified technician if:
- Thermistor tests faulty and replacement requires dismantling the tub base assembly
- F4 persists after a confirmed good replacement thermistor — board input circuit has failed
Need Professional Help?
Find qualified technicians in your area for proper diagnostics and repair.
Dishwashers Repair Service Schedule Appointment