Washers High Severity
43 Appliance Error Code

Fisher & Paykel Washers 43 Error: Motor communication fault

Fisher & Paykel washer error code 43 is a high-severity fault meaning Motor controller communication fault. The washer cannot operate safely with a code 43 fault because the main board has no confirmed control over the motor. A power-cycle clears the fault log.

By Denis Yuzhaev Lead Appliance Repair Specialist & Technical Writer

~30%

DIY Fixable

From $165

Typical Repair Cost

1–3 hrs

Pro Repair Time

Quick Assessment

Answer to continue safely

Is it safe to keep using?

No. The washer cannot operate safely with a code 43 fault because the main board has no confirmed control over the motor. Attempting repeated start cycles risks damaging both control boards.

Can I reset the code?

Yes. A power-cycle clears the fault log. If the code returns immediately on the next start attempt, the communication harness or one of the two PCBs requires physical inspection or replacement.

When to stop immediately?

Stop if you notice: Code returns on every cycle start with no variation, Code 42 and code 43 appear together, indicating board-level failure.

Symptoms You May Notice

Code 43 displayed at cycle start

The fault appears when the main PCB attempts to communicate with the motor controller at the beginning of a wash or spin phase.

Machine will not start any cycle

All wash programmes fail immediately without the basket making any movement, because the main board cannot confirm motor readiness.

Intermittent fault during spin

On some units the code appears mid-spin when communication is interrupted by vibration on a loose connector.

Possible Causes

1

Failed motor controller board

The motor controller PCB has failed and no longer responds to commands from the main board over the serial communication line.

Requires Professional
2

Damaged communication harness

The low-voltage serial communication wiring between the main PCB and motor controller has been damaged or pinched.

DIY Possible
3

Main PCB fault

The main control board's communication port has failed, producing a false code 43 even with a functioning motor controller.

Requires Professional
4

Loose ribbon or harness connector

The communication connector has worked loose from either end, breaking the serial data link.

DIY Possible

Safe Checks You Can Do

These checks are safe for homeowners. No disassembly required. Do not remove panels or access internal components.
  1. 1

    Power-cycle the machine

    Unplug for 5 minutes, restore power, and attempt to start a cycle. A communication dropout due to transient noise will often clear with a reset.

    If code 43 clears but reappears after the next wash, a loose connector is the most likely cause.

  2. 2

    Inspect both PCB connectors

    After unplugging, access both the main PCB (behind the control panel) and the motor controller (at the base). Firmly reseat the communication harness connector at each end.

    Look for any sign of chafing on the harness where it routes around the tub — vibration damage is common here.

    Tools required

When to Call a Professional

Contact a qualified technician if:

  • Harness continuity test confirms wiring is intact but the code persists, pointing to PCB failure
  • Replacing the motor controller board requires 240V disconnection and model-specific board programming on some SmartDrive variants

Need Professional Help?

Find qualified technicians in your area for proper diagnostics and repair.

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More Washers Error Codes

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F2 DL F1 EF 31 20 49 37 35 30 21 42