Fisher & Paykel Dishwasher Error Code F5

The F5 error code on a Fisher & Paykel dishwasher indicates that the lid motor is drawing excessive current during its startup phase. This points to a mechanical obstruction preventing the lid from traveling freely in either the open or closed direction. The dishwasher's control board monitors the current draw of the lid motor continuously, and when that current exceeds the acceptable threshold at startup, the board triggers F5 to protect the motor from damage caused by a stalled or overloaded condition.

The lid assembly on Fisher & Paykel dishwashers uses a motorized actuator system to raise and lower the lid automatically. When the lid is physically blocked, the motor stalls against the obstruction and current spikes well beyond normal operating levels. This can happen with the lid jammed in the down position due to items loaded too high in the rack, or jammed in the up position due to a failed or seized actuator component. The lid actuators themselves can also seize mechanically due to wear, debris ingress, or internal failure, producing the same high-current signature even with no external obstruction present.

Diagnosis begins with a visual inspection of the dish rack loading, specifically checking for tall items, cutlery, or glasses that are preventing the lid from completing its travel. If the rack contents appear clear, the next step is to run the lid actuator test available through the dishwasher's diagnostics mode to observe actuator behavior directly. An actuator that moves erratically, makes grinding sounds, or fails to move at all during the diagnostic cycle is likely faulty and will need replacement.