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Error code reference

Fisher & Paykel Dryer Error Code ErrA

The belt switch is open or disconnected; belt may be broken.

The belt switch is open or disconnected; belt may be broken.

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What ErrA means on a Fisher & Paykel dryer

The ErrA code on a Fisher & Paykel dryer indicates that the belt switch circuit is open or that the switch itself has become disconnected. The belt switch is a safety component wired in series with the drive circuit. Its job is to detect whether the drum drive belt is intact and properly tensioned. When the belt is in place, the switch remains closed and allows normal operation. If the belt breaks, goes slack, or the switch loses its electrical connection, the circuit opens and the control board registers ErrA to halt operation.

The most common physical cause is a broken or snapped drive belt. Over time, the rubber belt that wraps around the drum and motor pulley fatigues and can snap, which releases tension on the belt switch actuator and causes the switch to open. In other cases, the belt itself may still be intact but the wiring harness connector to the belt switch has vibrated loose or corroded, producing the same open-circuit signal at the control board.

Because the belt switch is a safety interlock, the dryer will not run while ErrA is active. Diagnosis requires accessing the dryer cabinet to visually inspect the belt for breakage, confirm the belt switch connector is seated and undamaged, and verify continuity through the switch with a multimeter. A properly functioning belt switch should show continuity when the belt is tensioned against its actuator.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of ErrA

  1. 01

    Broken drive belt

    Part replacement

    The drum drive belt snaps after prolonged use, releasing tension on the belt switch actuator and opening the circuit. A broken belt is usually visible during cabinet inspection as a loose or detached rubber strap around the drum.

  2. 02

    Disconnected belt switch wiring harness

    Wiring / connection

    Vibration during normal operation can loosen the connector plug at the belt switch, creating an open circuit without any physical belt damage. Checking and reseating the connector may resolve the fault.

  3. 03

    Faulty belt switch

    Part replacement

    The belt switch itself can fail mechanically or electrically, reading as open even when the belt is intact and properly tensioned. Continuity testing with a multimeter across the switch terminals will confirm whether the switch has failed.

  4. 04

    Belt slipped off pulley

    Wiring / connection

    In some cases the belt remains unbroken but slips off the idler or motor pulley, removing tension from the switch actuator. This is identifiable by finding the belt loose inside the cabinet rather than snapped into pieces.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about ErrA

What does ErrA mean on a Fisher & Paykel dryer?
ErrA means the dryer's control board has detected an open circuit in the belt switch, which monitors whether the drum drive belt is intact. This typically means the belt has broken, slipped off a pulley, or the wiring to the belt switch has come loose. The dryer will not operate while this fault is active, as the belt switch is a safety interlock. Inspecting the belt and switch wiring inside the cabinet is required to resolve it.
Can I fix the ErrA error myself on a Fisher & Paykel dryer?
A confident DIYer comfortable with basic appliance disassembly can diagnose and resolve ErrA in many cases. If the belt has simply slipped off a pulley, reseating it requires no parts. If the belt is broken, replacing it is a moderately involved repair that requires purchasing a compatible replacement belt and reassembling the drum. A failed belt switch is also a replaceable component. If you are not comfortable working inside the dryer cabinet, a qualified technician should perform the repair.
Is it safe to use my Fisher & Paykel dryer when ErrA is showing?
No, you should not attempt to bypass or ignore the ErrA fault. The belt switch is a safety interlock, and if the belt is broken, running the motor without the belt could cause overheating or further mechanical damage. The dryer is designed to refuse operation when ErrA is active, and that protection should not be circumvented.
Will resetting the dryer clear the ErrA error code?
Resetting the dryer will not permanently clear ErrA because the fault is triggered by a real hardware condition, not a software glitch. If the belt switch circuit remains open after a reset, the code will return immediately when the dryer attempts to start. The underlying cause, whether a broken belt, slipped belt, loose connector, or failed switch, must be physically corrected before the error will stay cleared.
How much does it cost to fix a Fisher & Paykel dryer showing ErrA?
If only the wiring connector needs reseating, there is no parts cost and the repair is free if done yourself. A replacement drive belt typically costs in the range of $15 to $50 depending on the model. A replacement belt switch is generally in the $20 to $60 range. If you hire a technician, expect to pay labor costs on top of parts, which can bring the total repair cost to roughly $100 to $250 depending on local rates and the parts required.

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