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Error code reference

Fisher & Paykel Refrigerator Error Code 43

The icemaker fill tube nozzle heater current is low / element open circuit (only seen with data download…

Fisher & Paykel codesFisher & Paykel refrigerator codes

The icemaker fill tube nozzle heater current is low / element open circuit (only seen with data download using Smart tool).

First step from the service manual

Check the connections to the controller. Check the resistance of the heater (1.2 watts @ 120 ohms).

The complete diagnostic procedure includes additional test steps, resistance specifications, wiring diagram references, and component test points.

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What 43 means on a Fisher & Paykel refrigerator

Error code 43 on a Fisher & Paykel refrigerator indicates that the icemaker fill tube nozzle heater is drawing abnormally low current, or that the heater element has an open circuit (a complete break in the electrical path). This heater is a small resistive heating element located at the fill tube nozzle, where water enters the icemaker mold. Its job is to prevent ice from forming and blocking the fill tube nozzle between fill cycles. When the control board cannot detect the expected current draw from this heater, it logs code 43. This fault is not displayed on the standard user interface and is only visible when a technician performs a data download using the Fisher & Paykel Smart diagnostic tool.

The heater has a specified resistance of 120 ohms and draws 1.2 watts at operating voltage. An open circuit reading on an ohmmeter (infinite or OL resistance) confirms the element has failed internally. A resistance reading significantly higher than 120 ohms also suggests a degraded or failing element. Beyond the element itself, a wiring fault or poor connector seating at the controller can produce the same low-current signal, which is why the first diagnostic step is to inspect all connections at the control board before condemning the heater.

This fault code does not typically cause an immediate complete icemaker failure, but a non-functional nozzle heater can lead to ice bridging at the fill tube, which progressively degrades ice production. Diagnosing this code requires the Smart tool to retrieve it, an ohmmeter to test the heater element resistance, and a visual inspection of the wiring harness from the heater to the controller for any signs of damage, corrosion, or disconnection.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of 43

  1. 01

    Failed nozzle heater element (open circuit)

    Part replacement

    The resistive heating element inside the fill tube nozzle heater has burned out or broken internally. Testing the heater with an ohmmeter will show infinite resistance (open circuit) rather than the expected 120 ohms, confirming the element needs replacement.

  2. 02

    Loose or disconnected wiring connector at the controller

    Wiring / connection

    A connector that has worked loose at the control board can interrupt the circuit and produce a false low-current reading. Inspect and reseat all harness connectors related to the icemaker heater circuit before replacing any parts.

  3. 03

    Damaged wiring harness

    Part replacement

    Chafed, pinched, or broken wires between the nozzle heater and the controller can create an open circuit condition identical to a failed element. A close visual inspection of the harness routing and a continuity test of each wire will identify this fault.

  4. 04

    Degraded heater element with elevated resistance

    Part replacement

    The heater element may not be fully open but has deteriorated to a resistance significantly higher than 120 ohms, causing insufficient current draw. An ohmmeter reading well above the 120-ohm specification points to this condition.

  5. 05

    Controller fault misreading heater current

    Part replacement

    In rare cases, the control board itself may incorrectly sense the heater current as low even when the heater and wiring test correctly. This should only be considered after the heater resistance has confirmed 120 ohms and all connections are secure.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about 43

What does 43 mean on a Fisher & Paykel refrigerator?
Error code 43 means the control board has detected abnormally low current from the icemaker fill tube nozzle heater, or that the heater element has a complete open circuit. This small heater prevents ice blockages from forming at the water fill tube nozzle on the icemaker. The code is not shown on the standard display and can only be retrieved using the Fisher & Paykel Smart diagnostic tool during a data download.
Can I fix error code 43 myself on a Fisher & Paykel refrigerator?
A knowledgeable DIYer can check the wiring connections at the control board and test the nozzle heater with an ohmmeter, looking for a reading of 120 ohms. If the element reads open circuit or far outside that specification, replacing the heater is a straightforward repair if the correct replacement part is available. However, retrieving the code in the first place requires the Fisher & Paykel Smart tool, which is typically only available to service technicians.
Is error code 43 on a Fisher & Paykel refrigerator a safety concern?
Error code 43 does not present a safety hazard. The nozzle heater involved is a very low-wattage element rated at only 1.2 watts, and its failure mode is an open circuit rather than a short. The main consequence of ignoring this fault is degraded icemaker performance as the fill tube nozzle may eventually freeze over.
How much does it cost to repair error code 43 on a Fisher & Paykel refrigerator?
If only a wiring connector needs reseating, there may be no parts cost, only a service call fee. If the nozzle heater element itself has failed, parts and labor together typically range from around $100 to $250 depending on your location and the specific model. If the control board is at fault, that repair will generally cost more, often in the $200 to $400 range.
Will resetting the refrigerator clear error code 43?
A power reset may temporarily clear the logged fault from the system, but if the underlying problem with the nozzle heater or its wiring has not been corrected, the code will return. Because this code is only visible through a data download with the Smart tool, clearing it without repairing the root cause simply means the fault continues undetected until the next diagnostic session.

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