Fisher & Paykel Refrigerator Error Code 43

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.