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Error code reference

Fisher & Paykel Refrigerator Error Code F33

Solenoid Driver 2 (transistor) has failed (display board fault code).

Fisher & Paykel codesFisher & Paykel refrigerator codes

Solenoid Driver 2 (transistor) has failed (display board fault code).

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What F33 means on a Fisher & Paykel refrigerator

The F33 error code on a Fisher & Paykel refrigerator indicates a failure in Solenoid Driver 2, specifically within the transistor circuit on the display board. Solenoid drivers are transistor-based switching circuits responsible for energizing solenoid valves, which control the flow of refrigerant or water within the refrigeration system. When this transistor fails, the display board loses the ability to activate the solenoid valve assigned to Driver 2, which can disrupt ice making, water dispensing, or defrost cycle operations depending on the refrigerator's configuration.

The failure is classified as a display board fault, meaning the root cause is internal to the display board's electronic components rather than an external wiring or solenoid coil issue. Transistor failures on control boards are typically caused by voltage spikes, short circuits in the connected solenoid coil, or heat-related degradation over time. If the solenoid valve itself has developed an internal short or unusually low resistance in its coil winding, the resulting excess current draw can stress or permanently damage the driver transistor on the board.

Diagnosing this fault accurately requires checking the resistance of the solenoid valve coil connected to Driver 2 to rule out a shorted load as the root cause before replacing the display board. If the coil resistance is outside the expected range, the solenoid valve should be replaced first. If the coil tests correctly but the fault persists, the display board itself is the defective component and will need replacement to restore normal operation.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of F33

  1. 01

    Failed display board transistor

    Part replacement

    The transistor responsible for switching Solenoid Driver 2 on the display board has burned out or failed internally. This is the most direct cause of the F33 code and typically requires display board replacement.

  2. 02

    Shorted solenoid valve coil

    Part replacement

    A short circuit or abnormally low resistance in the solenoid valve coil connected to Driver 2 can draw excess current and damage the driver transistor. Inspect the coil resistance to determine if the valve is the root cause.

  3. 03

    Wiring fault between board and solenoid

    Wiring / connection

    Damaged, pinched, or corroded wiring in the harness connecting the display board to the solenoid valve can cause irregular current flow or a short that triggers this fault code. Visually inspect the wiring and connectors for damage or corrosion.

  4. 04

    Voltage spike damage

    Part replacement

    A power surge or voltage spike can damage the transistor on the display board without any fault in the solenoid valve itself. This is more likely if the fault appeared after a power outage or electrical event.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about F33

What does F33 mean on a Fisher & Paykel refrigerator?
F33 indicates that Solenoid Driver 2, a transistor circuit on the display board, has failed. This circuit is responsible for energizing a solenoid valve that controls a key function such as ice making, water dispensing, or defrost. The fault is internal to the display board and typically requires professional diagnosis to determine whether the board or the connected solenoid valve is the root cause.
Can I fix the F33 error on my Fisher & Paykel refrigerator myself?
Some preliminary checks, such as inspecting wiring harnesses and connectors for visible damage or corrosion, can be done by a knowledgeable DIYer. However, testing solenoid coil resistance and replacing a display board or solenoid valve involves working with electronic components and refrigerator internals, which is best handled by a qualified appliance technician. Attempting repairs without proper testing could result in replacing the wrong component.
Will resetting the refrigerator clear the F33 error code?
A reset may temporarily clear the F33 code from the display, but if the display board transistor has genuinely failed, the code will return because the underlying hardware fault has not been corrected. Resetting is useful for ruling out a spurious electronic glitch, but a recurring F33 code confirms that a physical component needs inspection or replacement.
Is it safe to keep using my refrigerator while the F33 code is active?
The refrigerator may continue to cool if the solenoid valve affected by Driver 2 is not critical to the basic refrigeration cycle. However, functions controlled by that solenoid, such as ice making or water dispensing, will not work correctly. Continuing to run the unit without repair is not ideal, as underlying electrical faults can sometimes affect adjacent components over time.
How much does it cost to repair a Fisher & Paykel refrigerator F33 error?
Repair costs depend on whether the display board, the solenoid valve, or both need replacement. Display board replacements typically range from a few hundred dollars to over three hundred dollars including parts and labor, while solenoid valve replacements are generally less expensive. A diagnostic service call fee will usually apply on top of parts and labor costs.

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