Fisher & Paykel Washer Dishwasher Oven Error Code 41

Error code 41 on Fisher & Paykel washers, dishwashers, and ovens indicates a temperature sensor fault. The temperature sensor, typically a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor, continuously monitors the water or air temperature during operation and sends a resistance-based signal to the control board. When the control board receives a signal that falls outside the expected resistance range, either indicating an open circuit, a short circuit, or a reading that does not correspond to a plausible temperature, it registers error code 41 and halts or interrupts the cycle to prevent damage.

The sensor itself is a passive component whose resistance changes predictably with temperature. A functioning NTC thermistor will show higher resistance at lower temperatures and lower resistance as temperature rises. If the sensor wiring harness develops a break or corrosion at the connector pins, the control board sees an open circuit and interprets this as a fault. Similarly, a direct short in the sensor circuit can send an out-of-range low resistance reading that also triggers the error. In ovens, the temperature sensor probe is typically located inside the cavity, making it vulnerable to grease buildup and physical damage.

In some cases, the fault lies not with the sensor itself but with the wiring between the sensor and the control board, or with the control board's sensor input circuit. Diagnosing the sensor requires checking its resistance with a multimeter at a known ambient temperature and comparing that reading to the expected value for that temperature. If the sensor reads correctly but the fault persists, inspecting the harness connectors and the board input terminals is the next logical step.