Fisher & Paykel Washer Error Code 109

Error code 109 means the control board has detected that the triac controlling the AC drain pump has exceeded its safe operating temperature. This is most commonly caused by a drain pump with a winding resistance that has dropped too low, pulling more current than the triac can safely handle. The washer stops operation to protect the electronics from further damage.

A reset may temporarily clear the code and allow the washer to run, but if the underlying cause such as a low-resistance pump is still present, the triac will overheat again and the error will return. The fault should be properly diagnosed and the root cause corrected before relying on the machine for normal use.

If the drain pump is the cause, replacement pump parts typically range from roughly 40 to 120 dollars depending on the model, with professional labor adding 80 to 150 dollars on top of that. If the control board triac or the board itself has failed, board replacement or repair can cost considerably more, often in the range of 150 to 350 dollars or higher for parts alone. Getting an accurate diagnosis first helps avoid unnecessary parts costs.

Start by disconnecting the drain pump and measuring its resistance with a multimeter. The correct reading should be 7 ohms, plus or minus 8 percent, at 68 degrees Fahrenheit. If the reading is outside that range, the pump needs to be replaced. If the pump tests within spec, also check for debris blocking the impeller and inspect all wiring connections before considering the control board as the fault source.

It is not recommended to continue running the washer with an active 109 fault. The over-temperature condition in the pump triac can lead to permanent damage to the control board if the underlying cause is not addressed. Continued operation risks turning a relatively inexpensive pump replacement into a much more costly control board repair.