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Error code reference

Fisher & Paykel Washer Error Code 109

AC pump triac over temperature

Fisher & Paykel codesFisher & Paykel washer codes

AC pump triac over temperature - electronics detected pump triac temperature exceeded normal conditions, likely pump gone low in resistance.

First step from the service manual

Check the pump resistance (7 ohms +/- 8% @ 68°F / 20°C).

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

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What 109 means on a Fisher & Paykel washer

Error code 109 on a Fisher & Paykel washer indicates that the electronics control board has detected an over-temperature condition in the triac responsible for driving the AC drain pump. A triac is a semiconductor switching device used to control AC current to components like the pump motor. When the pump triac overheats, the control board registers this fault and halts operation to prevent damage to the electronics. The condition is triggered not by an ambient heat issue, but by excessive current draw through the triac itself.

The most likely root cause identified for this fault is a drain pump that has developed abnormally low internal resistance. Under normal operating conditions, the pump motor winding should measure 7 ohms, plus or minus 8 percent, at 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius). That tolerance range places acceptable resistance between approximately 6.44 ohms and 7.56 ohms. When the pump winding resistance drops below this range, it draws more current than the triac is rated to handle continuously, causing the triac to overheat and trigger the fault.

Diagnosis should begin by disconnecting the pump and measuring its winding resistance with a multimeter. A reading significantly below 6.44 ohms confirms a failed pump that is the source of excess current draw. If the pump measures within spec, the triac on the control board itself may have degraded and be generating excessive heat even under a normal load. In that scenario, the control board becomes the suspect component requiring evaluation or replacement.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of 109

  1. 01

    Drain pump with low winding resistance

    Part replacement

    A pump motor winding that has partially shorted internally will measure below the acceptable 6.44 to 7.56 ohm range at 68 degrees Fahrenheit, causing it to draw excess current and overheat the controlling triac. Measure the pump resistance with a multimeter to confirm.

  2. 02

    Pump motor winding short circuit

    Part replacement

    A complete or near-complete short in the pump motor winding will show resistance well below the 7 ohm specification and will cause immediate and sustained triac overheating. This is a definitive pump failure requiring replacement.

  3. 03

    Debris or obstruction causing pump motor strain

    Wiring / connection

    A mechanical obstruction in the pump impeller forces the motor to work harder, increasing current draw through the triac over time. Inspect the pump for lint, coins, or debris that could be restricting impeller movement.

  4. 04

    Degraded or failed pump triac on the control board

    Part replacement

    If the pump resistance tests within specification, the triac component on the main control board may have degraded and is no longer switching efficiently, generating excess heat under normal load. This points to control board failure.

  5. 05

    Intermittent pump wiring or connector fault

    Wiring / connection

    A loose or corroded connector at the pump can cause arcing or variable resistance in the circuit, contributing to irregular current spikes that stress the triac. Inspect all wiring and connectors at the pump and board for damage or poor contact.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about 109

What does 109 mean on a Fisher & Paykel washer?
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.
How do I fix error code 109 on my Fisher & Paykel washer?
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.
Will resetting my Fisher & Paykel washer clear error code 109?
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.
Is it safe to keep using my washer while error code 109 is active?
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.
How much does it cost to repair a Fisher & Paykel washer showing error code 109?
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.

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