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Error code reference

Fisher & Paykel Washer Error Code #133

High motor current

Fisher & Paykel codesFisher & Paykel washer codes

High motor current — the Motor Controller Module has detected excess current in the motor.

First step from the service manual

Check the motor harness, connectors, and motor for shorts. Check the Rotor Position Sensor and harness for water, mechanical damage, or corrosion. If all OK, replace the Motor Controller Module.

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

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What #133 means on a Fisher & Paykel washer

Error code #133 on a Fisher & Paykel washer indicates that the Motor Controller Module has detected an abnormally high current draw in the drive motor. The motor controller continuously monitors current flow through the motor windings during operation. When current exceeds the acceptable threshold, the controller triggers this fault to protect both the motor and the control electronics from damage caused by sustained overcurrent conditions.

The most common sources of this fault are electrical shorts within the motor itself, damaged wiring in the motor harness, or corroded and loose connector terminals that create unintended current paths. The Rotor Position Sensor (RPS) and its associated harness are also a key area to inspect, as water intrusion, corrosion, or physical damage to the RPS can cause incorrect feedback signals that lead to erratic motor behavior and excessive current draw. Any mechanical obstruction in the drum or drive system can also force the motor to work harder, increasing current to fault levels.

Diagnosis should begin with a thorough visual and electrical inspection of the motor harness, connectors, and motor windings, checking for shorts to ground or between phases. The RPS harness should be inspected for moisture, corrosion, or broken wires. If the motor, harness, and RPS all check out as serviceable, the Motor Controller Module itself is the likely source of the fault and should be replaced.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of #133

  1. 01

    Shorted motor winding or motor harness

    Part replacement

    A short circuit within the motor windings or in the wiring harness connecting the motor to the controller causes a sudden spike in current. Inspect the harness for pinched, burnt, or bare wires and check motor resistance across all phases.

  2. 02

    Corroded or damaged motor harness connectors

    Wiring / connection

    Corroded, loose, or water-damaged connector terminals create high-resistance or unintended short-circuit paths that cause excess current. Inspect all connector pins for discoloration, corrosion, or pushed-back terminals.

  3. 03

    Rotor Position Sensor failure or water damage

    Part replacement

    The Rotor Position Sensor provides motor speed and position feedback to the controller. Water intrusion, corrosion, or mechanical damage to the sensor or its harness can produce faulty signals that cause the motor to overdraw current.

  4. 04

    Mechanical obstruction in the drum or drive system

    Wiring / connection

    A foreign object jamming the drum or a seized bearing forces the motor to draw higher current to overcome resistance. Check for free drum rotation and listen for grinding or unusual noises during spin.

  5. 05

    Faulty Motor Controller Module

    Part replacement

    If all wiring, connectors, the motor, and the RPS pass inspection, the Motor Controller Module itself may have developed an internal fault causing it to misread or generate overcurrent conditions. Replacement of the module is the indicated next step.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about #133

What does #133 mean on a Fisher & Paykel washer?
Error code #133 means the Motor Controller Module has detected excessive current flowing through the drive motor. The washer shuts down automatically to protect the motor and electronics from overcurrent damage. The fault can originate from a shorted motor, damaged wiring, a faulty Rotor Position Sensor, or a failing Motor Controller Module. A component-by-component inspection of the motor circuit is needed to identify the root cause.
Can I fix error code #133 on my Fisher & Paykel washer myself?
Some causes of this error are accessible to a knowledgeable DIYer, such as inspecting the motor harness and connectors for visible damage, corrosion, or water intrusion. However, testing motor windings for shorts and evaluating the Rotor Position Sensor requires a multimeter and some electrical knowledge. Replacing the Motor Controller Module, if that is the root cause, is a more advanced repair that many DIYers can complete using the correct replacement part.
Is it safe to use my washer when error #133 is displayed?
No, you should not continue operating the washer while this fault is active. Error #133 indicates an overcurrent condition that can damage the motor, wiring, or controller if the machine is run repeatedly without addressing the underlying fault. Stop using the washer until the cause has been diagnosed and corrected.
Will resetting my Fisher & Paykel washer clear error #133?
A reset may temporarily clear the code, but if the underlying fault is still present, the error will return once the washer runs through a cycle. Resetting is not a fix for this error code. The motor circuit, harness, connectors, and Rotor Position Sensor all need to be inspected and tested before the fault can be considered resolved.
How much does it cost to repair error code #133 on a Fisher & Paykel washer?
Repair costs vary depending on which component is faulty. Harness repairs or connector cleaning may cost relatively little, primarily involving labor. A replacement Rotor Position Sensor typically runs in the range of $30 to $80 for the part. If the Motor Controller Module needs replacement, parts alone can range from $150 to $350 or more, with additional labor costs if a technician performs the repair.

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