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Error code reference

Fisher & Paykel Washer Error Code 160

Basket engaged

Fisher & Paykel codesFisher & Paykel washer codes

Basket engaged: basket has re-engaged itself during agitate, possibly due to air bell leak, overloaded basket, jammed clutch, or foreign object.

First step from the service manual

Check that the rotating basket assembly is not jammed to the agitator with any foreign object caught under the agitator skirt.

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

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What 160 means on a Fisher & Paykel washer

Error code 160 on a Fisher & Paykel washer indicates that the rotating basket has re-engaged itself during the agitate cycle, when it should remain stationary relative to the agitator. Under normal operation, the basket is held in place by the clutch assembly while the agitator moves independently. When the control detects that the basket is moving in sync with the agitator or has locked to it unexpectedly, this fault is triggered. The washer halts the cycle to prevent mechanical damage and alert the user to a drivetrain issue.

The four primary causes of this fault are an air bell leak, an overloaded basket, a jammed clutch, or a foreign object caught between the basket and agitator. The air bell is a pneumatic component that helps control basket engagement by sensing water level and load conditions. A leak in the air bell or its tubing can cause incorrect pressure readings, leading to unintended basket engagement. A jammed or worn clutch assembly may fail to release the basket properly, allowing it to spin with the agitator during the wash stroke.

Overloading the machine places excessive mechanical stress on the clutch and basket assembly, which can force the basket to engage prematurely. Foreign objects such as coins, bra underwires, or small garment pieces can become trapped under the agitator skirt, physically locking the basket to the agitator. Diagnosing this fault requires a systematic check of the basket clearance, clutch condition, air bell integrity, and load weight before any parts replacement is considered.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of 160

  1. 01

    Foreign object under agitator skirt

    Wiring / connection

    Small items such as coins, underwire, or buttons can become lodged under the agitator skirt and physically bind the basket to the agitator. Manually rotate the basket and agitator independently to feel for resistance or check visually by removing the agitator.

  2. 02

    Overloaded basket

    Wiring / connection

    Exceeding the rated load capacity places excess mechanical force on the clutch and can cause the basket to engage during agitation. Reduce the load size and retry the cycle to confirm if overloading is the cause.

  3. 03

    Jammed or worn clutch assembly

    Part replacement

    The clutch is responsible for holding the basket stationary during the agitate stroke. If the clutch is worn, damaged, or mechanically jammed, it may fail to disengage the basket properly, triggering this fault.

  4. 04

    Air bell leak

    Part replacement

    The air bell and its connected tubing sense load conditions and help regulate basket engagement. A leak in the air bell chamber or the tubing can cause incorrect pressure signals, leading to unintended basket re-engagement during the cycle.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about 160

What does 160 mean on a Fisher & Paykel washer?
Error code 160 means the washer detected that the rotating basket re-engaged itself during the agitate cycle, when it should remain stationary. This can be caused by a foreign object trapped under the agitator skirt, an overloaded drum, a faulty clutch assembly, or a leak in the air bell system. The washer stops the cycle automatically to prevent mechanical damage.
How do I fix error code 160 on a Fisher & Paykel washer?
Start by checking for any foreign objects such as coins or underwire caught under the agitator skirt. Try manually rotating the basket and agitator separately to check for binding. If the drum moves freely and there is no obvious obstruction, reduce the load size and restart. If the error persists, the clutch assembly or air bell system will need inspection and likely replacement.
Will resetting the washer clear error code 160?
Resetting the washer may clear the code temporarily, but if the underlying cause is not resolved, the error will return once the machine reaches the agitate cycle again. A reset is useful for confirming whether the fault was a one-time event due to overloading, but mechanical issues with the clutch or air bell require hands-on diagnosis and repair.
Is it safe to keep using my Fisher & Paykel washer when error 160 appears?
You should not continue running the washer until the cause of error 160 is identified. If a foreign object is jamming the basket or the clutch is failing, continued operation can cause additional mechanical damage to the drivetrain components. Addressing the fault before running more cycles will help avoid a more costly repair.
How much does it cost to repair error code 160 on a Fisher & Paykel washer?
If the cause is simply an overloaded drum or a foreign object, there is no parts cost involved. Clutch assembly replacement typically carries a parts cost in the range of $40 to $120, with labor adding $80 to $180 depending on your location and service provider. Air bell replacement is generally a lower-cost repair, with parts usually in the $15 to $50 range.

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