Fisher & Paykel Washer Error Code 38

Error code 38 means the Motor Controller Module detected a water level reading of empty while the machine was in the middle of an agitation cycle. This is a pressure sensor fault, and it most commonly points to the pressure sensor hose being disconnected, cut, or otherwise compromised. The washer stops the cycle to prevent operating without accurate water level data. Checking the pressure hose is the recommended first diagnostic step.

No, you should not continue running the washer while error code 38 is active. The machine has no reliable way to measure the water level inside the tub, which means it could potentially overfill or run a cycle under incorrect conditions. The washer's control system has halted the cycle for this reason, and the fault should be diagnosed and resolved before resuming normal use.

A reset may temporarily clear the error code, but it will return as soon as the washer runs another agitation cycle if the underlying problem has not been fixed. The Motor Controller Module will detect the same contradiction between agitation activity and an empty water level reading and trigger the fault again. The root cause, most likely the pressure hose, must be inspected and corrected for the code to stay cleared.

In many cases, yes. The most common cause is a pressure sensor hose that has simply come loose from its fitting, which requires no tools or parts to fix. Locate the hose running from the tub to the pressure sensor, check both ends, and press any loose connections firmly back into place. If the hose is cracked or severed, replacing it is a straightforward repair that most DIYers can handle with basic tools and a replacement hose.

If the repair is simply reattaching a disconnected pressure hose, there is no parts cost involved and minimal labor if you do it yourself. A replacement pressure hose, if the existing one is damaged, typically costs in the range of $10 to $40 depending on the part. If the pressure sensor itself has failed, sensor replacement parts generally range from $30 to $80. Professional labor for any of these repairs typically adds $80 to $150 or more depending on your location and the service provider.