Fisher & Paykel Washer Error Code 41

Error code 41 is a Temperature Sensor Fault indicating the thermistor is reporting temperatures above 110°C, which is beyond any realistic wash temperature. This is almost always caused by a short circuit in the thermistor or its wiring rather than actual overheating. The Motor Controller detects the abnormal signal and stops the machine to prevent potential damage.

You should not continue running the washer while error code 41 is active. Although the fault is likely an electrical sensor issue rather than actual overheating, the Motor Controller cannot accurately monitor water temperature while the fault is present. Running the machine in this condition could result in water temperatures that are not properly controlled.

Repair costs depend on the root cause. A replacement thermistor is generally an inexpensive part, with parts and labor typically ranging from around $80 to $180 depending on your location and service rates. If the Motor Controller is the cause, that repair is considerably more expensive, often ranging from $200 to $450 or more including parts and labor. Getting a professional diagnosis first can help avoid replacing unnecessary components.

Some causes of error code 41 are DIY-accessible. You can check the wiring harness for visible damage and inspect connectors for corrosion or loose connections without specialized tools. To confirm whether the thermistor has failed, you will need a multimeter to measure its resistance, which should read approximately 12.5k ohms at 20°C (68°F). Replacing a thermistor is a moderate-difficulty repair, while replacing the Motor Controller is more complex and may be better handled by a technician.

A reset may temporarily clear the code, but it will return as soon as the Motor Controller reads the thermistor signal again if the underlying fault has not been corrected. The short circuit or sensor failure that triggered code 41 needs to be diagnosed and repaired for the error to stay cleared. Do not rely on repeated resets as a solution.