mypros+
Error code reference

Fisher & Paykel Washer Error Code #43

Out of balance switch fault

Fisher & Paykel codesFisher & Paykel washer codes

Out of balance switch fault — the out of balance switch is permanently activated or the harness to it is disconnected.

First step from the service manual

Check the out of balance switch and its harness connection.

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

MyPros+ Max

Get the full diagnostic procedure for #43.

  • Step-by-step tests with expected resistance, voltage, and continuity values
  • Wiring diagram references and connector pinouts from the OEM service manual
  • Verified part numbers when replacement is required
Get the full procedure

$29/month · Cancel anytime · Or $9.95 3-day pass

What #43 means on a Fisher & Paykel washer

Error code #43 on a Fisher & Paykel washer indicates a fault with the out of balance switch. This switch is a safety component designed to detect when the drum load becomes severely unbalanced during a spin cycle, triggering a stop to prevent mechanical damage. When the machine logs code #43, it means the control system is reading the out of balance switch as permanently activated, even when no imbalance condition exists, or the harness connecting the switch to the control board has been disconnected or has lost continuity.

The out of balance switch operates as a normally open or normally closed contact that signals the control board under specific mechanical conditions. A switch that is stuck in the activated position will cause the machine to behave as though an imbalance is always present, potentially preventing spin cycles from completing. A disconnected harness produces the same signal at the control board, making electrical inspection of both the switch and all harness connectors essential before replacing any components.

Common root causes include a physically damaged or failed switch, a wiring harness that has vibrated loose over time due to normal machine operation, or a harness with a broken wire or corroded connector. Because vibration is inherent to washer operation, harness connections in this circuit are prone to working loose over the machine's service life. Begin diagnosis by visually inspecting the harness connector at the switch and at the control board, then test the switch itself for proper continuity and operation.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of #43

  1. 01

    Disconnected harness connector

    Wiring / connection

    Vibration from normal washer operation can cause the wiring harness connector at the out of balance switch to loosen or fully disconnect over time. Visually inspect the connector at both the switch and the control board end for a secure, locked connection.

  2. 02

    Failed or stuck out of balance switch

    Part replacement

    The switch itself may have failed internally, remaining permanently activated regardless of drum conditions. Testing the switch for correct continuity in both its rest and activated states will confirm whether it needs replacement.

  3. 03

    Broken or damaged harness wire

    Part replacement

    A wire within the harness can develop an internal break or short due to repeated flexing or pinching, causing a constant fault signal at the control board. Continuity testing along the harness length will identify any open or shorted conductors.

  4. 04

    Corroded harness connector terminals

    Wiring / connection

    Moisture exposure inside the cabinet can cause corrosion at the harness connector pins, increasing resistance or breaking the circuit. Inspect the terminals closely for green or white oxidation and clean or replace the connector if corrosion is found.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about #43

What does #43 mean on a Fisher & Paykel washer?
Error code #43 means the out of balance switch is being read as permanently activated by the control system, or the wiring harness connected to it has been disconnected. This switch is a safety component that monitors drum load balance during spin cycles. The fault prevents the machine from operating normally until the switch or its wiring is inspected and repaired.
Can I fix error code #43 myself?
A knowledgeable DIYer can tackle this repair by starting with the harness connector at the out of balance switch, checking that it is fully seated and free of corrosion. If the connector is secure, continuity testing the switch and harness wires is the next step. Replacing a failed switch or a damaged harness section is a straightforward task for someone comfortable with basic electrical diagnosis on appliances.
Will resetting the washer clear error code #43?
A reset may temporarily clear the code from the display, but it will return immediately if the underlying fault is still present. Because the control board reads the out of balance switch as continuously activated, the error will reappear as soon as the machine runs through its diagnostic checks. The switch and harness must be inspected and the fault corrected for the code to clear permanently.
Is it safe to use my Fisher & Paykel washer while error code #43 is active?
Running the washer while this fault is active is not recommended. The out of balance switch is a protective component, and with it faulted, the machine may not be able to detect a genuine imbalance condition during spin. This could allow the drum to spin aggressively while unbalanced, potentially causing mechanical damage to the machine or creating a safety hazard.
How much does it cost to repair error code #43 on a Fisher & Paykel washer?
If the repair is only a loose harness connector, there may be no parts cost at all, with labor being the primary expense. Replacing a failed out of balance switch typically involves a modest parts cost, with the total repair bill for a technician visit generally ranging from around $80 to $200 depending on local labor rates and parts pricing. A damaged wiring harness may fall on the higher end of that range.

Related Fisher & Paykel washer codes

All Fisher & Paykel washer codes
View all 175 Fisher & Paykel washer codes

78,000+ service manuals · 160,000+ error codes · 55+ brands

Get Started

$29/month · Cancel anytime · Or $9.95 3-day pass