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Error code reference

Fisher & Paykel Washer Error Code 44

Water in Tub during Spin

Water in Tub during Spin - Motor Controller sensed water level in tub during spin, possibly caused by slow pump out rate due to partial blockage.

First step from the service manual

Check that the drain hose is not squashed or kinked.

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

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What 44 means on a Fisher & Paykel washer

Error code 44 on a Fisher & Paykel washer indicates that the motor controller detected water remaining in the tub during the spin cycle. Under normal operation, the tub should be fully drained before the machine attempts high-speed spinning. When the controller senses that the water level has not dropped to the expected threshold before or during spin, it triggers this fault to prevent mechanical stress, excessive vibration, and potential damage from spinning a water-loaded drum.

The most common underlying cause is a slow pump-out rate, meaning the drain pump is running but cannot evacuate water fast enough to meet the controller's timing requirements. This is frequently the result of a partial blockage somewhere in the drain path rather than a complete pump failure. Blockages can occur at the pump filter, inside the pump housing itself, within the drain hose, or at the point where the drain hose connects to the household standpipe or sink drain. A kinked or squashed drain hose will also restrict flow and produce the same symptom.

Less commonly, the fault can be caused by a failing drain pump that is spinning too slowly or intermittently, a problem with the water level pressure sensor that is misreporting the water level to the controller, or a wiring issue between these components. Because partial blockages are by far the most frequent trigger, the diagnostic process begins with a physical inspection of the drain hose routing and condition, followed by cleaning the pump filter and checking for foreign objects lodged in the pump.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of 44

  1. 01

    Kinked or squashed drain hose

    Wiring / connection

    If the drain hose is bent sharply, pinched behind the machine, or crushed against a wall, water flow is restricted and the tub cannot empty quickly enough. Inspect the full length of the hose for any deformation or tight bends.

  2. 02

    Clogged pump filter or pump housing

    Wiring / connection

    Lint, coins, buttons, and other small items can accumulate in the pump filter or jam the pump impeller, reducing drainage speed significantly. Accessing and cleaning the filter is often all that is needed to resolve the fault.

  3. 03

    Blocked or restricted household drain connection

    Wiring / connection

    If the standpipe, laundry tub, or drain connection the hose empties into is partially blocked, water cannot leave the hose fast enough, causing back-pressure and slow pump-out. Check that the household drain flows freely and that the hose is not inserted too deeply into the standpipe, which can create a siphon effect.

  4. 04

    Failing drain pump

    Part replacement

    A pump that is wearing out may run but spin too weakly to maintain adequate flow, particularly under load. If the filter and hose are clear but drainage is still slow, the pump may need to be tested for proper function and replaced.

  5. 05

    Faulty water level pressure sensor

    Part replacement

    If the pressure sensor or its connecting hose is defective, the controller may incorrectly believe water is present in the tub even after it has drained fully. This is a less common cause but should be considered if the drain path checks out as clear and functional.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about 44

What does 44 mean on a Fisher & Paykel washer?
Error code 44 means the motor controller detected water remaining in the tub at a point during the cycle when the drum should already be drained and ready to spin. The machine stops to prevent the hazards of spinning a water-filled drum. This code points to a slow or restricted drain, most often caused by a partial blockage in the pump, filter, or drain hose. Addressing the drain path is the first step toward clearing this fault.
How do I fix error code 44 on my Fisher & Paykel washer?
Start by checking that the drain hose is not kinked, squashed, or pinched behind the machine, and reposition it if needed. Next, clean the pump filter to remove any lint, debris, or small objects that may be restricting flow. Also confirm that the household drain the hose connects to is clear and flowing freely. If these steps do not resolve the issue, the drain pump itself may need to be inspected for wear or failure.
Is it safe to keep using my washer when error code 44 appears?
You should not continue running wash cycles while this error is active. Spinning a tub that still contains water puts excess mechanical stress on the motor, bearings, and drum assembly, and can cause significant vibration or further damage. Resolve the drainage issue before resuming normal use.
Will resetting the washer clear error code 44?
Resetting the machine may clear the fault display temporarily, but the error will return if the underlying drainage problem has not been fixed. A reset does not address a blocked filter, kinked hose, or failing pump. Always diagnose and correct the root cause before attempting a reset, otherwise the machine is likely to fault again during the same or the next cycle.
How much does it cost to repair a Fisher & Paykel washer showing error code 44?
If the fix is as simple as clearing a blocked filter or straightening a kinked hose, there may be no parts cost at all, just your time. If the drain pump needs to be replaced, parts and labor combined typically range from around $150 to $350 depending on your location and the service provider. A faulty water level pressure sensor is generally a less expensive repair, often falling in the $80 to $200 range for parts and labor.

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