Fisher & Paykel SmartDrive Phase 1 Code 42: rotor error

What 42 means

Code 42 on Fisher & Paykel SmartDrive Phase 1 top-load washers is a rotor error. The control found a problem with the motor's rotor, the rotating part that drives the basket and agitator. The washer stops its cycle and shows 42. This code belongs to the earliest SmartDrive phase, so it appears only on older machines. It points to the motor or its control, not to hoses or filters.

Common causes of 42

Motor rotor problem detected by the control
Rotor position signal missing or incorrect
Motor Control Module reading the rotor wrongly

✓ One safe check you can try

1. Stop the cycle and switch off the breaker for one minute. 2. Make sure the load is not jamming the basket, and remove any bulky items. 3. Restore power and try a small load. 4. If 42 returns, stop using the washer and call us.

! Why to stop there

The rotor is inside the motor assembly beneath the tub.
Telling a rotor problem from a control problem takes test equipment.
We give a written price before any work and a 30-day workmanship warranty.

Opening a panel yourself does not automatically cancel a manufacturer warranty, but it can cause accidental damage, and some manufacturers set their own service conditions. Check your warranty terms, or ask us, before deciding.

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4242 questions

What is the rotor?

It is the spinning part of the motor that turns the basket. Code 42 says the control found a problem with it. It is the heart of the drive that moves the clothes.

Is code 42 common today?

It belongs to the first SmartDrive phase, so it is seen mainly on older washers of that generation. Most owners will never meet it unless their washer is from that period.

Can a restart clear it?

A restart may clear a one-time glitch. If 42 returns, the motor or control needs a technician's test. If not, a technician must test the motor.