Fisher & Paykel AquaSmart/EcoSmart and SmartDrive Eco Code 52: water top-Up failing during recirculation

What 52 means

On Fisher & Paykel AquaSmart/EcoSmart top-load washers like the WA37T26EW and WA42T26GW, code 52 is a recirculation (diverter) top-up error. The washer tried more than six times to top up the water level and could not hold it, which means the valve is not closing or draining properly, or is blocked. SmartDrive Phase 5 and 6 Eco models show it too.

Common causes of 52

Recirculation (diverter) valve not closing or draining correctly
Valve blocked
Water level not holding because water keeps leaving the tub

✓ One safe check you can try

1. Turn the washer off and make sure both faucets are fully open. 2. Check that the drain hose is not pushed too deep into the standpipe. 3. Switch off the breaker for one minute, restore power and try a small load. 4. If 52 returns, call us.

! Why to stop there

Blockage and valve wear cannot be told apart from outside.
The valve is inside the cabinet and needs to be removed to inspect.
Written price first, with 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.

→Same appliance

Other Washer codes

KEY LOCFisher & Paykel WH2424 Front-Load Message "KEY LOC": control panel is locked no tAPFisher & Paykel WH2424 Front-Load Message "no tAP": water not reaching the washer out OF bALFisher & Paykel WH2424 Front-Load Message "out OF bAL": load needs rebalancing Sud LOCFisher & Paykel WH2424 Front-Load Message "Sud LOC": too many suds, washer paused 241Fisher & Paykel EcoSmart Code 241: display function time-out 242Fisher & Paykel SmartDrive Phase 6 Code 242: out-of-Balance warning 243Fisher & Paykel EcoSmart Code 243: motor stepper test failed 245Fisher & Paykel AquaSmart Code 245: Smart Pump stalled

5252 questions

What does more than 6 attempts mean?

The washer adds water to restore the level, and if six or more top-ups cannot hold it, the control gives up and shows 52. Each top-up attempt adds water, but the level never holds.

How is 52 different from 51?

Code 51 reports the level dropping because water drained during recirculation. Code 52 reports repeated failed top-ups, with the valve not closing, draining, or being blocked.

Could low water pressure be the reason?

The code points to the valve and level holding. Still, fully open faucets are worth checking before we visit. The valve is the first thing we test on arrival.