Fisher & Paykel AquaSmart/EcoSmart Top-Load Code 109: drain pump control running too hot

What 109 means

On Fisher & Paykel AquaSmart/EcoSmart top-load washers like the WA37T26EW and WA42T26GW, code 109 means the AC pump triac is over temperature. The triac that switches the drain pump is running hotter than expected, and the most likely reason is that the pump has dropped low in resistance and is drawing too much current. The washer stops during draining and shows 109.

Common causes of 109

Drain pump has gone low in resistance and draws extra current
Pump triac on the control board overheating as a result
Pump wiring connection adding heat

✓ One safe check you can try

1. Switch the washer off and let it rest for at least 30 minutes so the control can cool. 2. Check that the drain hose is not kinked and the standpipe is clear. 3. Restart and select drain/spin. 4. If 109 returns, leave the washer unused and call us; any water inside must be drained by a technician.

! Why to stop there

The pump and its control sit behind panels that owners should not open.
Heat on the control board can spread if the pump keeps overloading it.
Our technician checks the pump first, quotes the price in writing and gives 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 247Fisher & Paykel AquaSmart Code 247: Smart Pump flapper error 248Fisher & Paykel AquaSmart Code 248: Smart Pump top-up error 232Fisher & Paykel Top-Load Washer Code 232: Communications timeout after 5 seconds 249Fisher & Paykel AquaSmart Code 249: pump timed out, no level change

109109 questions

What is a triac on my washer?

It is the electronic switch on the control board that powers the drain pump. Code 109 says that switch is overheating, usually because the pump pulls too much current.

Why does it show up during draining?

The triac only works hard when the pump runs. A pump with low resistance makes it hot, so the washer stops mid-drain and displays 109.

Is a cool-down enough?

A rest period lets the control cool, so one more cycle may run. If the pump is the cause, the heat builds again and 109 returns, so a technician visit is the real fix.