Fisher & Paykel AquaSmart/EcoSmart and SmartDrive Ph6 Code 238: lid lock open circuit

What 238 means

On Fisher & Paykel AquaSmart/EcoSmart top-load washers such as the WA37T26EW and WA42T26GW, code 238 means the lid lock circuit is open, which points to the harness, its connections, or the lid lock itself. On SmartDrive Phase 6 the same number is a lid lock fail in a factory in-line test. The washer will not start because it cannot confirm the lid is locked.

Common causes of 238

Lid lock circuit open at the lid lock
Harness or connector to the lid lock loose or broken
Lid lock mechanism failed

✓ One safe check you can try

1. Close the lid firmly and make sure nothing is stuck under its edge. 2. Press start again. 3. Switch off the breaker for one minute, restore power and retry. 4. If 238 stays, stop and call us; the lock and its harness need testing.

! Why to stop there

Reaching the lid lock means opening the top housing, which owners should not do.
Harness and lock look the same from outside, so a test decides the repair.
We quote first in writing and give 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 232Fisher & Paykel Top-Load Washer Code 232: Communications timeout after 5 seconds 250Fisher & Paykel AquaSmart Code 250: Smart Pump lost sync 233Fisher & Paykel Top-Load Washer Code 233: EEPROM read error from the motor control module 252Fisher & Paykel EcoSmart Code 252: motor bridge test failed

238238 questions

Does 238 mean my lid is not closed?

Not necessarily. It says the lid lock circuit reads as open, which can be a broken wire or lock rather than a lid that is simply ajar.

Why will the washer not start?

The washer must know the lid is locked before the basket moves. If it cannot read the lock, it blocks the cycle. That is why the washer sits quiet when you press start.

Is there a difference on SmartDrive?

On SmartDrive Phase 6 the number is a factory in-line test result. A home washer showing it still needs a technician to check the lid lock circuit.