Fisher & Paykel AquaSmart Code 246: wash boost valve error

What 246 means

On Fisher & Paykel AquaSmart top-load washers with the bleach or wash boost dispensing feature, code 246 shows the washer detected a problem with the bleach valve through its valve diagnostic circuit. The washer is saying that valve is not behaving electrically as expected. The owner may see 246 when a bleach or boost step is requested, and that part of the cycle may not dispense.

Common causes of 246

Bleach or wash boost valve coil open or damaged
Valve connector not seated on the harness
Control board valve driver not reading correctly

✓ One safe check you can try

1. Unplug the washer and wait two minutes. 2. Check that the bleach dispenser and its cup are clean, dry and properly seated. 3. Run a cycle without the bleach or wash boost option and see if 246 still appears. 4. If it does, leave the option off and call us rather than opening the cabinet.

! Why to stop there

The diagnostic circuit only tells us the valve reading is wrong, not whether the valve, wiring or board caused it
Swapping a valve without testing risks a second visit
We test first and quote the price in writing before any part is ordered

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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Other Washer codes

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 KEY LOCFisher & Paykel WH2424 Front-Load Message "KEY LOC": control panel is locked 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

246246 questions

Does 246 stop all washing?

In many cases only the bleach or wash boost step is affected, so a cycle without that option may run normally. If the error returns without the option selected, we need to check further.

Is it a leak risk?

The code is about the valve reading electrically wrong, not about a leak. Still, wipe up any water around the dispenser and watch the floor around the washer for drips.

Can I add bleach by hand instead?

Adding bleach by hand to the wash is a workaround, but follow the label dilution directions and never mix bleach with other cleaners. It does not remove the code.