Fisher & Paykel EcoSmart Code 243: motor stepper test failed

What 243 means

On Fisher & Paykel AquaSmart and EcoSmart top-load washers such as the WA37T26EW and WA42T26GW, and on SmartDrive units like the GWL15, code 243 reports a stepper test failure. The Motor Control Module tried a motor step test and found the motor did not step to the correct position. The owner sees the washer refuse to agitate or spin, and the display shows 243 shortly after the cycle begins.

Common causes of 243

Motor connector or wiring not seating properly
Motor not responding to the step signal
Motor Control Module drive stage no longer working correctly
Drive coupling or basket mechanically stuck

✓ One safe check you can try

1. Stop the cycle and unplug the washer for a few minutes. 2. Remove the load and check that nothing is wedged between the tub and basket. 3. Turn the basket by hand a little; it should move without grinding. 4. Plug in, run an empty cycle and note whether 243 comes back right at the start.

! Why to stop there

The step test could fail from the motor, its wiring or the control, and guessing swaps the wrong part
Forcing a stuck basket can bend the drive parts
We confirm which part failed and give a written price first, and the repair carries 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 240Fisher & Paykel Top-Load Washer Code 240: Hall sensor out of order 241Fisher & Paykel EcoSmart Code 241: display function time-out 242Fisher & Paykel SmartDrive Phase 6 Code 242: out-of-Balance warning 245Fisher & Paykel AquaSmart Code 245: Smart Pump stalled

243243 questions

Why does 243 appear right at the start of the cycle?

The step test runs when the control first tries to move the motor. If the motor does not step to the expected position, the control stops immediately instead of letting the washer agitate in an unknown state.

Could a stuck basket cause this?

Yes, a basket held by something mechanical can stop the motor from stepping correctly. Turn the basket by hand with the power off; if it moves freely the problem is more likely in the motor or control.

Is it safe to keep trying?

Repeated starts with the same error only stress the drive. Try once after a restart, and if 243 returns, leave the washer off until it is checked.