Fisher & Paykel EcoSmart Code 36: water leak, too many top-ups

What 36 means

On Fisher & Paykel AquaSmart and EcoSmart top-load washers such as the WA37T26EW and WA42T26GW, and on SmartDrive models like the GWL15, code 36 means the Motor Control Module has had to top up the water more than four times during agitate. Normally one or two top-ups are enough to replace air that escaped from a full load. The owner sees 36 and the cycle stops, as the washer is losing water.

Common causes of 36

Water escaping from the tub during agitate
Pump or drain path letting water out while the washer agitates
Pressure sensor reading the level incorrectly
Tub overloaded or oversudsing

✓ One safe check you can try

1. Pause the cycle and unplug the washer. 2. Check the floor and the hoses for water. 3. Make sure the drain hose is not siphoning; keep its top above the water line. 4. Reduce the load and use only the high-efficiency detergent amount. 5. Plug in and run one test cycle.

! Why to stop there

Finding where water is escaping needs a look at the pump, hose and sensor
Replacing parts without finding the loss repeats the problem
We tell you the price in writing before work

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

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 Err + numberFisher & Paykel WH2424 Front-Load Display "Err" With a Number: washer stopped with an error code 241Fisher & Paykel EcoSmart Code 241: display function time-out 242Fisher & Paykel SmartDrive Phase 6 Code 242: out-of-Balance warning

3636 questions

Does 36 always mean there is a leak?

It means the water level kept dropping, which can be a real leak or water leaving through the drain path. We check both before replacing anything.

Could too much detergent cause it?

Heavy suds can disturb the level reading and trigger extra top-ups. Using the right amount of detergent is a quick first step.

What if I see water on the floor?

Unplug the washer, close the faucets and call us. Stopping the leak early avoids floor damage.