Fisher & Paykel EcoSmart Code 38: pressure sensor read empty during agitate

What 38 means

Fisher & Paykel AquaSmart and EcoSmart top-load washers such as the WA37T26EW and WA42T26GW, and SmartDrive models like the GWL15, show code 38 when the Motor Control Module records a water level of empty while it is agitating. The level must have been above empty for agitate to start, so the reading changed unexpectedly. The most likely cause is a severely damaged pressure sensor hose, and the owner sees the wash stop partway.

Common causes of 38

Pressure sensor hose severely kinked, split or off
Pressure sensor not reading correctly
Water draining out during agitate

✓ One safe check you can try

1. Pause the cycle and unplug the washer. 2. Check whether water is on the floor or the tub has drained. 3. Do not reach for the sensor hose inside the cabinet; leave that for service. 4. Run one cycle with a smaller load and watch the water level. 5. Stop if 38 shows again.

! Why to stop there

The sensor hose runs inside the cabinet, where owners should not be working
A false empty reading can come from the hose or from real water loss, and only a check separates them
We give you a written price before work and a 30-day warranty after it

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 239Fisher & Paykel AquaSmart/EcoSmart and SmartDrive Ph6 Code 239: lid lock not responding door OPEnFisher & Paykel WH2424 Front-Load Message "door OPEn": close the door to start 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

3838 questions

What does an empty reading during agitate mean?

The washer started agitating because it saw water, then saw none. Either the reading is wrong or water really left the tub. The first is a sensor or hose problem; the second is a drain problem.

Can I replace the hose myself?

We would rather you did not. The hose connects inside the cabinet, and a poor fit gives wrong levels that can overfill the tub.

Does it matter which load size I wash?

A small load can mask a leak, but the code is about the sensor reading. Do not rely on small loads as a fix.