Fisher & Paykel EcoSmart Code 40: inner basket disengage error

What 40 means

On Fisher & Paykel AquaSmart and EcoSmart top-load washers such as the WA37T26EW and WA42T26GW, and on SmartDrive models like the GWL15, code 40 is an inner basket disengage error. It tells the owner the washer sees a problem with the inner basket disengaging or staying engaged between agitate and spin. The cycle stops with 40, and the basket may not move as expected.

Common causes of 40

Basket clutch or engagement not moving
Load unbalanced or wedged against the basket
Mechanical drive problem
Basket status not read correctly

✓ One safe check you can try

1. Unplug the washer. 2. Lift out the load and look for items wedged between the basket and tub. 3. Turn the basket by hand and note whether it moves freely. 4. Reload evenly and try one cycle. 5. If 40 repeats, stop and call us.

! Why to stop there

Basket engagement is a mechanical and control matter that needs inspection
Forcing a spin on a stuck basket can strain the drive
We quote in writing before any 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.

→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 234Fisher & Paykel Top-Load Washer Code 234: Lid lock open circuit 252Fisher & Paykel EcoSmart Code 252: motor bridge test failed 235Fisher & Paykel Top-Load Washer Code 235: Lid lock short circuit 253Fisher & Paykel AquaSmart Top-Load Code 253: SmartPump drawing high current

4040 questions

What is the inner basket?

It is the basket that holds your clothes and moves inside the tub. The washer needs it to engage and disengage at the right time.

Could a bad load cause 40?

An unbalanced or tangled load can interfere. Redistribute the load and try again before concluding there is a repair.

How is 40 different from 56?

40 means the basket status was read and was wrong. 56 means a valid status could not be read at all.