Australasian Appliance Forum

Hi,

I have a F&P 603 Smartdrive (bought in '95). It was standing idle for 3 years while I was away, having fun in London.
Upon returning in April this year, I had both the hot and cold water inlet valves replaced, because of constant dripping of water into the bowl, as well as the cold water was not flowing into the machine (ie everything had to be washed on the hotest setting, otherwise it would not even start). It was done be the F&P service guy. He said that he does not want to come back to fix it again, as we should buy a new machine. Curious, considering that the part he replaced was only approx $20, and I would rather not have to buy a new machine, until the electronics are completely fried. I wish I came across this forum then!

The machine worked well until now. I seem to have the same problem again, this time with the hot water. It will work on warm setting but not warm-hot or hot. When that setting is requested, there is no "sucking" noise from the hot water inlet and the spin, and slow spin and hold spin lights come on. Previously, in April, the hot/cold water lights went up as well, so although it sounds like the same problem, I am worried that it is something else.

Thanks for your help,

Eva

I have tried to run the diagnostic as advised to others.
The only led on is the "spin", when both the slow and hold leds are on, so it is 00000001. The other leds that are illuminated are the water level high and low.
What does this mean? Error code 1?
Thanks,
Eva

Code 1 is a fault in the control module according to the book. As this is an expensive component I would definitely get pro help to confirm the diagnosis - maybe a local independent if the F+P guy is being reluctant.

Regards,
Penguin45.

Thanks,
the "control module" - is that the electronics board? Can it be replaced or would I be better off with a new machine?

Thanks for all your help.
Eva

'Fraid I'm half a world away - so I have no idea about prices. I do know that the control boards are available as reconditioned units which always saves a bit. I think you need to at least to speak to your local service engineer and get an idea of prices.

Good luck,
Penguin45.

If your machine is working on cold it would be unusual for it to be the motor control module more likely to be a blockage in the hot tap filter. If you go into the test program try the valves by pressing the hot and cold water temp buttons
603 is a good model around $250 to replace the MCM
You also say the hot and cold valves are $20 thats not right??? was the hot replaced

Thanks again,

how do I get into the test program? Is that the diagnostic mode, where I worked out the error code?

Yes, the hot water valve was replaced as well as the cold water one. I still have the old ones. The F&P guy charged us around $20-30 for each (from memory) and around $100 for the call out. Do you think the parts should have been more or less?

The parts manual describes these parts as a "valve inlet proportional 12V C" (part 426143) and "valve inlet 12V Hot" (part 426142). Are we talking about the same thing?

Cheers,
Eva

exact cost to replace motor controller in NZ is $175.00, cold water valve $35, hot water valve $23 this is all for the 603 model.

Hi eva_w,

Lets keep it simple - I think its unlikely to be the control module, as you are still getting it to fill on cold. Have you checked there is water to the hot valve?

If not - turn tap off and unscrew hose from hw valve - hold end over sink and turn tap on to check its ok.

On the toss of a coin I wold think it is a failed valve - and as its still under 12 warranty I think I would be making a a call to get the service guy back.

Make sure to check your invoice to ensure the valves were actually replaced. If the call was carried out by F+P they would have a computer record of it which you could check over the phone.

Hope this helps

Cheers

Tom C.

Tom,
The hot water inlet valve has definitely been replaced, as I have kept the old ones, which he replaced in front of me.

There is water to the hot valve, as some hot water gets through! I am able to wash on warm (and the water is definitely warm to touch) but not on any higher temperature. I have checked the hose, there is no blockage. I have also now checked both the hot and the cold water buttons in the diagnostic mode and there is water flowing into the machine.

It almost seems like there is "not enough" hot water getting in to support any temperature higher than "warm". Is that possible, or is it still a control module problem?

I am prepared to buy a new valve and replace it myself, unless someone tells me that this is not it!

Eva

So the valves are ok
It may just be in our cold winters around 7 degrees That your hot
water is not hot enough you can ajust the temps in the option ajustment mode.
I have had a problem like this on a 603 that I fixed by fitting a cold valve to the hot inlet for some reason the hot voltage was lower around 12v on test but 8v on normal fill and fitting a cold valve fixed it
I dont think the valve is faulty as it fills ok in diagnostic mode

Just to clarify, there is no water coming in when hot is selected at the start of the cycle,but it does come in in diagnostics? If this is the case then I would look at replacing the motor controller. Go for a rebuilt one and ask the supplier if it doesnt fix the fault, can you bring it back?
If it is just temp related, enter opitions adjust by holding start/pause, then press power and release both. Select which temp selection you want to alter buy using the temp up and down (HOT, WARM HOT, WARM etc, and the advance button to change the actual incoming temperature (the wash progress lights will change as you press the button)

Hope this helps

It can't be the temperature! It worked OK on the hottest setting until a couple of weeks ago (and it was still winter).

Anyway, the machine is inside the apartment (always 20-24C), as is the water heater, so I am not sure what that would have to do with the winter temps outside?

Is there maybe some thermostat within the machine?

I will try replacing the cold valve, maybe it is just the voltage thing. And then I will try to source the controller. In the spare parts manual there are three items under the indicator which points to the motor controller. Does anyone know which one I would need to get?
425895P Controller motor 230V rebuilt
426104P Controller motor 110V
426379P Controller SD3 230V ROW SVC

Thanks,
Eva

Fisher & Paykel had a problem in 2003 with digital
water valves locking up on high water pressure the solution was to replace digital valve (hot) with proportional valve (cold).

425895P Motor Controller 230V rebuilt / exchange - 603 Model
has been superseded by p/n 425895R

Hi eva_w,

Probably too many options here for you - I'm in Sydney - If you like you can give me a ring tomorrow on my mobile 0418 255 012 and I may be able to nut it out a bit quicker.

Hope this helps....

Cheers

Tom C.