Err 37 on a Fisher & Paykel washing machine is a drainage fault. The control module has reached the drain phase of the cycle and detected that the water level in the drum hasn't dropped – either because water genuinely isn't moving, or because a faulty sensor is reporting incorrectly. The machine stops to protect itself from running the next cycle with a drum still full of water.
Most Err 37 faults resolve with a filter clean and a drain hose inspection. Others point to a failed drain pump or a pressure sensor issue that requires professional attention.
National Appliance Repairs carries out Fisher & Paykel washing machine repairs across Australia, including same-day callouts in most capital city suburbs.
What Triggers the Err 37 Code?
The machine's control module monitors the water level sensor (pressure sensor) throughout the drain cycle. If the sensor doesn't register a decrease in water level within the expected timeframe, the module logs Err 37 and halts the programme. The fault can originate at four different points:
| Root Cause | How Common |
|---|---|
| Blocked or clogged drain pump filter | Most common |
| Kinked or blocked drain hose | Common |
| Failed drain pump motor | Moderate |
| Faulty pressure sensor giving false readings | Less common |
| Main PCB fault | Rare |
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
1. Clean the Drain Pump Filter
The filter is the first place to check. Lint, coins, and small fabric items accumulate there over time and can block the pump entirely.
Unplug the machine and manually drain any water using the emergency drain hose behind the service flap. Unscrew the filter cap, remove it, and clear any debris. Rinse under running water until clear, then shine a torch into the housing to confirm nothing remains inside. Reinstall firmly – a loose filter leaks.
On SmartDrive top-loaders, the filter location varies by generation. Check your user manual for the specific access point.
2. Inspect the Drain Hose
Pull the machine away from the wall and trace the hose to the standpipe or wall connection. Look for kinks, sharp bends, or sections pressed flat against a cabinet. The hose end should sit 80–100 cm above floor level – any lower and a siphon effect can pull water back as fast as the pump removes it. If the hose looks suspect, disconnect it at the drain end and flush water through to confirm it's clear.
3. Check the Drain Pump
Filter clear, hose unobstructed, Err 37 still showing – the pump motor is the next suspect. With the machine unplugged, access the pump via the front service panel or by tilting the machine back. Check the impeller spins freely; if it's jammed, clear the obstruction and retest. Measure the motor winding resistance from the PCB connector – on Fisher & Paykel front-loaders the expected reading is 212 Ω. A significantly different result confirms a failed pump winding.
4. Test the Pressure Sensor
An Err 37 code that persists after the machine has fully drained (water visible on the floor after manual draining, but code still showing) points to a faulty pressure sensor giving a false "drum full" reading. The pressure sensor should measure 10–15 Ω. Outside that range, the sensor is at fault and needs replacing. If the sensor reads within range and the wiring harness connections are secure, the main PCB is responsible.
Preventing Err 37
A few practices significantly reduce the frequency of drain faults:
- Check pockets before every wash – coins, keys, and small clips are the most common filter-blocking items.
- Clean the drain pump filter every two to three months as part of routine maintenance, even without a fault code.
- Run a monthly hot empty cycle with a washing machine cleaning tablet to dissolve lint and soap residue before it reaches the filter.
- Confirm the drain hose hasn't been nudged into a kinked position when the machine was last moved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Err 37 mean on a Fisher & Paykel washing machine?
It's a drain fault. The control module ran the drain phase and detected that the water level didn't drop as expected. Blocked filter, kinked hose, and failed drain pump are the three most likely causes, in roughly that order of frequency.
How do I fix Err 37 on my Fisher & Paykel washing machine?
Start with the drain pump filter – it's behind the service panel at the bottom front of the machine on front-loading models. If cleaning it doesn't clear the fault, check the drain hose for kinks and confirm it's positioned correctly. Still showing Err 37 after both checks? The pump motor or pressure sensor needs testing.
Can Err 37 be caused by a pressure sensor fault?
It can. If the drum is visibly empty but the code is still on the display, the pressure sensor is sending a false "water present" reading to the control board. Test it with a multimeter – 10–15 Ω is the expected range. A reading outside that means the sensor needs replacing.
How often should I clean the Fisher & Paykel washing machine filter?
For regular household use, every two to three months. Check it monthly if you wash large or heavy loads frequently, or if items regularly make it through pockets into the machine.
Is Err 37 the same across all Fisher & Paykel models?
The Err 37 code is specific to front-loading models. Top-loading AquaSmart machines flag drainage faults with different numbers – 37, 114, and 245 appear most commonly – but the underlying checks are the same regardless of which code your machine displays.
When to Book a Repair
The filter and hose checks take under fifteen minutes and resolve most Err 37 faults. If the code returns after those steps, or the pump or pressure sensor is implicated, National Appliance Repairs can take it from there. Same-day appointments in most metro areas, genuine parts, upfront pricing, and a 12-month warranty on components. Call 1300 434 380 or book online.
