home Fix label Household Appliances label_important Washing Machines

My Fisher Paykel washer won't drain the water?

I put too much soap in, when it beeped at me, instead of waiting for the bubbles to go away, I started the cycle at rinse again.
Now when I press spin, the machine humms, but nothing happens. I took the clothes out and I just want the water to drain, so I can start over. The F/P people said I may have a computer board problem and refered me to a repair person.
I tried unplugging it and replugging it in and that didn't help. I think it would start the whole cycle over, but I don't want it to overflow so I haven't tried it.
What do you think? Model GWL11

Lucy, December 2005

home Fix label Household Appliances label_important Washing Machinesdone

11 years later and Paul's instructions walked me through cleaning out the pump on an Aquasmart FP that has to be nearing ten years old now. The only change was that this unit screws into place. Great information, easy and as a women in her 50's I would say, the hardest part was crawling under the unit. Paul, if you have a PayPal account I am sure many of the thankful would love to know. Thanks again!

Carole a very thankful Mother, December 2016

September 2016

Brilliant advice! Thanks for posting Paul, you were right on with what the problem was.

Marianne Brown, September 2016

10 Years later and this advice is still gold. Although my problem was the white wire had snapped off...still your advice led me directly to the culprit.

Thanks.

Andrew, May 2016

Dear Lord Paul, did what u advised and now working beautifully. Culprit: bent bobby pin. No more washing by hand. I love my 15yo fisher n paykel. Happy valentine's day to Paul and all who've contributed. This is the second time i've had this problem. Was 10 yrs ago that Paul came to my rescue.

Feb 2016

Caroyln. Brisbane, February 2016

Paul, still going strong with your easy fix after all this time! Like everyone else on here, had it solved in 10 minutes flat and the old F&P is back on the clock.
Cheers, from one Aussie to another mate :)
Matt
South Australia

Matt, November 2015

Paul....you're a god!!!! You just made me get some brownie points & a lot of respect & love from my partner! Thanks heaps!

Garth, November 2015

two years ago my GWL 10US stopped spinning, OOB sw failed, but re-swiping the push on wire terminals got it going. Now another fail, I removed the sw and its kinda seized, the little knob that the white paddle pushes on doesn't come out, it stays in flush. If I can't get it to pop out, its a new sw.

Don, November 2014

My F&P Smartdrive Fresh 5.0 suddenly wouldn't drain, and I'm very glad I found this webpage with Paul's advice - with my washer, the water pump is held in place with three rather long hex-head bolts, so my socket set and cordless srewdriver came in handy. The rubber outlet hose needed to be removed and then replaced, and a pair of long-nosed pliers dealt with the spring clip clamping the hose to the pump outlet.
ps -I found a small button inside the pump.
Many thanx, Paul!

George 'nervsov' Steel, September 2014

Hi Paul took your advice after washing machine was not draining water but now my keypad has gone haywire only lighting up a few buttons and saying lid locked. Can you please help solve this problem now thanks.

Donna, May 2014

Hi Paul. Followed your directions and happy to say fixed the problem. You are a lifesaver!!. We ended up removing the bottom of the machine ( which just popped out fairly easy anyway) just to get a better look at the pump, but if we ever need to unclog it again I will confidently do it just through the front panel. Only tip I can add to to put a tray or small bucket when you remove the pump because no matter how hard you try to remove all the water there is always quite a bit sitting at the bottom of the machine that you just physically cant remove. Thanks again Paul. Can't believe how easy it was to fix

Donna, April 2014

Thanks Paul, that did the trick, washing machine working again after a quick clean out of the pump.

maylee285, April 2014

You are a legend Paul. You poured water on my wife's desire to retire our 19 years old FP and buy new one.
Thanks

satish, February 2014

thanks from me too - had a bread tag stuck in hose, now cycling through the rinse and spin cycles normally

Zoe, January 2014

Hi Paul...many many thanks for your advice here. I am not a DIY guy but your clear instructions were spot-on & I sorted the drainage issue in 20mins icluding clean-up.

Thanks again...you are a legend!

mlc

mlc, December 2013

Paul: Been several years since you added your solution, but like almost everyone else I want to add my many thanks for such a clear solution to what looked like a huge problem. Found a small piece of cane (ie, from a cane chair) inside the pump. But what's important is your clear directions meant I didn't get put off by the seemingly complex lump of stuff under the machine.
One person, 20 minutes, small mop job, done!
Many, many thanks

FiveDockDad, December 2013

My FP washer started beeping & flashing lights & it smelled hot. It was full of water & wouldn't advance to the rinse cycle.

Followed your instructions, bailed out the water & removed the drain pump from the bottom. Found a 1/2" x 1" piece of hard plastic in the drain pump. Reassembled and it is back to normal.

Took about 15 minutes to bail out the water and no more than 2 minutes to remove and replace the pump.

Audrey, October 2013

Paul,

If you're still around, THANK YOU. What a lifesaver, we were ready to spend money to buy a new washer/drier set as our FP set is about 13 years old. We found our young daughter's necklace wrapped around the pump shaft and blade so it wouldn't turn.

Great instructions, easily done in about 20 minutes including cleaning the floor under the washer. Definitely worth spending the time to try this fix before calling a repair guy.

Thanks again.

Redcap10, October 2013

Newer machine, but I was able to clear a clogged hose with help from this post!! THANK YOU!!!

Dawn - MN, June 2013

Ours was a bread-bag tag!!!!
Thank you paul!

Jenny, May 2013

Amazing Paul - All these years later and you are still helping people save money on getting someone out.
All fixed in 15 mins

DD, May 2013

Paul - you are A-W-E-S-O-M-E!!!! I had no problems fixing it and you were spot on.

Theresa H, April 2013

I was so excited when I saw how easy it was to do this. Alas, after 11 years of use the pump is spotless on the inside. Maybe it's just faulty. It squeals sometimes, other times it just won't pump unless you turn it off at the wall and then restart it at the same point. Not sure if it's the pump or something else. At 11 years old we're trying to decide on whether to pay someone to look at it, or cut our losses and buy a new one.

Craig, April 2013

Thank you so much. You save me a lot of money and washer!
It was Safety pin!

Val, March 2013

Thankyou so much, we followed your instructions and found lint and a piece of plastic had clogged up the pump, we removed it and put the pump back on and the machine is working perfectly again. Thanks again! Very happy!

Alison, January 2013

Thanks sooo much, my partner decided to wash the young ones school bag in the machine, clogged up the works, but after following Paul's instructions, had the machine up and running in 5 mins, 10 mins to clean up spillage!

Cheers from the future if you're still around Paul!

Mark (Perth WA), December 2012

We found just enough lint to screw it up I guess - thank you, Paul! You saved us right before Christmas.

Kate, December 2012

Thanks Paul - works a treat now!! My husband thinks he is a wizz at fixing washing machines now!!

Karen ACT, August 2012

I also had the same Fault 43 OOB issue but the switch was fine after testing in diagnostic mode 4 (push tub to back right and 4th wash light should come on). After taking the top off, found that bias spring that connects from front left support rod to red spring bias clip on outer tub had come disconnected. Probably one big out of balance load knocked it off. Looks like it got a stretched a bit so ordered from searspartsdirect for $11 with shipping. Current one is still connected and no problems so far.

That spring aint much, but it keeps the outer tub from moving to the back right and triggering the out of balance sensor, which was causing machine to stop in the spin cycle. Everything else seems to be in good working order upon visual inspection. Both F&P washer and dryer have been easy to work with and repair so far (dryer had bad/squeaky pulley that needed replacement after 6 yrs).

Gregg T, June 2012

Thanks Paul, my two daughters and I managed this tonight...girl power! The result 4 bobby pins! Machine is working perfectly now....thankyou so much!

Sherryn, March 2012

Awesome tips thanks Paul. Just got our washer back up and running thanks to this thread with a bit of a help from a YouTube video.

Mike Child, March 2012

Once again another one fixed thanks to people like Paul, much appreciated.

Chris Brennan, March 2012

Nearly 6 yrs after Paul's post he's STILL saving people cash!! Thank you so much!!! Mine had swallowed a piece of old chewed up dog bone... Saviour! (Syd, Aus)

Yvette, February 2012

Thanks Paul.. Legend mate!

Glen From ACT OZ, February 2012

Fantastic, thanks for the advice. Is now working perfectly after removing the toothpick!

Carol, January 2012

All these years on, and this info is still helping people!

MK, January 2012

Awesome info!!! Thanks very much! :)

Matt, January 2012

Hi Paul, after just yelling out instructions to my technically challenged, bean counter husband, and him extracting a safety pin & balled up tape, we now have a draining, spinning washing machine! Now I just have to put up with the lengthy lecture about properly checking what goes in the machine...

Thanks Paul, you're a legend!

Sarah., October 2011

Thanks Paul, great pointer for the location of the pump!! tilted the machine against the wall and Bingo there's that odd sock lodged in the propeller. For removal of the pump Paul's answer is at the bottom of this page... just keep scolling past all of the praise!! Thanks again.

Luke, October 2011

Paul...you're my hero!
I was terrified that I'd broken my Mom's machine and I can't believe i've actually managed to fix it with your help. You are my hero for the day. Just a reminder to unplug the machine from the mains before you do this. I totally forgot and realised just as I was about to pull the pump out. eek.

Lize - Cape Town - South Africa, October 2011

It amazes me how many people this simple tip has helped over so many years.

Add one more, as Paul's advice fixed my problem in 10 minutes.

Geoff, September 2011

AMAZING. Worked like a charm. Took less than 2 minutes. I had some plastic-like from a grocery bag wrapped aaround the prop on the pump. Pulled that off and plugged the washer in and it immediatley began to spin and pump out the water. Thanks

joni, September 2011

At first read I was dubious - could it be *that* easy ... but I too benefited from Paul's magnificent advice....after 2 attempts.

I had a lot of pillow stuffing that was all around the 'insides' of the machine and also wrapped around the pump 'fan' (from about 10 or 20 washes ago). Cleared that and replugged and installed.. and still no draining, so rinse and repeat .... I took out the pump and there was the clogging pillow stuffing. Almost tempted to keep it in a jar, a la dodgy appendix or molars, but it's into the bin. This was for a MW059, so the advice is good for that model too.

Shelley, Qld.

s q, August 2011

Excellent info - even if it the answer was posted 6 years ago!. Found remains of a sock.. THANKS!!

Paul, August 2011

thank you thank you saved on a Sunday with 5 loads to do - after removal of the hairclip! - so simple and very frightening that in all likely hood if I had some one in to repair it - they would have told me the pump needed to be replaced at an additional profit as well as the call out and labour

delighted mum, August 2011

Thanks Paul, like everyone else once I knew how the fix was quick and simple.

Dianne, Palmerston North NZ, August 2011

Thanks Paul,
Just had one problem when turning the pump I managed to pull a white wire from it's connection. Next time will pull the whole connection out to allow the pump to turn without that happening again. Took 10min to clear the hair clip and an hour to reconnect the wire. Typical.

Paul NZ, July 2011

Perfect suggestion Paul. 10 minutes later and it was all fixed. My wife tried to wash a pillow (that our son was sick on) and obviously (now) some filling came out and was wrapped around the motor below. All fixed - fantastic! Thanks

Dean from Camberwell, June 2011

Paul, thank you so much for this helpful information. Your instructions took less than 5 minutes to fix my F & P washing machine. Thanks.

Sharmin, June 2011

washer just drains alittle then stops then drains alittle then stops in the rinse cycle

jim, May 2011

woops sorry paul

fi, April 2011

i followed daves intructions and woop woop my washing machine is working thanks dave if it wasnt for you i hate to think how much that would of cost so hooray for dave

fi, April 2011

Awesome instructions!
All up it took me 20 minutes; took longer to empty than fix (it was the tab end off a zip!) and to think I've been getting a repair guy to do this about once per year.
Cheers Paul!!

Jane NZ, April 2011

Far out, great stuff, was able to fix with those 6 yo instructions, all I found was a small rubber band, and done!

Will., April 2011

Good advice Paul! I found a necklace in my pump! Once water was out it took about 5 mins.
Just remember to unplug the power cable and turn the pump anti-clockwise (As paul stated)

Cheers

Adam, April 2011

Thanks Paul....we had it fixed in 1/2 hour. You are wonderful!

Sherry in Lancaster, PA, March 2011

Thanks Paul!! We did what you said and discovered that my necklase was in it :O.

Fleur McCabe, March 2011

Thanks Paul, What if the pump doesn't seem to move?

Trish, March 2011

Thanks Paul! You are our hero.
We love you!! :)

Tia, March 2011

So very glad I came across this forum as it also has helped me fix our machine. We had a lot of "flood mud" from the Brisbane floods, not the actual water but washing it out of work clothes... and it was caked through out the machine. It wasn't draining because of the mud/clay blocking the area no doubt and by detaching the pump and letting it dry out (it had been leaking and wouldn't even start so I thought it was blown) I gave the whole machine a good clean out after pulling it all to bits and a few hours later I have just done an empty test run and it works perfectly :) Thanks Paul you are an absolute legend!

Lauren, March 2011

Paul is amazing - are you still around Paul? This still works - it worked for me in April last year and has just worked again! The only further tip I would add is that on my machine the pump is the whole huge lump of stuff, you just turn the whole thing hanging off the white clip. Ignore this if you do not think in terms of lumps of stuff.

Amadee - NZ, February 2011

Thanks Paul, you are a champion!

Stu, February 2011

Another satisfied customer with this solution posted. Draining the water was the hardest part and I wasn't fast enough with my bucket once we got underneath and took the pump out, but its fixed so what's a few wet towels?

This happened not too long ago and it cost us $200 and a new pump (Ebay had a great price, btw). Now I am wondering it there was just something stuck in there and the repair guy made me order a new pump for nothing. Grrrrrrr.

Paul - a thousand thank you's for this easy - and clearly common - fix. Our culprit was a Shout color catcher sheet wrapped inside the pump.

Delores, February 2011

Worked for me also.. :-)

Mark, January 2011

Just worked for me as well!!!!

Chuck, December 2010

Fantastic, I just tried the "simple Paul remedy" and it appears to have worked fine on my machine too, thanks very much

Shaza, December 2010

Thank you Paul. We had lint from our dogs beds wrapped around the little black fins. With the help of God through prayer and my daughter holding up the machine, I was able to dislodge the lint. Once free of debris, the washer was back in working order.

LF in Medford, December 2010

Thank you so so much Paul! not long before christmas and my machine stops with so so so much washing to do but thanks to your advice I have got her up and running again in about 1 hour! Just a bit of lint jamming up the works (:

Lea, December 2010

5 years down the track from Pauls fix it tip and still working. Directions were perfect and we saved $150 call out by doing it ourselves this morning. It was a chupa chup stick for me! Just done 2 more loads and is back as good as new. Cheers Paul

Lisa Miller, December 2010

Many thanks from another grateful F&P washing machine owner. My husband and I are not the worlds most handy people - but Paul's instructions were spot on. The culprit was a piece of chain wound around the pump.

Nicola, November 2010

I must add to the long list of very grateful F&P owners.
Your instructions were perfect, I only made the mistake of tilting the machine forward not backward. When I worked that out my machine yielded the guilty stocking sockette in minutes. Big thanks to you Paul.

Mark from Kew Vic, October 2010

To get the water out of the tub without bailing it out, take a garden hose and fill it with water keeping both ends up. Stick one end in the washer and one end outside lower than the washer. It will siphon out automatically. Keep the end inside the washer down below the water level and it will suck it almost dry. If you tilt the machine when it gets low, you can get all but the last few cups out :) I know because I have 9 kids and have unclogged my pump about 10 times! Still running after about 4000 or 5000 washes (about 3 loads a day for 5 years!!!)

Peter Trast, October 2010

Paul is incredible! I'm buying him lunch when I get to Australia. Thought I'd be paying an expensive repair bill or buying a new washer. Following Paul's instructions took about 5 minutes. Found something, not exactly sure what, stick in the pump.

h2oskiinutah, August 2010

Our pump has been running slow, so I followed Pauls instructions. I couldn't find any blockage but I think that one of the 6 single socks on the floor was spinning with the pump's fan. Seems to be pumping fine now.

Steve B., August 2010

Put me down as another disciple of Paul - the man knows his stuff and had my machine rinsing away again 15min after following his spot on instructions.

tross, July 2010

Thanks so much.. I have a newer model only 3 years old.all drain pipes and the pump are all on the right on my model... I felt around the hose, the one after the pump.. and found the blockage.. got a dish pan to drain the water into, and out popped 5 pennies and 2 dimes.. for a mom of 2 tweens.. no washer is a nightmare...Thanks again!!

Lynn in the midwest, July 2010

Paul, many thanks. Amazing that your generous advice of almost 5 years ago is still saving $ for others. Sub 5 minutes and a mountain of washing to attack!

Father of 6, June 2010

This advice was spot on. It took us about 15 minutes to repair our washing machine. It was very simple. We had a small sock from one of our daughters in the impeller housing. We removed it and the macine is back to working great! Thanks a million Paul, your advice is fantastic!!

Tracy, June 2010

Thank you! you saved our family money!!!!! saved us 115$ that is a month of pre-school ! THANKS

Shasta, June 2010

thanks so much for the instructions on how to fix my fisher and paykel washing machine .... im exrtremely tech stupid when it comes to electronic appliances and yet i managed to fix my own washing machine with the instructions provided here albeit a little wet after the experience ..saved me the cost of a repairman :) thanks a bunch

jen, May 2010

I have this model, and had a similar issue. Mine would get to the rinse cycle and stop. My problem was that I had some debris in the diverter valve. At least I think that's what it is called. When you tilt the machine backwards toward the wall, there is a hose from the pump on left, the item with the propeller on it, going to the right, to what I think it called the diverter valve. I had a repairman come out, and I watched what he did, so the next time I could do it myself. PLEASE NOTE..... PRIOR TO DOING ANYTHING TO YOUR WASHER BE SURE AND UNPLUG THE UNIT!!!!!! My repairman explained that you can get shocked by touching anything under the unit with the power on!!!!!!

If the propeller moves freely there isn't anything blocking the pump, most likely. You need to remove all of the water from the tub that you can get out, by dipping or pumping manually. If you move the clamp off of the right side, by the diverter valve, you need to kink the hose, with one hand, and then see if their is any debris inside the diverter valve. That's where my problem was. I had one of those sheets you put in the wash to keep colors from fading on each other. Actually I had cut one in half, and used on 2 separate washes. The both were lodged right there in the diverter valve. He removed them, and the washer worked fine. This took all of 5 minutes, and luckily, I guess, he only charged me for the service call, of $60 plus tax. I might add there is more water under the tub, and he told me, if you are going to pull the pump off, all of that water will come out, so be prepared. I dipped out around 15 gallons of water from my tub, and it was only on the medium wash. I don't know how much water is under the tub, as I didn't need to go that route this time. If I ever do I will probably take my washer outside, where the water can drain without having to worry about catching all of that water......... Hope this saves you time and money, and I might add, I've had my F&P washer/dryer for over 7 years, and this is the first problem I've ever had....... And this one was my fault, not that of the washer. My repairman also stated that he has found a lot of loose change blocking up these washers. I always check my pockets for anything as I'm putting them in the wash, and I would advise all of you to do the same......... Any blockage will cause the water to not drain, and that will stop the washer from going any farther. I went for 5 days without the use of mine, hopefully none of you will have to.........

Ron - Little Rock, AR, May 2010

Thanks Paul,

I too thought I was going to have to buy a new machine. My wife and I followed your directions and fixed it. Found a baby wash cloth that my wife said went missing about two weeks ago. Putting the locking clip back was the trickiest part for us too.

Matt, May 2010

Paul you have made me very happy. Thank you so much. Washer broke on Thursday before the long weekend and by Monday evening had about 6 wash loads to do after a weekend football tour in Devon. Found your advice on the internet and even though it took my husband a bit longer than 10 minutes it is done. Cheers and big kisses to you.

Amanda Harvey (Bristol UK), May 2010

Thank you Paul.
I thought I was going to have to buy a new washing machine. Then I found this website and found that it may be the drain pump. Removed the pump, cleared the blockage and now the washing machine is working again. Getting the locking tab back in place was the trickiest part of the exercise. Thank you again.

Deb (Australia), April 2010

Thank you Paul

Couldn't get all the water out so had a shower fixing the pump, I live in an apartment so a bit of the water drained through the floor and ended up downstairs, all working now, I am in the Uk and the washing machine came over with our personal belongs. so thank you from an ex pat Aussie

Chris M, April 2010

Thank you so much! I thought for sure I was going to have to buy a new washer. Then I found this website and there was hope. After trying to figure out where the answer was on this page (very bottom post if anyone is looking for the solution), it took less than 10 minutes to fix. I did a happy dance when I seen that my washer was working again. Thank you again Paul. You're my hero!!

Cathy - Arkansas, April 2010

Paul,

You are a genius. The washing machine had the exact problem describe on the how to mend it website. I was terrified that I'd broken the washing machine (its not mine and I've just moved into a new flat). Anyway followed you advice and found that some fluff had go caught on the outside of the pump (on the rotating fan bit), pulled that loose and hay presto it worked and now the flatmates dont even have to know the near disaster that wasn't!!

Thanks once again,

Melissa (New Zealand)

Melissa, March 2010

very briefly-----BEAUTY Raymond

Raymond, March 2010

Thanks so much. a bobby pin of my daughters. who knew life could actually be simple. happiness is a fixed washing machine. now i can go to work with a clean shirt.

single dad, March 2010

Thanks mate, youre a legend. Siphonded the water out first with fish pump tube and it took about a 1/2 an hour. Then I realised that if I dropped the drain hose to the floor all the water would drain out anyway. the whole process of actually removing the pump, clearing the 1 inch nail and reassembly took all of 5 minutes.

You have saved me 100+ bucks

Jean

jean, March 2010

Brilliant brilliant brilliant. Thankyou Paul (see bottom of page for the answer). Fixed my machine in around 7 minutes (though have to admit it took me ten minutes to mop the floor afterward, as my bucket wasn't big enough!!!). And to think, I was just about to buy a new pump online. Thanks again.

Jimmi B, March 2010

Thanks!! I found the pump clear and the short hose next to it seemed clear as well. I put it back on and tried the spin cycle -- still would not drain. So I took off the pump again, took a deep breath and blew into the drain hose (leaving a bucket under where the pump had been). Some water and some gunk (nothing I could identify) came out. Then everything worked great. Also -- note the pump motor was very hot when I took it off the second time.

Eric, February 2010

WOW-
that is great advice!
needed the washer fixed this weekend!
loosening the while plastic bracket around the pump made it way easier.
Good as new!

rebecca minehart, January 2010

Thank you Paul! My son followed your instructions and fixed my washer in 15 minutes! The last time this happened the serviceman charged me $135.00. Again thak you!

Hope, January 2010

My drain pump was crystal clear....no clogs. I did find the problem in the small crescent shaped hose....27 cents. Ugh! Thanks Paul :)

godzilla7272, January 2010

I took a look at your site and answers we removed the pump per your instructions and sure enough the drain pump was plugged. Works great now. Thanks for your help.

klm, December 2009

Hey Paul
Thank you for the expert advice, you saved me a bucket load of cash!!!

Leanne Brisbane, Australia, December 2009

We don't have an answer because we used Paul's and it worked. Paul, you're a genius! We have saved ourselves a few hundred dollars. Only took us half an hour. The machine works like a charm. The problem was a build up of lint due to Bath mats. Not doing that again!

John and Nikki WA, December 2009

No power once the pump has been unblocked?

Problem - I cleaned the pump and put it back together - and then the machine wouldn't power on!

Answer - I must have inadvertent bent the pins when I put the little power plug back into the socket on the pump. Remove the grey cover and bend the two pins back into place.

Ian D, November 2009

there is three wires on the pump green white and brown the brown one ie next to a white one that is connected to a small white plastic clip the brown one is loose should it be connected to the plastic clip

cathy, November 2009

how do i get to the pump

james pendergast, November 2009

Paul!!!!
You are an absolute LEGEND!!!!!! Being a single Mum, right on Christmas and my machine decides not to drain and spin, I thought I would do a quick google search.. Found this post and Hey Presto-- My machine is now working as it no longer has a hair pin in the pump!!!! Yeah Paul!!! Thank you so much for saving me a minimum of $100!!!!!

Lisa.... Nth Brisbane, November 2009

Paul,

I had been trying to drain my machine with no luck. I went to your site and you saved the day. I followed you instruction just remember that you need a bucket to catch water that drains out. I did not burn my hands because I had a cloth to help with twisting it. When water was emptied it was a lolly pop stick stuck in the pump. Now it works like a gem.

thanks Paul I wish there were more of you out there

saved me heaps of $$$$$

Elizabeth, November 2009

I love you Paul! You just saved me untold $$ and I love my machine again!

MJ Chime, November 2009

Thank you SO much, Paul!! Your instructions worked like a charm!! We did not even have to call a repair person!! Yea!! You rock!

Bev, October 2009

thanks from Florida! Mine was clogged with the remains of a sock that the washer chewed up (maybe 2 years ago?). You saved me a lot of $$!

Julie, October 2009

Thanks Paul, when i pulled the pump off i found the fan thing on the end clogged with stuffing from a pillow. Works fine now, but...... you didnt say watch for the filter thing when taking the pump off, i burnt 2 of my fingers, cheers for that. Other than that it works fine now.

cheers

Mat, Australia, September 2009

Turns out I didn't need another brilliant Mr. Levy... I decided to go back to spin and let it finish its cycle. I'd been so excited to find it spinning I stopped it before it finished. Once it finished a natural spin cycle, I started a new wash cycle and it appears to be back to work as usual. Whew!

LaJayne, August 2009

After I finally figured out I had to unplug one of the connectors to get the spin to turn it out...I found the culprit...a broken toothpick...last remaining drops of water spun out quick as a wink. Alas now the water won't fill! On to Google more...hope I find someone as brilliant as Paul Levy to answer that one! Many thanks Paul for a good start!

LaJayne, August 2009

Hi,
Thanks to Paul's advice, I decided to try and fix the machine myself. Our machine was draining, but very slowly and would never get to spin cycle. Our clog was actually in one of the black rubber hoses. I squeezed them until I felt a blockage- undid the hose and pulled out two pennies wrapped in cellophane and fuzz. Wash machine is now working perfectly. Thanks Paul!

Sue in Indiana, July 2009

Thank you so much! I literally was having a fit about our washer not draining (it is Sunday) we have 4 kids and 3 puppies and two dogs so I can not be without my washer for even a few hours! I have to add that our clog was in a black rubber hose which easily came unplugged and is now working just fine! Again many thanks to Paul from our family!

Janie, Brecksville, Ohio, July 2009

Paul - you are a god and your legacy lives on. Another fine, quick repair attributed to your expertise. My find was a Lego! So you can add that to the list of goodies found in the washer drain. Repair was a piece of cake. Saved a $159 repair call from Abt Electronics. Yippee!
Cheers,
Mike

Mike Masquelier, July 2009

Very happy that we stumbled across this site Paul, before i started looking for repair-men. Your a champion - Thanks!!

Alisha, May 2009

Thank you very very much Paul. The instructions were easy and it worked like a treat. Most of the time it took was in draining the water out!. I had a 5c coin stuck in the pump. Took me a minute to take the pump out and put it back in. Great advice, saved me a fortune!!!

Darren, May 2009

First, along with all the others, my thanks to Paul. My last visit, wich I admit envolved one of the circuit boards, cost me nearly $300.00. My washer is draining again as I write. My one addition has to do with the small plastic box that covers some of the pump electronics and that provides the sleve into which the main power plug is attached. In the process of removing the pump, this box came loose. I tried for some time to replace it after reinserting the pump. Maybe a pro could do it, but not me! Then thought to remove the pum, attach the box, and replace the pump again. Success! Be aware that two thin medal cupplings have to slide into the internal side of the box at the point where the plug will be connected. They are separated by a plastic piece that devides the connector.and Inslates one from the other

Rick Ely, April 2009

Thanks so much Paul, I fixed it myself. I was honestly going to go out and buy a new machine because last time I got it fixed (different problem) it cost $240 so I didn't think it was worth getting it fixed again seeing as it's 9 years old. It only took about 20 minutes.

Michaela, NSW., March 2009

Another big thank you for rescuing me from a last-straw situation. The pump wasn't full of junk but some plastic had got wrapped around the black fin bits and needed removing. Your instructions were great.

Fiona, March 2009

Paul you are a great, matey. I did exactly what you said and the pump was clogged up with massive amounts of lint from the floor rugs my wife was washing. Now its draining well. Thanks, for saving us money.

Alfred, January 2009

Paul is the best - his advice is brilliant, easy to follow, and I just saved myself $130. Even a girl can do it! Happy New Year Paul!!!

Chantelle, January 2009

Thanks Paul. Another $100 saved. :)

Thanks very much for posting this.

James, December 2008

Well, I can't believe how easy that was. I had to work up my courage though - it was stiff, and took some oomph at first to get it moving. I was afraid I was going to break something. Thankyou so much for empowering me, ME!!, to be able to fix what I now know is an easily fixable problem.

Jillian, November 2008

Thanks Paul,
Our pump was also clogged with lint off a new bath mat - after reading your instructions we were also able to solve the problem. Many thanks.

Julianne, September 2008

Many thanks for your instructions, Paul.

In our case, the pump was very tight. We had to loosen a couple of the screws on the bracket a bit before the pump would turn. We removed a large amount of fuzz (from rugs--won't do that again!).

Sue, August 2008

My problem was a pump problem too. Many thanks to Paul.

The video below fixes a different problem but shows how to find the hidden F&P instruction manual and diagnostics system.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfJ1ZD4CVVc&feature=PlayList&p=166B202E7480D5FF&index=0

Mark, May 2008

Paul,
You're great! Although I wasted some time detaching the pump by first removing the bracket (because I didn't take enough care to read your instructions), I retrieved 2 sticks of toothpicks from the pump and the washing machine now works fine!

Thank you!!!

A C Leong, April 2008

After checking the pump and finding it clear, I followed the black 5 inch rubber hose connected to it and found it impacted with dirt. Ten minutes later it's like we have a new washer. Thanks Paul for pointing me in the right direction, and teaching me how to remove the pump.

Steve, March 2008

Again. I have to thank you Paul - just as everyone else has. It solved our problem and saved us $100+ call out fee ( which we don't have). I'd send you a thank you present if I could!

Patti, March 2008

Thanks Paul, a sarety pin and some crud removed and voila works again. Your instructions took less than 5 minutes. Thanks. Bruce

Bruce jackson, March 2008

Thanks heaps Paul, you just saved me a call out fee of $110

Vincent, March 2008

Paul, if you're still out there, thank you thank you thank you. After reading this thread I opened up the front panel of my F&P SmartDrive to find a sports sock wrapped around the pump. You saved me $110 call out fee with F&P Australia! You're a legend!!!

Emma, January 2008

Paul you are an absolute champ!!

Our Fisher & Paykel 708 suddenly refused to spin today after never giving a moments trouble over the years. I thought it was new machine time. Hubby just spent 20 minutes following your instructions and retrieved the broken end of a washing powder scoop. The machine is now happily spinning and I am wishing I knew where to send you a thank you bottle!

Thank you so much!

Sue

Sue, November 2007

Thanks for your help. Took me longer to drain the water from the machine than to remove the pump and the safety pin lodged in it causing the blockage. I have a F & P MWS 11. Just a note.......the pump was hot to touch due to the blockage when I removed it from the machine. The internet is a wonderful thing. Thanks Paul, and the others who contributed.
Brian Patten

Brian Patten, November 2007

Thanks for your help. Took me longer to drain the water from the machine than to remove the pump and the safety pin lodged in it causing the blockage. I have a F & P MWS 11. Just a note.......the pump was a hot to touch due to the blockage when I removed it from the machine. The internet is a wonderful thing. Thanks Paul, and the others who contributed.
Brian Patten

Brian Patten, November 2007

Thanks for your help. Took me longer to drain the water from the machine than to remove the pump and the safety pin lodged in it causing the blockage. I have a F & P MWS 11. Just a note.......the pump was a hot to touch due to the blockage when I removed it from the machine. The internet is a wonderful thing. Thanks Paul, and the others who contributed.
Brian Patten

Brian Patten, November 2007

I couldn't believe it when my ever reliable F&P701 suddenly started playing up. On the final rinse it began making a loud noise and although draining fine, refused to spin. I followed Pauls easy instructions and found a 5cm piece of steel hairclip jamming the pump. It now works like a gem again! Thank you Paul for your helpful advice.

Trina, October 2007

F & P wanted $120 call out fee plus parts - gotta luv the internet & Paul your an absolute legend!! This worked a treat on my 8 year old machine - we thought we needed a new one.

jennifer macnab, October 2007

Thanks Paul,

We had a repair man come out, and he removed some pillow fuzz from the tub area - and walked away with $135 -- without testing to see if this solved the drain problem. Unfortunately, it did not.

I followed your simple instructions - and that solved our problem. It took me less than 10 minutes. Turns out that a clump of pillow fuzz was blocking the drain pump - and preventing it from spinning.

Bob from California

Bob, August 2007

Paul-
Thank you so much for this helpful information! I followed all of your instructions and was able to remove the pump & a giant clog! Although I bailed out as much water as I could from the tub some water still remained. When I removed the pump water poured out (some of which I caught with towels & a small bucket) but some of the water poured on the electrical wires underneath. I am now terrified to plug my machine back into the electrical socket! Will it be okay? Do I need to allow a certain amount of time for it to dry out? Or have a ruined my machine?

Michelle F, August 2007

Unplug machine. after about 1 minute, plug back in. Now push power on. lights should now be on across the top, showing the steps to wash cycle. push the advance button(top right), until only the spin light is on. Now push the start button. after a short while, the water should start draining and then it will go into spin.

Larry, July 2007

Thanks to Paul in Austrailia we fixed our fisher paylkle washer in Newburyport,USA
It took about ten minutes. I followed Pauls instructions.The wife couldn't believe it was that easy after getting the run around from the repair people.
Thanks Paul.
Will

Will, July 2007

Thank You Paul. I live in the sticks, 60 miles from the nearest town, (10,000 people). Kind of a rural area. My washer went out and we raise pigs. You can guess what a mess that is when you can't get your clothes clean.

Now I have a washer again. Thanks again Paul.
MaryAnne

MaryAnne, July 2007

I fixed my washer in one hour by following Paul's directions. Thanks God what will I do without power of Google search engine.
Thanks Paul Levy from Down Under for your excellent instructions.
Wes

Wes olczak, December 2006

Thanks Paul, you probably saved me $100. I have a Fisher an Paykel that had the same symptoms. I pulled out a safety pin and a clot of hair from the pump inlet and had the machine going again in less than 30 minutes.

Stan, December 2005

Lucy,

The only thing wrong with your washing machine is a jammed drain pump. Empty as much water by hand as you can, tilt the machine backwards against the wall and access the pump from underneath.
Ther pump comes out by turning it anti clockwise in its housing after holding the white clip on the side away from the locking tab on the pump.

You'll be able to see what's holding the pump back from rotating once you've taken it out. Reverse the procedure to reinstall the pump.

I'm a washing machine tech in Australia and do this job on a daily basis, takes me 5 minutes.

Oh yes - unplug the power cable from the pump first by pulling it straight out of its socket in the pump.

You'd be surprised what comes out with the pump sometimes !!

Yesterday the remains of a 5 dollar note !!

Regards, Paul

levyyy@optusnet.com.au

Paul Levy, December 2005