What Does the F2 Error Code Mean on a Fisher & Paykel Dishwasher?
On Fisher & Paykel DishDrawer dishwashers — including the DD60 series (DD60DCHX, DD60DCW, DD60SDFHX) and the 605 platform — the F2 error code means motor not rotating. The control board has attempted to run the wash motor but has detected that the motor is not spinning. The cycle stops because the machine cannot circulate water through the spray arms without a functioning wash motor.
The wash motor is the component that drives the impeller inside the sump, forcing water up through the spray arms to clean your dishes. When the control board sends power to the motor and receives no feedback confirming rotation, it raises the F2 fault.
Important: Error code meanings can vary between Fisher & Paykel models and production years. The F2 definition on this page applies to the DishDrawer series. If you are unsure what your code means, our technicians can diagnose the exact fault on site.
Common Causes of the F2 Motor Fault
Physical obstruction jamming the impeller. This is the most common cause we see in Brisbane. A piece of broken glass, a small utensil (teaspoon, bottle cap, skewer), a bone fragment, or a chunk of hard food debris can fall through the filter and lodge in the impeller housing. The motor tries to spin but is physically blocked. You may hear a humming or buzzing sound as the motor stalls against the obstruction.
Failed wash motor. The wash motor itself can fail electrically — the windings can burn out, the capacitor can fail (on capacitor-start motors), or the bearings can seize. A motor that has been running hot, making grinding noises, or tripping F2 intermittently over several weeks is likely approaching end of life. On DishDrawer models, the wash motor is located beneath the sump assembly in the base of each drawer.
Wiring fault or loose connector. The motor connects to the control board via a wiring harness with a plug connector. Vibration over time can loosen the connector, or moisture exposure can corrode the pins. A loose or corroded connection means the board sends power but it does not reach the motor — or the feedback signal does not return to the board.
Control board fault. Less commonly, the control board itself can fail in the motor drive circuit. If the board is not sending voltage to the motor, the motor will not spin and F2 is raised. This is more likely on older units or after a power surge.
Seized motor bearings. Over time, especially in hard-water areas or machines that sit unused for extended periods, the motor bearings can corrode and seize. The motor has power but cannot physically turn. You may hear a brief electrical hum followed by silence when the cycle attempts to start.
What to Check Before Calling a Technician
Some F2 faults are caused by simple obstructions you can clear yourself. Work through these steps before booking a repair.
Power off the machine. Turn the DishDrawer off at the wall and wait two minutes. A temporary motor fault — such as a brief stall from a food particle — may clear with a reset.
Check for obstructions in the wash chamber. Open the drawer and remove the racks. Take out the spray arms (they usually twist or unclip). Inspect the sump area and filter housing for any debris — broken glass, bones, utensils, or hard food scraps. Remove anything you find. Shine a torch into the sump opening if possible to look for items lodged deeper near the impeller.
Clean the filter and sump screen. Remove the drain filter and sump screen. Rinse them under running water and clear any built-up debris. While the filter is out, reach into the sump opening and feel for any obstruction near the impeller — carefully, as broken glass may be present.
Check the spray arms. With the spray arms removed, check that they spin freely in your hand. If a spray arm is cracked or blocked at its mounting point, it can create back-pressure that stalls the motor on some models.
Reset and test. Refit the filter, spray arms, and racks. Power the machine back on and run a short cycle. Listen carefully — you should hear the motor start within the first minute of the wash phase. If the motor is completely silent or F2 returns, the fault is electrical and requires professional diagnosis.
When to Call a Professional
Call a technician if F2 returns after clearing obstructions and resetting, if the motor makes no sound at all when the cycle starts, if you hear a loud humming or buzzing but no water circulation, or if F2 appears on both drawers simultaneously (which may indicate a control board or power supply issue rather than a motor fault). The wash motor on a DishDrawer is not a user-serviceable component — accessing it requires removing the drawer, detaching the sump assembly, and disconnecting the motor wiring harness.
How We Repair F2 Motor Faults
When we attend an F2 fault on a Fisher & Paykel DishDrawer, we start by checking for physical obstructions, then test the motor electrically. We measure motor winding resistance, check the capacitor (where fitted), verify the wiring harness connections, and confirm the control board is sending the correct voltage. If the motor has failed, we replace the complete motor assembly. If the board’s motor drive circuit has failed, we replace the control board.
Our technicians carry a range of commonly used parts on every van. Most F2 motor faults on DishDrawers are diagnosed and repaired in a single visit.
Cost of Repairing an F2 Fault in Brisbane
$219 includes a callout and up to 30 minutes labour onsite — most faults are diagnosed and many repaired in that time. Additional labour is charged at $45 per 15-minute block. Seniors, pensioners, and students receive a $20 discount. Parts are quoted separately based on what is needed. All prices are estimates only.
Why Choose Always Prompt Repairs
Fisher & Paykel DishDrawers are one of the most common dishwashers in Brisbane homes, and we service them daily across the greater Brisbane area. We cover CBD, southside, northside to Caboolture, east to Cleveland, west to Ipswich, and the Northern Gold Coast — six vans on the road providing same-day or next-day service in most cases.
Book your Fisher & Paykel DishDrawer repair online at alwayspromptrepairs.com.au/book or call us on (07) 3062 2377.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does F2 mean on a Fisher & Paykel DishDrawer?
On DishDrawer models including the DD60 series and 605 platform, F2 means the wash motor is not rotating. The control board has tried to run the motor but detected no movement. Error code meanings can vary between models and production years. If you are unsure what your code means, our technicians can diagnose the exact fault on site.
Is F2 the same as a drain fault?
No. On DishDrawer models, F2 is a motor rotation fault, not a drain fault. The drain fault is a separate error code. F2 specifically means the wash motor has failed to spin — it is about water circulation during the wash phase, not about draining water out of the machine.
Can I fix an F2 motor fault myself?
You can check for and remove physical obstructions that may be jamming the impeller, clean the filter and sump, and reset the machine. If the motor is electrically faulty, has seized bearings, or its wiring is damaged, a technician is required to replace the motor or repair the connection.
How much does it cost to fix an F2 error in Brisbane?
Our callout is $219 including the first 30 minutes of labour onsite. Parts costs depend on the fault — wash motors and control boards vary by model. Most F2 repairs are completed in a single visit. Seniors, pensioners, and students receive a $20 discount. All prices are estimates only.