How to troubleshoot the E2 error on a Fisher & Paykel dryer

Have you ever faced the dreaded E2 error code on a Fisher & Paykel dryer? If the answer is yes, you’re not alone!

Don’t throw out your dryer or call an expensive service technician yet. Chances are you’ll be able to troubleshoot the E2 error yourself, and we’re here to help you through every step of the process.

If you need any replacement parts for your dryer, you can use your model number to find what you’re looking for at AppliancePartsPros.com. We also have thousands of free DIY troubleshooting and repair guides to help you fix your dryer yourself.

Disclaimer: The error code information provided in this article is based on general service manuals and may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

What does the E2 error code mean & what causes it?

The E2 error usually indicates a problem with the dryer’s drain pump function. This means the pump of the condenser unit is unable to remove water from the dryer drum. The displayed error message for E2 reads “The drain pump has failed.”

The drain pump pumps out water that accumulates in the dryer drum from wet laundry during the drying cycle. If the pump isn’t working correctly, the drum can’t empty and the cycle is disrupted.

There are a few possible causes for the E2 error code:

• Trapped lint or other debris that prevents the pump impeller from spinning properly and blocks water flow
• A damaged or broken pump mechanism
• Electrical issues that prevent the pump from working correctly
• A kinked or improperly installed drain hose that restricts water flow
• A full water container can prevent the pump from removing more water

Read more: 10 Tips and Tricks to Clean Your Appliances

Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before you attempt any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by eliminating any risk of electric shock.
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it.
• If you have a gas model, shut off the gas supply to prevent any leaks while you work.
• Take your time while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries. Rushing is the enemy of precision.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can see and access appliance parts.
• Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your appliance or replacement part.
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause personal injury.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
• Always take photos or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting them to make reassembly easier.
• Don’t test live voltage with a multimeter if you’re unfamiliar with how to prevent short-circuiting.
• Consider wearing safety glasses and/or a dust mask when working with chemicals, dust or a large amount of debris to prevent irritation or injury.

How to troubleshoot the E2 error code

Follow these steps to diagnose and resolve the E2 fault code on your Fisher & Paykel dryer.

Step 1: Power cycle

1. Turn off the dryer and unplug it from the power outlet. Let the dryer remain unplugged for at least 2-3 minutes.
2. Plug the dryer cord back into the outlet and see if the E2 error still appears.

If the error code shows up again, continue troubleshooting.

Step 2: Check the water container

1. Open the dryer door and remove the water container.
2. If the container is full, empty it.
3. Reinstall the empty water container.
4. Turn on the dryer and try running a small test cycle. If the E2 error is still displayed, move on to the next troubleshooting step.

Step 3: Inspect the pump area

1. Make sure the dryer is unplugged.
2. Carefully check the pump housing area for any accumulated lint or debris. Pay close attention to the pump impeller region. Remove any lint or debris that you find. If the impeller doesn’t turn with minimal resistance, you’ll need to replace the drain pump.
3. Make sure the drain hose is installed correctly without any kinks or tight bends that restrict water flow. If it’s damaged, replace it.
4. Check that the float can move freely up and down. Remove any debris or lint collected around it.

If the pump area looks OK, move on to the next step.

Step 4: Check electrical connections

Look over the electrical connections and wiring at the pump housing. Make sure all the wires are intact without any damage.

If you find any damaged wires, replace them.

Step 5: Replace the drain pump

If everything else checks ok, the drain pump can be tested for voltage.

LIVE VOLTAGE WARNING: For this test, the dryer needs to be plugged in and powered on. Please be very careful to protect yourself from electric shock, which has the potential to cause serious injuries. Don’t ever test live voltage if you’re uncomfortable using a multimeter.

1. Set a multimeter to VAC.
2. Use the meter probes to check for 120VAC to the drain pump. If the pump is getting 120 VAC but doesn’t run, you’ll need to replace it.

If everything so far has checked out OK, you can replace the control board as a last resort.

Read more: 12 Easy DIY Ways to Lower Your Water Bill

More information

Thank you for reading! We hope this guide helped you get your dryer working again.

If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, don’t hesitate to explore our other troubleshooting guides and videos.

If you need replacement parts or some extra help with ordering them, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com, where you can chat with a pro, read our DIY blog and more.

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