What to check first
Stop normal operation while this warning is active. Follow only the documented safe checks or protective-drain instructions for the exact model.
Basic checks
- Open the door cautiously only after the spray sound stops; keep hands clear of hot water and sharp glass, and note whether water remains in the tub.
- Inspect only the visible drain hose without moving the dishwasher; correct an exposed bend and stop if the hose or cabinet is wet.
- Check whether the connected sink or household drain is also slow; use a plumber for a household blockage rather than opening dishwasher plumbing.
- Only if the exact guide's illustration matches your dishwasher, power is isolated from a dry position, and the tub is cool, follow its soft-brush turbidity-sensor cleaning step; stop if access requires panels or hidden parts.
Applicability
Exact model · Fisher & Paykel DW60U2I and DW60U6I dishwashers · New Zealand and Australia · Official user guide 591900A
This meaning is limited to Fisher & Paykel dishwasher models DW60U2I and DW60U6I in the reviewed New Zealand/Australia user guide 591900A; DishDrawer products, another DW60 model, or another market may use a different code table.
Reset or retry steps
- Try one monitored restart only after a visible restriction is safely corrected, the exact-manual cleaning area is reassembled, and no water is leaking.
- Stop further retries if A20 returns, water remains in the tub, or the dishwasher sounds different without draining.
When to call a technician
- Contact Fisher & Paykel Customer Care if A20 remains after the visible hose, household drain, and exact-guide owner-accessible checks.
- Arrange urgent qualified help if water leaks, cannot be contained, or reaches a plug, outlet, or another electrical connection.
Before approving a paid visit, check warranty status and reviewquestions to ask before repair.
Can I keep using it?
Stop normal use when water is visible or a leak warning is active. Stay clear if water could reach wiring or controls.
- Safe next step
- Follow the code-specific shutdown or protective-drain instructions, turn off water when appropriate, and avoid repeated resets. Do not interrupt a documented protective-drain sequence just to clear the display.
- Stop when
- Water is near wiring, cabinetry is getting wet, the leak returns, or the source is not safely visible.
Do not keep using the appliance if the code points to voltage, wiring, control power, burning smell, smoke, or a possible miswired supply.
- Safe next step
- Use only safe owner-level power checks, then involve a qualified technician or electrician when the source points to wiring or supply voltage.
- Stop when
- Breakers trip, lights dim, the appliance smells hot, wiring may be miswired, or the warning returns after a safe reset.
Safety boundaries
Safe first
- Match the exact brand, appliance type, and displayed code first.
- Use the model manual as the final authority for access steps.
- Stop and address visible water before retrying the appliance.
- Disconnect power before any service-access step.
Do not do this
- Do not continue normal cycles while this code is active; any protective-drain sequence must follow the exact model instructions.
- Do not open drain or pump areas while the appliance is powered.
- Do not bypass locks, float switches, leak sensors, or other safety systems.
Common causes include
- Visible drain hose crimped or bent
- Waste water not draining because the hose installation does not match the installation instructions
- Owner-accessible turbidity sensor dirty and requiring the manual's gentle cleaning step
FAQ
What does Fisher & Paykel Dishwasher code A20 usually mean?
Guide 591900A documents A20 on these DW60U dishwashers as a drain fault. Model context matters: The reviewed table applies to both DW60U2I and DW60U6I models. The illustrated turbidity-sensor step is not permission to open panels or use a different model's procedure.
Can I keep using the dishwasher with code A20?
Stop normal operation until the issue and safety warnings have been addressed. Follow only the documented safe checks or protective-drain instructions for your model. Disconnect power from a dry position and let retained water cool before the manual's owner-accessible sensor check; broken glass may be hidden in the tub.
When should I call a technician for Fisher & Paykel A20?
Contact Fisher & Paykel Customer Care if A20 remains after the visible hose, household drain, and exact-guide owner-accessible checks. A qualified technician may check Drain hose, Turbidity sensor, and Drain path against the model's service information before treating any part as failed.