Fisher & Paykel Top Load GW612 (6.5kg) Questions & Answers

Fisher & Paykel GW612 top load washers do not have lint filters inside the tubs. They are designed to drain away any debris from the wash during the drain cycle. If there is any debris like hairpins and the like, these usually get trapped in the pump cap and hood located on the inside of the plastic drum in a recess at the bottom that houses the pump. The presence of such debris will attract and trap lint and cause pump blockages. Consider hand washing fabrics that may produce excessive amounts of lint.

If you want to know how to get to the pump cap, you can download the Service Manual at the following link: external link 

Refer to Section 10.14 Removal of Pump Hood on Page 50.

Or, an easier option: watch the following video – one of the best and the easiest to follow.

How to Clean inside Fisher & Paykel Smart Drive washing machine external link 

Good luck! Oscar

Thank you for your help

Hi Bill - I recently shared my experience and provided a very detailed description on ProductReview.com.au as to how I repaired my Fisher & Paykel Smartdrive GW712 after I found out that the water from the “fill spray nozzle” was running on very low pressure. And no, I am not an electrical technician. I just happen to have a curious mind on how things work! I purchased my F&P GW712 (Smart Drive) in July 2006 i.e. 16 years back and it works perfectly after I completed the repairs. The F&P GW612 (also a Smart Drive) could be an earlier model but what was written in my review on the F&P GW712 will generally still apply. Some may ask “What is so smart about the Smart Drive?” Believe it or not, it is SMART in that it can and does run a “self-diagnosis” mode when things go wrong. All you need to do is learn how to read the code from the flashing lights on the top panel – see my F&P GW712 review writeup. For guidance on this subject, log on to the following YouTube link. Explaining Fault Error Codes Fisher & Paykel external link 

If I were you, my first port of call would be the User Manual. Go to "Out-of-Balance Recovery Routine" (Pg 28). If you don’t have the manual, see link below and download the manual. Fisher & Paykel excellence GW612 Installation Instructions And User Manual (40 pages). external link  EXTRACT FROM MANUAL Out-of-Balance Recovery Routine (Pg 28) When your Smart Drive® is spinning it can sense if the wash load is out-of-balance and will stop and re-try spinning up to 3 times. If it still senses an unbalanced load there are two options the machine can take. Automatic Recovery Option Your Smart Drive® will try to automatically correct the out-of-balance load. It will fill with water and agitate to redistribute the load before trying to spin up again. Machine Stops Option Your Smart Drive® will stop, give a short burst of beeps every 5 seconds, and the RINSE or SPIN light will flash. You must redistribute the load more evenly yourself. (Use this option if you wish to conserve water). END

If the above options don’t work for you, then, a thorough clean may be your next option as the scum accumulation on the outside face of the SS drum could throw the drum out of balance. The video link below is one of the best and easiest to follow. And before you throw your hands up in the air in frustration, the clean-up process is a lot easier than you think! Do give it a go! How to Clean inside Fisher & Paykel Smart Drive washing machine external link  If all of the above fails to resolve your drum spin problem, please do read my article on the F&P GW712 as it has some other useful links.

If you want to know more about “Fault Error Codes” log on to the YouTube Link. This is a “Service Manual” and has far more information than the User Manual. Fisher & Paykel SmartDrive GW612 Service Manual (51 pages) external link 

Good luck Oscar NB: For those still looking for answers, the above article will also resolve a number of questions raised below.

Please wear safety gear and follow general safety rules if servicing your own washing machine. Don't forget to unplug it from the mains supply after diagnosing the problem!

If it's making a hell of a noise on spin. It will be the bearings. I replaced the two bearings and the seal. Just purrs now, what a relief . Bearings and seal kit from Steve's Appliance Spares, Palmerston North. Online. Around $40 inc freight. Has a cheaper kit with noname bearings. Lots of videos on You Tube will show you how to do the whole job.

Sorry Bradley I don't know. I posted the review to say I had had a trouble free time with my washing machine. It may be beneficial to contact someone who has posted a review regarding the same problem and ask them. Sorry I can't be of assistance.