Code: A7🧺 Fisher & Paykel Dishwasher

Fisher & Paykel DishDrawer A7 Error Code: Excess Foam, Auto Recovery Running (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)

Reviewed 2026-10-24 · Based on 2 manufacturer & service sources

What the code means

Fisher & Paykel splits DishDrawer fault codes into two types. 'F' codes are faults you may clear with a reset, while 'A' codes are problems you can usually fix yourself. A7 is an 'A' code: the US and Canada DishDrawer user guide lists it as "Auto recovery program: DishDrawer Dishwasher has detected excess foam in the drawer." Too much suds stops the pump from moving water properly and can spill over into the base, so the drawer pauses the normal wash, runs a recovery routine to clear the foam, and then carries on. The drawer beeps and shows A7 while this happens. On double models only the affected drawer shows the code, and you can keep using the other one. Fisher & Paykel's NZ and AU care guide gives the same code as "Excess foam in drawer (A7)." If foam overflows into the base, a DishDrawer reports a flood code (F1 or E1) instead.

Likely causes

Safe DIY checks

⚠ Before you start

Foam on its own isn't dangerous, but if water or suds have reached the floor or the cabinet base, switch the DishDrawer off at the wall and turn off the water before you clean up, and wipe up spills right away so nobody slips. Leave removing panels or repairing internal parts to a qualified technician.

  1. Let the auto recovery program run until it finishes. Fisher & Paykel says the wash program resumes on its own when recovery is complete, so don't cancel it or open the drawer to scoop out suds mid-recovery.
  2. Before the next wash, check that you're using a detergent made for automatic dishwashers. Never use hand dish soap, even a small squirt.
  3. Wipe up any rinse aid spilled around the dispenser or in the tub, and make sure the dispenser plug is closed tight with its grip standing vertical, as the user guide shows.
  4. If you see foam often, turn the rinse aid setting down, and scrape or rinse heavy egg residue off plates before loading.
  5. If the drawer is already full of foam and you want to stop it yourself, Fisher & Paykel's care guide says to stop the cycle, wipe away the excess foam, and run a rinse cycle.
  6. If the drawer is still filled with foam at the end of the wash program, or A7 keeps coming back with the right detergent, note the code and contact Fisher & Paykel Customer Care.

🛠 When to call a pro

  • Confirming there is no hidden source of suds, such as rinse aid leaking from a damaged dispenser, and replacing the dispenser parts if needed.
  • Checking whether foam has overflowed into the base and dried out the flood area if a flood code has also appeared.
  • Running the drawer through its service test modes to confirm normal fill, wash and drain once the foam is cleared.

Parts that commonly fix it

Always match the part number to your exact model.

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Dishwasher detergent

Proper automatic-dishwasher detergent is the main fix Fisher & Paykel gives for A7.

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Dishwasher cleaner

Optional, to clear soap or rinse aid residue left in the drawer after a foam event.

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Water leak detector

A cheap alarm beside the DishDrawer warns you if foam or water ever overflows onto the floor.

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Sources

  1. Fisher & Paykel DishDrawer user guide 592816A (US/CA, DD24DCT/DD24SCT models): 'A' fault codes table (A7 auto recovery program, excess foam), foaming troubleshooting, rinse aid spill warning
  2. Fisher & Paykel DishDrawer care and maintenance guide 433468A (NZ/AU, DD60 models): fault codes (Excess foam in drawer A7) and 'Why is there so much foam?'

Last reviewed 2026-10-24. Always confirm against the manual for your exact model number.