Fisher & Paykel Dishwasher Error Code A7

When a Fisher & Paykel dishwasher (including DishDrawer™ models) shows Error Code A7, it’s telling you there’s too much foam in the drawer. To protect the machine and your dishes, the dishwasher triggers an auto-recovery program that pauses normal washing, manages the suds, and waits for conditions to stabilize. In everyday terms, A7 is a foaming alert—not a broken-part alert—so most homes can clear it with a few simple steps.

What the A7 fault really means

The control expected water to behave like… water. Instead, sensors detected suds that change water level, turbulence, or pump load. Foam cushions spray pressure, blocks proper rinsing, and can confuse level sensors. The auto-recovery response is a safety net that keeps the cycle from running “blind” and making a mess.

Why excess foam happens

Most A7 cases trace back to normal household habits, not a failed component. The usual triggers are using non-dishwasher detergent (hand-dish or soap-based cleaners foam heavily), too much detergent, very soft water that amplifies suds, or residue from rinse-aid or pre-rinsed items washed with regular dish soap in the sink.

Clear A7 quickly: simple home steps

Start small. These take just a few minutes and fix the majority of cases.

• Stop the cycle and let the suds settle for a minute. If you can see thick foam in the drawer, scoop or wipe some out to speed recovery.
• Run a short Rinse cycle with no detergent to dilute and purge remaining foam.
• If suds persist, add a splash of cold water and rerun Rinse. A few drops of milk (old technician trick) can also help break bubbles if needed—use sparingly.
• Verify detergent: pods or powder specifically labeled for automatic dishwashers only. If you recently changed brands, try half the usual amount.
• Dial back rinse aid a notch if the water in your area is very soft; excess rinse aid plus soft water can magnify foaming.
• Restart a normal cycle and listen for smooth spray/pump sounds. If the drawer runs quietly and rinses clean, you’re back to normal.

If A7 keeps returning

Occasional foam after a party or a new detergent is normal. Repeating A7 means the machine is still seeing suds or residue. At that point, think through what changed recently—new pods, a different rinse-aid setting, pre-washing dishes with soap—and correct that first. Persistent A7 after careful detergent control can point to sensor misreads or venting/drain quirks that a technician can evaluate, but rule out foaming causes before assuming a part is bad.

Good habits that prevent A7

You don’t need to overhaul the kitchen routine—just tune a few small things.

• Use the right detergent, in the right dose. For pods, one is enough; for powder/gel, start low and increase only if cleaning suffers.
• Match settings to your water. Softer water needs less detergent and sometimes a lower rinse-aid dose.
• Skip sink soap on pre-rinses. If you must soak, rinse thoroughly so dish soap doesn’t carry into the drawer.
• Load for good spray paths. Tall cutting boards or sheet pans that hug the door can trap foam at the front; give them space.
• Run a monthly cleaner/descale cycle. It removes residue films that can destabilize water behavior and affect sensors.

What if you suspect the machine, not the suds?

A7 is fundamentally a foam event, but a few mechanical factors can make it easier for foam to linger. If you’ve locked in proper detergent habits and the error still returns:

Try this quick check: run an empty cycle with no detergent. If the unit finishes perfectly, your issue is almost certainly product-related. If it still struggles, you may have restricted spray, a vent not opening properly, or a sensor reading that needs calibration/inspection. Those are fast to evaluate in a professional diagnostic.

FAQ lite: fast answers

Can I use regular dish soap just this once?
No—one teaspoon of sink soap can generate inches of foam. Use only automatic dishwasher detergents.

Do pods cause A7 more than powder?
Either can if overdosed or paired with very soft water. With pods, avoid adding extra powder/gel on top.

Will A7 damage the dishwasher?
The auto-recovery logic exists to prevent damage. Clear the foam and adjust your products/settings, and the machine will run normally.