What 163 (SmartDrive) Means
Fault 163 covers SmartDrive phases 4 to 6 and means the motor control module has sensed one of its own circuit board connections as open circuit. F&P states the practical consequence plainly: the cold valve cannot operate in this condition. The named remedy is replacement of the motor control module.
Common Causes of 163 (SmartDrive)
- An open circuit connection on the motor control module board
- A failed track or joint in the valve control section
- Module degradation with age
🔧 One Safe Check You Can Try
Unplug for a minute and restart once to rule out a transient. Note whether the machine will fill with hot but not cold, since that sign matches what the manual describes.
⚠ Why You Shouldn't Go Further Than That
- Unplug the machine before the module is approached, because it sits on the incoming mains circuit and drives the valve solenoids directly.
- The problem is internal to the board, so there is no external connector to reseat and nothing an owner can measure.
- A machine that can only fill hot puts every wash at the wrong temperature, which damages fabrics before anyone connects it to an error code.
- Module replacement on this platform includes a configuration step, and one skipped leaves setup problems in place of this one.
Opening a panel to inspect or repair something yourself doesn't automatically cancel your manufacturer's warranty — but it can risk accidental damage, and some manufacturers do have specific service conditions. Check your product's warranty terms, or ask us, before deciding.