KitchenAid Dishwasher F9 E1 Code: Meaning & Fixes
- Meaning
- Long drain: the dishwasher didn't pump the water out in the time allowed.
- Can I fix it?
- Yes, usually a DIY fix
- Also shown as
- F9E1, 9-1
- Seen on
- KitchenAid dishwashers on the current F and E code platform, shared with Whirlpool and Maytag. On models without a display, the Clean light flashes 9 times, pauses, then flashes once.
KitchenAid’s help pages list F9 E1 as a long drain: the water didn’t pump out in time. On models without a display, you’ll see it as the Clean light flashing 9 times, a pause, then once. Older KitchenAid code tables used 9-1 for something else, so if your dishwasher is very old, check the tech sheet behind the kick plate.
Try this first
- Take out the filter and rinse it under running water.
- Follow the drain hose from the back of the dishwasher to the sink and straighten any kinks.
- Run the garbage disposal. After a new install, check that its knockout plug was removed.
- Clear the air gap on the sink if you have one.
- Disconnect power for 30 seconds, then restore it.
What causes F9 E1
| Cause | What you notice | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Clogged filter | Water and food left in the bottom of the tub | Rinse the filter under running water |
| Kinked, pinched or misrouted drain hose | F9 E1 after cabinet or plumbing work | The hose route inside the frame and under the sink |
| Disposal knockout plug still in place | F9 E1 from the first cycle | The disposal's dishwasher inlet |
| Clogged disposal or air gap | Water backs up into the sink or air gap | Run the disposal; clear the air gap |
| Suds from the wrong detergent | Foam in the tub | Use automatic dishwasher detergent only |
| Jammed or failed drain pump | F9 E1 with a clear drain path | Needs a technician |
Fix it step by step
Tap a step number to tick it off as you go. Ticks stay on this device.
-
Clean the filter
Pull out the lower rack, remove the filter and rinse it under running water.
Safety: Let hot water cool before you reach into the tub.
-
Clear the drain path
Check the drain hose for kinks, pinches or clogs from the dishwasher to the sink. Run the disposal, and take the air gap cap off to clear it.
-
Let suds settle
If you see foam, turn the dishwasher off and wait for the suds to go down. Dish soap makes suds; automatic dishwasher detergent doesn't.
-
Reset
Unplug the dishwasher for 30 seconds. If it's hard-wired, switch off its breaker for 30 seconds, then back on.
-
Test
Run a short cycle and check that the tub is empty at the end.
When to call a technician
If the filter, hose, disposal and air gap are all clear and F9 E1 returns, the drain pump may be jammed or failed. Contact KitchenAid service or a technician.
Questions people ask
Is KitchenAid F9 E1 the same as on Whirlpool and Maytag dishwashers?
Yes. KitchenAid, Whirlpool and Maytag dishwashers share this long drain code and the same checks.
I've read that 9-1 means a diverter problem. Which is right?
Current KitchenAid help pages define F9 E1 as a long drain. Some very old KitchenAid models used a different code table, so check the tech sheet behind the kick plate if yours is older.
How do I reset a KitchenAid dishwasher with F9 E1?
Clear the drain problem first, then cut the power for 30 seconds at the plug or the breaker.