F9E1 is a long drain. KitchenAid lists four checks; the service tables describe a diverter that cannot find position.
Model compatibility: KitchenAid reuses codes across series and model years, so F9E1 may mean something different on another appliance or generation. Confirm this against your model’s documentation and record your full model number before acting.
What this code means
Long drain, with filter, hose, disposer and air gap checks; the service tables list a diverter that cannot find its position.
Two readings of F9E1
KitchenAid’s owner pages describe a long drain: the dishwasher is not emptying. The technician documents describe a diverter problem. The owner-page version comes first because it has actual steps.
At a glance
| Code | F9E1 |
|---|---|
| What it means | Long drain, with filter, hose, disposer and air gap checks; the service tables list a diverter that cannot find its position. |
| What you can check | Scrub the filter at the tap, inspect the drain hose for bends or blockage, check the disposer and any air gap, then unplug or breaker-off for 30 seconds and restore power. |
| When to call a technician | If F9E1 survives those drain checks and the reset, schedule service and say what you cleared. A diverter problem may be behind it. |
Four checks before resuming the cycle
| Item | Instruction |
|---|---|
| Filter | Pull it out and scrub it thoroughly at the tap |
| Drain hose | Go over the whole length between the dishwasher’s rear and the sink for bends, squeezing or blockage |
| Garbage disposer | Make sure nothing blocks it, and that a new installation had its knockout plug taken out |
| Air gap | Where one is fitted, the manufacturer’s directions explain taking off the cap and freeing any blockage |
Extra notes on the disposer side
Left in place, the knockout plug at the disposer inlet stops the dishwasher draining into it. KitchenAid additionally says to look through the drain and disposer for leftover food or anything else lodged there, running the disposer to flush it. Hose routing matters too: correct path, correct side, inside the frame.
Control reset
For a plug-in unit, pull the plug for 30 seconds; for a hard-wired one, turn its breaker off for the same time. Restore power afterward.
Suds
The page also says dishwashing detergent makes no suds, unlike dish soap, and that suds can force water from the machine, leading to leaks or poor washing.
Service-table listing
The meaning there is a diverter that fails to locate its position, and the possible items are an open fuse, a drive circuit, mechanical binding, or a connection in the diverter circuit that is corroded or loose. It reads as electrical or mechanical rather than as a clog. Which models follow which description is not stated. If each drain check passes, bring up this listing with the technician.
Codes close to this one
- F9E2 shares much of this checklist and is called a drain motor error.
- F8E4 is the technician-side entry for drain motor electrical trouble.
- F8E1 is the technician-side entry for slow draining.
Drain repair for KitchenAid dishwashers in our metro areas
Customers in the Miami, New York, Houston, Los Angeles and San Diego metro areas can phone (844) 919-2035 when F9E1 survives the filter, hose, disposer and air gap checks. Tell us what was cleared. Our dishwasher repair page is linked here.
Source: KitchenAid Product Help, Dishwasher Error Code or Flashing Lights; KitchenAid Product Help, Dishwasher Error Codes – Reading; KitchenAid Tech Sheet W10750900 Rev C; KitchenAid Job Aid W10573282
Important safety warning. Do not attempt repairs involving electrical components, gas, water lines, refrigerant or sealed systems. Unplug the appliance if it is safe to reach the outlet, and leave internal diagnostics to a qualified technician.
Sources & references
- KitchenAid Product Help - Dishwasher: Error Code or Flashing Lights
- KitchenAid Product Help - Dishwasher Error Codes - Reading
- KitchenAid Tech Sheet W10750900 Rev C (dishwasher, 'FOR SERVICE TECHNICIAN'S USE ONLY'): Service Error Codes table
- KitchenAid Job Aid W10573282: 2013 Stainless Steel Tall Tub Dishwasher, Section 5 Service Error Codes
Tell us what’s wrong — we’ll take it from there
Share a few details and we’ll confirm an appointment. Prefer to talk? Call us and we’ll help right away.
Request your repair
Fields marked with * are required.