Kenmore · Dishwasher
Kenmore Dishwasher F9 Error Code
Diverter motor not switching spray
What this error means
F9 means the diverter motor that routes water between upper and lower spray arms did not reach the commanded position. One rack may get no spray during the affected portion of the cycle.
How F9 is detected
When F9 appears on a Kenmore dishwasher, the control board has confirmed that water did not leave the machine within the programmed drain window. On Kenmore 665.13223K901, Kenmore 665.17789K801, and similar variants, the drain pump runs for a fixed interval—often three to seven minutes on washers and dishwashers—while a pressure switch or turbidity sensor verifies the tub or sump is empty. If water remains, the cycle stops to prevent spin with a full tub or overflow on the next fill.
Most F9 calls are resolved without parts: remove the lower spray arm and filter to access the diverter area. Restricted drain paths mimic pump failure because the impeller spins against a blocked hose or filter. Document whether the pump hums audibly during the drain step; a humming pump with no water movement points to a clogged filter or kinked hose, while silence may indicate a failed pump motor or loose wiring at the harness.
After clearing blockages, run a short cycle and listen at the drain hose for steady water flow. If F9 returns on the next load with a clean filter and straight hose, measure resistance at the pump motor connector per the service manual for your model before ordering a replacement pump assembly.
Common causes
- Food debris jamming the diverter disc at the tub bottom
- Failed diverter motor WPW10195677
- Wiring fault between motor and control board
- Broken diverter cam not indexing spray ports
Step-by-step fixes
- 1Remove the lower spray arm and filter to access the diverter area
- 2Clear hard particles or seeds from the diverter disc track
- 3Test motor resistance—should read 1,000–3,000 ohms on many models
- 4Replace the diverter motor if the disc is clear but F9 persists
When to call a technician
New diverter motor with immediate F9 may indicate control board motor driver failure.
Affected models
- Kenmore 665.13223K901
- Kenmore 665.17789K801
- Kenmore 665.14703N510
Prevention & maintenance
- Clean drain filters and hose terminations monthly on high-use dishwashers to prevent F9 from lint and food debris buildup.
- Record when F9 appears in the cycle and whether it clears after a 60-second power reset on your Kenmore dishwasher—that detail speeds diagnosis if you call service.
- Keep the model and serial number from the rating plate when ordering parts for F9; Kenmore uses multiple revisions with different harness lengths and board firmware.
- Photograph wiring connector orientation before disconnecting any component while troubleshooting F9; reversed plugs on pumps and valves cause immediate repeat faults.