Error code · Dishwasher

Whirlpool Dishwasher Lights Blink 9 Pause 1 Pause When the Drain Runs Long (F9E1)

Medium · inspection needed

Code: 9 Pause 1 Pause
Appliance: Dishwasher
Brand: Whirlpool
Warranty: 30-day workmanship

What 9 Pause 1 Pause means

Nine blinks, a pause and one blink on an older Whirlpool built-in dishwasher is F9E1, a long drain. The dishwasher is taking too long to empty its water, so the cycle stops and the pattern repeats. The checks are the drain line, the filter, the drain hose and the garbage disposer connection. We repair these older dishwashers in Houston and tell you plainly if a repair is not worth it.

Common causes of 9 Pause 1 Pause

A clogged filter
A kinked, pinched or clogged drain hose
A disposer knockout plug not removed after a new connection
A drain pump or its control if the line is clear

✓ One safe check you can try

1. Check the drain line for kinks from the back of the dishwasher to the sink. 2. Remove the filter and clean it thoroughly under running water. 3. If a disposer is connected, make sure it is clear and the knockout plug was removed. 4. Cycle power: unplug the dishwasher for 30 seconds, or turn the breaker off if hard wired. 5. If it still will not drain, call us.

! Why to stop there

With the line and filter clear, the pattern points to the drain pump or the control that runs it.
We test the drain pump and check the drain path.
You see the written price first, and the repair carries a 30-day workmanship warranty.

Opening a panel yourself does not automatically cancel a manufacturer warranty, but it can cause accidental damage, and some manufacturers set their own service conditions. Check your warranty terms, or ask us, before deciding.

→Same appliance

Other Dishwasher codes

F6E4Whirlpool Built-In Dishwasher F6E4: Float Switch and Leveling F7E2Whirlpool Dishwasher Code F7E2: Wash Motor Not Responding F8E1Whirlpool Dishwasher F8E1 or H20: Not Detecting Water F8E2Whirlpool Built-In Dishwasher F8E2 and the Fill Valve Circuit F8E4Whirlpool Dishwasher F8E4 Error on a New Install: Fill and Float Checks F8E5Whirlpool Dishwasher Code F8E5: Fill Valve Stuck Open, Act Now F9E1Whirlpool Built-In Dishwasher F9E1 Means Water Is Draining Too Slowly F9E2Whirlpool Dishwasher Code F9E2: Drain Motor Circuit Check

9 Pause 1 Pause9 Pause 1 Pause questions

Why does the light blink nine times, pause, then once?

It is F9E1, a long drain. Water is not leaving fast enough. A dirty filter, a kinked hose or a blocked disposer connection is the first thing to check.

What is the disposer knockout plug?

When a disposer is connected, a plug inside its dishwasher inlet must be removed. If it was left in, water cannot drain.

Will the dishwasher flood if F9E1 continues?

Standing water in the tub is likely, but not a flood by itself. Do not keep running cycles, and call us if the drain checks do not help.

Book a visit

Still seeing 9 Pause 1 Pause?

A technician diagnoses it on site and gives you the price in writing before any work starts.

(713) 589-6107