Kenmore Dishwasher Error Code 9-3

Error code 9-3 means the control board detected that the diverter disc in the sump is missing. The diverter disc is a round plastic component that sits beneath the lower spray arm and directs water flow between wash zones. The dishwasher will not operate normally until the disc is confirmed to be installed.

Running the dishwasher with a 9-3 error is not recommended. Without the diverter disc, water cannot be directed properly through the spray zones, so dishes will not be cleaned effectively. In some cases the machine may refuse to complete a cycle entirely. Address the missing or dislodged disc before running another load.

For most homeowners, the 9-3 error is one of the easier dishwasher repairs to tackle. Accessing the diverter disc only requires removing the lower spray arm, TurboZone assembly, rear feed tube, and outlet cover, all of which typically unclip or unscrew without special tools. If the disc is present but just out of place, the fix takes only a few minutes. Replacing a lost or broken disc is equally manageable with the correct replacement part for your model number.

Start by removing the lower spray arm, the TurboZone assembly, the rear feed tube, and the outlet cover to access the sump area. Check whether the round diverter disc is present and properly seated. If it is simply dislodged, reinstall it and run a cycle to see if the code clears. If the disc is missing or broken, order a replacement diverter disc using your model number and install it in the sump.

If the diverter disc is simply dislodged, the repair costs nothing since you only need to reseat it. If the disc is missing or broken, a replacement diverter disc typically costs between $15 and $40 depending on the model, and installation is a DIY-friendly job that requires no tools beyond removing the spray arm and sump cover components. If the issue turns out to be a faulty control board, costs rise significantly, often $150 to $300 or more for parts and labor.