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Error code reference

Kenmore Dishwasher Error Code 9-3

Diverter disc missing

Kenmore codesKenmore dishwasher codes

Diverter disc missing — control detected diverter disk in sump is missing.

First step from the service manual

Remove lower spray arm, TurboZone assembly, rear feed tube and outlet cover and verify the round diverter disk is installed.

The complete diagnostic procedure includes additional test steps, resistance specifications, wiring diagram references, and component test points.

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What 9-3 means on a Kenmore dishwasher

Error code 9-3 on a Kenmore dishwasher indicates the control board has detected that the diverter disc in the sump is missing. The diverter disc is a round plastic component that sits in the sump assembly and controls which spray zone receives water pressure during the wash cycle. The control monitors the position and presence of this disc, and when it cannot confirm the disc is installed, it throws the 9-3 code and halts normal operation.

For homeowners, the diverter disc is what allows your dishwasher to alternate water flow between the lower spray arm and the TurboZone wash jets. Without it, the machine cannot direct water properly, so even if the pump runs, dishes will not get cleaned effectively. The disc can be dislodged during routine cleaning, after a service visit, or if the sump area was accessed for any reason.

Before assuming a part has failed, access the diverter disc by removing the lower spray arm, the TurboZone assembly, the rear feed tube, and the outlet cover. The round diverter disc should be visible and seated in the sump. In many cases, the disc simply fell out of position and reinstalling it clears the error immediately without any replacement parts needed.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of 9-3

  1. 01

    Diverter disc dislodged from sump

    Wiring / connection

    The most common cause of 9-3 is the round diverter disc becoming unseated from its position in the sump, often after cleaning the interior or removing the spray arms. Reinstalling the disc correctly resolves the error without any parts replacement.

  2. 02

    Diverter disc missing entirely

    Part replacement

    The disc may have been lost during a previous cleaning or service visit and never reinstalled. If the disc is not found anywhere in the tub or sump area, a replacement diverter disc specific to the dishwasher model is required.

  3. 03

    Cracked or broken diverter disc

    Part replacement

    If the diverter disc is present but cracked, warped, or broken, the control may still fail to detect it properly or the disc may not seal correctly to direct water flow. A damaged disc must be replaced.

  4. 04

    Faulty diverter disc sensor or control board

    Part replacement

    In rare cases where the disc is confirmed to be correctly installed and undamaged, the sensor that detects disc position or the control board itself may be at fault. This is the least likely cause and should only be considered after verifying the disc is present and properly seated.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about 9-3

What does error code 9-3 mean on a Kenmore dishwasher?
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.
How do I fix error code 9-3 on my Kenmore dishwasher?
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.
Can I still use my Kenmore dishwasher with a 9-3 error code?
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.
How much does it cost to fix a 9-3 error on a Kenmore dishwasher?
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.
Is the 9-3 error on a Kenmore dishwasher a hard repair to do yourself?
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.

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