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Error code reference
KitchenAid Dishwasher Error Code 9-3
Diverter disk missing from sump.
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What the 9-3 error code actually means
Your KitchenAid dishwasher is detecting that a small round disc inside the bottom of the wash tub is either missing or out of place. This disc controls how water gets directed to the different spray arms during a wash cycle. Without it in the correct position, the dishwasher cannot wash properly and has stopped to alert you.
Diagnostic procedure
The full 9-3 procedure
Step 1 is visible so you can confirm you are on the right page. The remaining steps, the ones that tell you whether to actually replace a part, unlock with any pass.
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1
First diagnostic step
Remove lower spray arm, turbo zone assembly, rear feed tube and outlet cover; verify the round diverter disk is installed.
More steps, wiring diagram references, and verified part numbers
Includes expected resistance and voltage values, connector pinouts, and supersession notes for replacement parts.
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Most common causes of 9-3
Ranked by how often they cause this code
- 1Diverter disk dislodged during cleaning or reassembly
- 2Diverter disk missing entirely
- 3Cracked or warped diverter disk shifted out of position
- 4Diverter disk seated incorrectly after prior service
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Questions people ask about 9-3
What does 9-3 mean on a KitchenAid dishwasher?
The 9-3 error code on a KitchenAid dishwasher indicates that the diverter disk is missing from the sump assembly. The diverter disk is a round plastic component that controls water distribution between the wash zones. Without it properly installed, the dishwasher cannot complete a normal wash cycle. The fix typically involves accessing the sump by removing the lower spray arm, turbo zone assembly, rear feed tube, and outlet cover to inspect and reinstall the disk.
Is it safe to run my KitchenAid dishwasher with a 9-3 error code?
Running the dishwasher with a 9-3 error is not recommended. Without the diverter disk in place, water cannot be properly directed between wash zones, meaning dishes will not be cleaned effectively. In addition, operating the unit with a missing sump component could place unnecessary strain on the wash pump over time. Resolve the error before resuming normal use.
How much does it cost to fix a 9-3 error on a KitchenAid dishwasher?
If the diverter disk is simply dislodged and just needs to be reseated, there may be no parts cost at all, only your time for the repair. If the disk is missing or damaged and needs to be replaced, the part itself typically costs in the range of $15 to $45 depending on the specific model. If a technician is hired to diagnose and perform the repair, expect a total service cost in the range of $100 to $200 including labor.
How do I fix the 9-3 error on my KitchenAid dishwasher?
Start by removing the lower spray arm, turbo zone assembly, rear feed tube, and outlet cover to access the sump. Visually inspect the sump floor for the round diverter disk and confirm it is properly seated in its position. If the disk is present but displaced, reseat it and reassemble the components. If the disk is missing or damaged, a replacement diverter disk will need to be installed before the error will clear.
Will resetting my KitchenAid dishwasher clear the 9-3 error code?
A reset will not permanently clear the 9-3 error if the underlying problem, the missing or displaced diverter disk, has not been corrected. The code will return as soon as the dishwasher runs a cycle and the control detects the issue again. The diverter disk must be properly installed in the sump before the error will stay cleared.
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