Error code reference

Whirlpool Dishwasher Error Code 9-3

Diverter

Whirlpool codesWhirlpool dishwasher codes

Diverter - Missing disc. Control has detected that the diverter disc is missing from the sump.

First step from the service manual

Remove lower spray arm, TurboZone assembly, rear feed tube and outlet cover. Check if the round diverter disc 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 Whirlpool dishwasher

The 9-3 error code means the control board has detected that the diverter disk in the sump is missing. The diverter disk is a round component that sits in the sump assembly and controls which spray zone receives water pressure during the wash cycle. The control monitors the diverter motor and disk position; when it cannot confirm the disk is present or functioning in its expected location, it throws this fault. This typically surfaces during the wash cycle when the control attempts to actuate the diverter system.

For homeowners, the diverter disk is the part that alternates water flow between the lower spray arm and the TurboZone wash zone. Without it, your dishwasher cannot properly direct water to clean dishes in different zones. The good news is that the disk itself is often not truly missing but may have become dislodged during a previous wash cycle. Accessing it requires removing the lower spray arm, the TurboZone assembly, the rear feed tube, and the outlet cover to visually confirm whether the disk is seated correctly in the sump. If the disk is genuinely missing or cracked, it is a relatively inexpensive part to replace and the repair is manageable for most DIYers comfortable with basic disassembly.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of 9-3

  1. 01

    Dislodged diverter disk

    Wiring / connection

    The diverter disk may have shifted out of its seated position in the sump during a wash cycle, often due to high water pressure or a previous repair that did not fully secure it. The control cannot detect it in the expected position and triggers the 9-3 code.

  2. 02

    Missing or lost diverter disk

    Part replacement

    The disk may be completely absent from the sump, either because it was lost during a prior service call or was never reinstalled. This requires purchasing and installing a replacement diverter disk specific to the dishwasher model.

  3. 03

    Cracked or broken diverter disk

    Part replacement

    Physical damage to the diverter disk, such as cracking from repeated thermal cycling or impact from a fallen utensil, can cause it to fragment or warp so the control cannot register it correctly. A damaged disk must be replaced.

  4. 04

    Faulty diverter motor or position sensor

    Part replacement

    If the diverter disk is confirmed to be present and properly seated but the 9-3 code persists, the diverter motor or its position sensing mechanism may be defective and unable to read the disk's location accurately. This requires replacing the diverter motor assembly.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about 9-3

What does error code 9-3 mean on a Whirlpool dishwasher?
Error code 9-3 means the control board detected that the diverter disk in the sump is missing. The diverter disk is a round component that routes water between wash zones. The control cannot confirm the disk is in place, so it stops the cycle and displays this fault.
How do I fix the 9-3 error code on my Whirlpool dishwasher?
Start by removing the lower spray arm, TurboZone assembly, rear feed tube, and outlet cover to access the sump area. Check whether the round diverter disk is present and properly seated. If it is dislodged, reseat it, reassemble the components, and run a new cycle. If the disk is cracked or missing, order a replacement diverter disk for your model number and install it before running the dishwasher again.
Can I still use my Whirlpool dishwasher with the 9-3 error code active?
You should not continue running the dishwasher with the 9-3 code active. Without a functioning diverter disk, the machine cannot properly direct water flow between wash zones, meaning dishes will not be cleaned effectively and the cycle may not complete. Running it repeatedly in this state also puts unnecessary strain on the diverter motor.
How much does it cost to fix a 9-3 error on a Whirlpool dishwasher?
If the diverter disk is simply dislodged and just needs to be reseated, the fix costs nothing. A replacement diverter disk part typically costs between $15 and $40 depending on the model. If the diverter motor assembly has failed and needs replacement, parts can range from $50 to $120, with professional labor adding $100 to $200 on top of that depending on your area.
Is the 9-3 code on a Whirlpool dishwasher a hard repair to do yourself?
Reseating or replacing the diverter disk is a manageable DIY repair for most people. You need to remove the lower spray arm, TurboZone assembly, rear feed tube, and outlet cover, which requires no special tools beyond a screwdriver in most models. If the diverter motor itself needs replacement after the disk is confirmed present and seated, that repair is more involved and professional service may be worth considering.

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