mypros+
Error code reference

Whirlpool Washer Error Code 9-3

Diverter

Avg. service call
$285
National average. Trip fee plus diagnostic plus labor. Before parts.
MyPros+ 3-day pass
$9.95
Same diagnostic steps, on your phone. Start now.
You keep in your pocket
~$275
Even before you buy the part.
Skip the service call. Fix it yourself.
Full procedure unlocks instantly.
Get Started

What the 9-3 error code actually means

Your Whirlpool washer is detecting that a small round disk inside the bottom of the wash tub is missing. This disk helps direct water to the right places during the wash cycle, and without it, the washer will not run properly. You or a technician will need to open up the lower part of the wash system to check if the disk is there and seated correctly.

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.

MyPros+ · DiagnosticsStep 1 preview
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.
Unlock 9-3 procedure $9.95

Or subscribe: $29/month for unlimited access to all codes plus Max AI diagnostics.

Most common causes of 9-3

Ranked by how often they cause this code
  1. 1Disk left out after reassembly
  2. 2Disk displaced during wash cycle
  3. 3Cracked or broken diverter disk
  4. 4Sensor or control fault misreading disk presence

Most DIYers save hundreds by diagnosing before ordering parts.

Get Started

$29/month · Cancel anytime · Or $9.95 3-day pass

Questions people ask about 9-3

What does 9-3 mean on a Whirlpool washer?
The 9-3 code means the washer control has detected that the diverter disk in the sump is missing. This round disk is responsible for directing water flow to different spray zones during the wash cycle. The washer will not operate normally until the disk is confirmed to be present and correctly installed. Accessing it requires removing the lower spray arm, turbo zone assembly, rear feed tube, and outlet cover.
Is it safe to use my Whirlpool washer with a 9-3 error?
You should not attempt to run the washer while the 9-3 error is active. Without the diverter disk in place, water cannot be properly directed through the spray system, meaning wash performance will be significantly compromised. Resolving the error first ensures the machine operates as intended and prevents potential water distribution issues.
How much does it cost to fix a 9-3 error on a Whirlpool washer?
If the diverter disk simply needs to be reseated after reassembly, the fix costs nothing beyond your time. If the disk is missing or broken and needs replacement, parts typically range from a few dollars to around twenty to thirty dollars depending on the supplier. If a technician is needed for diagnosis and reassembly, labor costs will add to that total, generally ranging from fifty to one hundred fifty dollars or more depending on your area.
How do I fix a 9-3 error on my Whirlpool washer?
Start by removing the lower spray arm, turbo zone assembly, rear feed tube, and outlet cover to access the sump area. Verify that the round diverter disk is present and properly seated. If the disk is missing, it will need to be sourced and reinstalled. If the disk is present but damaged, replace it before attempting to run the washer again.
Will resetting my Whirlpool washer clear the 9-3 error?
A reset will not permanently clear the 9-3 error if the diverter disk is genuinely missing or misaligned. The control actively monitors for the disk's presence, so the code will return as soon as a new cycle is attempted. The underlying issue must be corrected by physically inspecting and reinstalling or replacing the diverter disk.

78,000+ service manuals · 160,000+ error codes · 55+ brands

Get Started

$29/month · Cancel anytime · Or $9.95 3-day pass