How to Solve Maytag Dishwasher Showing Error F9E1

It’s always frustrating when your dishwasher suddenly shows an error code! There are so many of them that it’s hard to know what they all mean and what to do about them. In the case of a Maytag dishwasher showing an F9E1 error code, this usually indicates a drainage issue. There are a number of things that can cause drainage problems in a Maytag dishwasher, some of which are pretty simple to solve! Read on to find out the most common causes and solutions to the F9E1 error code. 

This guide applies to most popular models of Maytag dishwashers, including:

DC24B6R

DC24D6

DC24H6

DC24H6B

DC24J6

DC24J6A

DWU9200AAX

MDB6000AWB

MDB6000AWW

MDB7100AWB

MDB7100AWW

MDB7600AWB

MDB7600AWS

MDB7600AWW

MDB8600AWB

MDB8600AWS

MDB8600AWW

MDB9100AWB

MDB9150AWB

MDB9150AWS

MDB9150AWW

Clean Out the Filter

The filter in a Maytag dishwasher traps all of the grease and food particles that are left on the dishes. Over time, the filter may become more and more blocked, which can restrict drainage and cause water pooling. When your Maytag dishwasher detects water pooling at the bottom of the interior, it will display the F9E1 error code. This error code usually displays towards the end of the cleaning cycle, when your dishwasher attempts to drain away the water and is unable to fully empty. 

To clean your Maytag filter:

• Find and remove the filter. You’ll need to pull out the bottom rack to access it. Twist the filter counterclockwise then pull upwards to remove. 
• Over the kitchen sink, run the filter under warm water to get rid of any debris. 
• If you notice the filter is particularly heavily clogged or greasy, soak it in warm water and mild detergent for 10 minutes. 
• After 10 minutes, scrub the filter with an old toothbrush or small scrubbing brush to get rid of all the residue, then rinse thoroughly. 
• Once the filter is completely clean, place it back in the filter housing. 
• Run a test cycle to check if the error code has cleared. 

Try a Dishwasher Cleaning Product

If you clean the filter and the dishwasher is still not draining and is showing an error code, try using a commercial dishwasher cleaning product. These are particularly good for removing built-up grease and mineral deposits, and when combined with a high-temperature cycle can clear stubborn blockages and fix drainage issues. 

To use:

• Purchase a commercial dishwasher cleaning product from the supermarket. 
• Follow manufacturer instructions to use. Most products should be placed upside down on the top rack of an otherwise empty dishwasher. You should then run the hottest cycle available. 
• If the dishwasher cleaner works, the cycle will be able to complete without showing the error code. If the error code appears again, move on to the next step. 

Check Drain Hose for Kinks

The drain hose is located at the back of your dishwasher and is responsible for carrying water from the inside of your dishwasher to your home’s drainage system. Sometimes the drain hose can get a kink in it, which prevents water from draining properly and leads to pooling at the bottom of the machine. 

To check this:

• Unplug the dishwasher and pull it away from the wall to access the drainage hose.
• Carefully inspect the hose for bends or kinks. It’s okay for it to have curves, but it shouldn’t have any sharp bends. 
• If you find any kinks, straighten these out. You may need to clamp the hose into place to prevent it from becoming bent again. 
• Once you’ve straightened the hose, plug the dishwasher back in and run a test cycle to see if it’s working properly once again. 

Check the Drain Hose for Blockages

Another issue that can go wrong with the drainage hose is clogs. Although most debris and food particles are supposed to be caught by the filter, sometimes it ends up in the drainage hose, and over time can build up into a clog. This can restrict water flow and lead to pooling and error codes. 

To check:

• Disconnect the power from your dishwasher and access the drainage hose. 
• With an old towel on hand to catch any leaks, disconnect the drainage hose from both ends.
• Flush the hose with water to see if the water flows freely. If there appears to be a clog, use a length of wire or a plumbing snake if you have one to clear the clog. 
• Once water is able to run freely through the hose, put it back in place and run a test cycle to see if the error code has cleared.  

Check Drain Hose Placement

Drain hose placement can also be the culprit behind water pooling in a Maytag dishwasher. Check the height of the hose. It should loop to a point higher than the dishwasher interior before entering the drain. If the loop is too low, water can flow back into the dishwasher’s interior, leading to pooling and drainage issues. 

Check for Obstructions in the Drain Pump

Once you’ve ruled out the other issues in this guide, it’s time to check the drainage pump. This can get blocked by hard debris, like bits of broken glass or crockery. When blocked, it won’t be able to drain properly, causing pooling and error codes.

• First, disconnect the dishwasher from its power source.
• Use your Maytag manual to find out how to access the drain pump in your particular model. 
• Once you’ve accessed the drain pump, take a close look at the impeller. This is where debris is most likely to be trapped. 
• Remove any debris stuck in the impeller, and ensure that the blade can spin freely. 
• Put your dishwasher back together, plug it in, and run a test cycle. You should now find that your dishwasher drains freely and the error code has cleared.