F9E1
Maytag Dishwasher
Severity: ModerateWhat Does This Error Mean?
F9E1 means the dishwasher is not draining properly.
Water remains in the tub after the drain cycle.
Check the drain hose, garbage disposal knockout plug, and the dishwasher filter for clogs.
Affected Models
- Maytag MDB8959SKZ
- Maytag MDB7959SKZ
- Maytag Dishwashers with F/E error codes
Common Causes
- Drain hose kinked or clogged
- Garbage disposal knockout plug not removed (new installations)
- Dishwasher filter clogged with food debris
- Drain pump blocked or failed
- Air gap or high loop issue in the drain hose
How to Fix It
-
Check and clean the dishwasher filter.
Remove the lower rack and twist out the filter assembly.
Rinse it under running water to remove food debris. -
Inspect the drain hose for kinks.
Pull the dishwasher out slightly and check the drain hose.
Straighten any kinks that could restrict water flow. -
If connected to a garbage disposal: check the knockout plug.
New disposals come with a knockout plug in the dishwasher drain port.
If this was not removed during installation, water cannot drain from the dishwasher. -
Run the garbage disposal before starting the dishwasher.
A full disposal can block the dishwasher from draining.
Run the disposal with water for 15 seconds before starting a dishwasher cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a garbage disposal knockout plug?
It is a plastic disc inside the disposal's dishwasher drain inlet.
It must be removed (knocked out with a screwdriver and hammer) if a dishwasher is connected.
Forgetting to remove it is one of the most common installation mistakes.
How often should I clean the dishwasher filter?
Maytag recommends cleaning the filter once a month.
If you notice food particles on clean dishes, clean it more frequently.