KitchenAid Dishwasher Code F9E2: drain motor error and clogs

What F9E2 means

On KitchenAid built-in dishwashers with the F#E# control, such as the KDPM604KPS and KDTE204KPS, F9E2 reports a drain motor error. The pump that moves water out is not working as expected. You see F9E2 on the display and water may remain in the tub. The checks are the knockout plug, disposer and drain clogs, a kinked hose and the hose routing, then a power cycle.

Common causes of F9E2

A clog in the disposer or drain line is blocking the pump.
The drain hose is kinked or routed badly.
The disposer knockout plug is still in place.
The drain motor itself is not running correctly.

✓ One safe check you can try

1. Look for standing water and scoop out what you can. 2. Check the drain hose for kinks and that it loops up high before the sink drain. 3. Run the disposer empty. 4. Shut off power for half a minute and switch it back on. 5. Run a short drain or cycle; call us if F9E2 returns.

! Why to stop there

A clog is cheap to clear, while a failed drain motor needs a technician.
Standing water in the tub can smell.
The price is stated in writing and the repair is backed for 30 days.

Opening a panel yourself does not automatically cancel a manufacturer warranty, but it can cause accidental damage, and some manufacturers set their own service conditions. Check your warranty terms, or ask us, before deciding.

→Same appliance

Other Dishwasher codes

F9E2F9E2 questions

What separates F9E2 from F9E1?

F9E1 says the drain is slow. F9E2 points to the drain motor itself. Both start with the same checks of the hose, disposer and clogs.

Why does hose routing matter?

A hose that sags or kinks can trap water, and one that lacks a high loop can let sink water back in. The pump then struggles.

What do you do if the checks pass?

We test the drain motor and its circuit, quote in writing first, and give a 30-day warranty on the repair. Pump parts are installed only if the motor tests bad.