Whirlpool Washer F9/E1 Code: Causes & 7 Ways To Fix It

Whirlpool washer is one of the appliances you can depend on easily; however, any electronic appliance might face issues like error codes.

One of the codes you might face when doing your laundry is the F9/E1, which can be frustrating if you don’t know the meaning of the error code.

You don’t have to worry because, in this article, I will discuss the causes of the Whirlpool washer F9/E1 error code. In addition, I will explain how to solve each cause and prevent it in the future.

Causes of Whirlpool Washer F9/E1 Error Code

The leading cause of the Whirlpool washer E1/F9 error code is that the control board senses a fault with the draining process.

Therefore, you will need to check the draining components to determine which draining component is responsible for the error.

If all the draining components are working correctly, the problem might be with the detergent, pressure switch, or control board. I will guide you through the troubleshooting in the following points.

1. Faulty Drain Hose

The drain hose’s job is to drain the water out of your washer; therefore, it should have no issues so it can adequately drain. Any kinking, twisting, or blockage in the drain hose will affect the draining process and result in the F9/E1 code.

The drain hose might have no twists or kinks but is installed incorrectly, resulting in the F9/E1 error code. The hose should drain into a sink or standpipe above the floor by 39 inches.

Suppose the standpipe or the sink where the drain hose draining the water is below 39 inches or more than 96 inches. It will result in an error in the draining process, and the washer will display the F9/E1 error code.

The heights and measures can differ from one washer model to another, depending on local regulations.

2. Blocked Pump Filter

The pump filter is the next draining component to check for the reason behind the F9/E1. The filter is underneath the washer tub, extending from the pump.

If the amount of debris in the pump filter is vast, it will affect the draining process and result in the F9E1 error code.

3. Drain Pump Issue

After checking the drain pump, the next part is the drain pump; the error F9/E1 error usually results from an issue with the drain pump. The drain pump issue can be a blockage, a defective impeller, or an electrical fault.

A sign of a faulty drain pump is you can’t hear its sound at the end of the wash cycle. The fault might be a short circuit, a burnt motor, or a faulty impeller.

Using a multimeter can know the electrical fault; you will need to set the multimeter settings for continuity and test the drain pump. If the pump has no continuity signals, it has an electrical issue.

4. Defective Pressure Switch or Pressure Hose

The last draining parts to check are the pressure switch and the hose. The drain error (F9/E1) doesn’t usually result from an issue with these parts, but it may be.

If the pressure switch or the pressure hose is faulty, the sensor can think that the drum is full of water even if it’s not. So, the washer starts the draining process, resulting in the error F9/E1.

You can determine if the pressure switch is defective by using the multimeter. Set the multimeter to continuity and test the pressure switch. If the switch doesn’t show any signs of electrical continuity, it’s defective.

The pressure hose has to be free of any damage, twists, or kinks. If the pressure hose is damaged, it must be replaced to eliminate the error F9/E1.

5. Wrong Detergent

The amount and type of detergent can affect the draining process; if your washing machine requires a high-efficiency detergent (HE) and you use a normal one, it will result in a draining fault.

The regular detergent can create too many soap suds, which prevents the washer from spinning and draining freely. The same applies to too much detergent; if you use too much detergent, it creates too many soap suds.

6. Faulty Wiring

If wires are damaged, disconnected, or loose, the faulty electrical connections can also result in the F9/E1 error code. The drain pump, control board, or pressure switch shouldn’t have loose wires.

When checking any of the mentioned parts, ensure you power off your washer. The control board can be challenging to check using the multimeter and requires a professional technician.

However, you can still check the wires connected to the control board to ensure none is damaged or loose.

How to Fix Whirlpool Washer F9/E1 Code

After discussing the causes of Whirlpool washer F9/E1, I will explain how to solve each cause to get your washer working properly.

1. Reset the Washing Machine

First, let’s reset the washing machine to ensure it’s not an electronic or temporary error, so you will need to power off the washing and unplug it for ten to fifteen minutes.

Then, plug the washer in, power it on, and start a wash cycle to test if the error has been fixed. If the error persists, you must follow the troubleshooting steps.

2. How to Fix a Faulty Drain Hose?

If your drain hose is faulty, like having any twists or kinks, you will need to replace it if it’s irreparable. Twists and kinks will get in the way of the water flow, affecting the draining process.

If the washer is pushed too close to the wall, it can be why your drain hose is bent. So, ensure your washer has enough space behind it. The drain hose can also be clogged with debris, lint, or any foreign objects; therefore, you should check it for any blockage.

The drain hose height has to be in the proper range of 36 to 96 inches. If the hose is below 36 or over 96 inches, it will not work correctly; the water will flow back to the washer or not be drained.

3. How to Fix a Blocked Pump Filter?

If the pump filter is blocked, you must unclog it to solve the F9/E1 issue. It can differ from one model to another, but the filter’s location is usually underneath the washer tub, extending from the pump.

First, empty any water from the washer or prepare any container under the filter to collect the water. Depending on your washer model, the filter’s location is either behind the rear access panel or the front lower panel.

Kindly follow these steps to check the filter:

1. Power off your washing machine using the power off button.
2. Remove the access panel covering the filter.
3. Place a container underneath the filter to collect the water.
4. Rotate the filter cap counterclockwise to remove it.
5. Clean any accumulated debris in the filter.

4. How to Fix the Drain Pump Issue?

The drain pump can have different issues, so let’s solve them individually. The first issue is if the drain pump is clogged, you will need to unclog it to allow the water to flow.

The next issue is if the impeller is defective, it will need to be replaced to get the drain pump working again. If the impeller is working correctly and the drain pump is not clogged, then you must test the pump using a multimeter.

Grab the multimeter and set it to continuity to test the drain pump; if it shows no electrical continuity signs, it will need to be replaced. Kindly follow these steps to check your drain pump:

1. Power off your washing machine.
2. Remove the access panel.
3. Place a container to collect any water from the pump.
4. Check the pump and its hoses to ensure there is no damage.
5. Disconnect the hoses connected to the pump by compressing the clamps.
6. Remove the spring clips holding the pump using a flat-edge screwdriver.
7. Take out the drain pump from the washer.
8. Spin the impeller to ensure it spins freely; otherwise, the pump is defective.
9. Grab the multimeter and set it to continuity.
10. Test the drain pump; if there is no continuity, the drain pump is faulty.

5. Defective Pressure Switch or Pressure Hose

If the pressure switch is defective, it needs to be replaced; kindly follow these steps:

1. Disconnect the power of the washer for safety.
2. Push the washer from the wall to access the screws holding the top cabinet.
3. Unscrew the screws holding using a 20 Torx screwdriver.
4. Grab the sides of the washer top and remove it.
5. Locate the pressure switch by checking the right rear corner if you are facing the washer from the front.
6. Remove the wire harness.
7. Remove the two tabs connector from off the switch.
8. Rotate the pressure switch 90 degrees, either back or forward, to remove it.
9. Install the new pressure switch.
10. Connect the locking tabs.
11. Connect the wire harness.
12. Install your washer top.
13. Power on your washer.

6. How do you Fix the Wrong Detergent?

If your washer uses a high-efficiency detergent, don’t use another detergent to avoid soap suds. In addition, ensure that you use the right amount of detergent.

7. How to Fix Faulty Wiring?

If you have any damaged wires, you will need to replace them; meanwhile, if the wires are disconnected or loosened, you will need to tighten them up for a good electrical connection.

If the control board is the reason, you will need to consult a professional technician to check it; the control board is essential for your washer’s different functions and water level. So, it would be best if you didn’t risk its safety.

Preventing Whirlpool Washer F9/E1 Error Code

1. Use the Right Detergent Type and Amount

When you use the right detergent type and amount, you will avoid the soap suds, so if your washer uses a high-efficiency detergent, don’t use a normal one, and don’t use too much detergent.

2. Regular Maintenance

You will need to perform regular maintenance on your washer to ensure the proper status of your draining parts. Check the drain hose to make sure the hose is not kinked or clogged.

The pump filter has to be cleaned regularly to ensure any debris does not block it. The same goes for the drain pump; you must ensure it’s not clogged or defective.

The last components are the pressure switch and hose; ensure the pressure switch is making a sound at the beginning of every wash cycle and there is no damage to the pressure hose.