Error code 9-3 (also shown as F9E3) points to a failure in the diverter disc, the part that routes wash water to specific zones and spray arms. When the disc breaks, goes missing, or can’t index to the expected position, the control can’t direct flow correctly, so it halts the cycle and posts the error.
What the Diverter Disc Does
During a cycle, the circulation pump pushes water past the diverter assembly. The disc rotates in small steps, opening and closing ports that feed the lower spray arm, upper spray arm, and specialized zones. Correct indexing is essential: it balances pressure, improves coverage, and keeps noise and energy use in check. A damaged or absent disc leaves ports misaligned, which starves some spray arms while overloading others.
How the Problem Shows Up
You may notice weak spray on one level, unusual pulsing or hissing from the sump, standing debris on specific racks, or a cycle that ends early with 9-3/F9E3 on the display. Sometimes the machine finishes but dishes come out inconsistently clean because water never reached all zones.
Accessing and Locating the Disc
Disconnect power and water. Open the tub and remove the racks to clear space. Lift off the lower spray arm and set aside any quick-release caps or nuts that secure it. Pull the vertical feed tube and any manifolds from the rear wall so the sump area is fully exposed. At the pump outlet—inside the sump cover—you’ll find the diverter assembly; the disc sits on the diverter hub in line with that outlet.
What to Inspect First
Look directly at the disc and hub. A healthy disc sits flat, with intact fins or ports and a snug fit on its drive feature. If it’s missing, the code’s cause is confirmed. If it’s present, check for cracks, missing segments, warped plastic, or debris wedged between the disc and housing. Foreign objects like toothpicks, popcorn hulls, or glass slivers can jam indexing and mimic a broken-disc fault. Spin the disc gently by hand; it should move smoothly with light detents, not bind or wobble.
When the Disc Needs Replacement
Replace the disc if you see broken fins, a split hub, heavy warp, or a fit so loose that the drive can’t turn it reliably. Order the part by full model number and revision to ensure the correct geometry. Before installation, clean the sump cavity, the diverter seal surface, and the drive interface so the new disc seats fully and turns freely. Install the disc squarely on the hub, confirm full engagement, and reassemble the sump cover, feed tube, and spray arm in the reverse order of removal.
Calibration and Control Alignment
After reassembly, restore power and run a service or diagnostic cycle if your model supports it. The control will step the diverter through its positions and learn the index points. If your model lacks a service mode, start a normal cycle and listen for a brief sequence of indexing clicks early in the wash; that’s the controller aligning the disc. If the error returns immediately, recheck the disc seating, the diverter motor connector, and the harness routing to the control.
Post-Repair Checks
Confirm strong, even spray on both racks by observing through the door briefly after starting (open only a crack to avoid water escape, then close to continue). Check that the lower and upper arms change behavior over the first minutes—this indicates the diverter is successfully redirecting flow. At cycle end, dishes on all levels should be uniformly clean without dead zones or heavy residue.
Preventing Another 9-3 / F9E3
Keep the filter and sump clean so debris doesn’t migrate into the diverter. Avoid loading small, loose items that can break off and drop into the sump, and rinse away hard fragments like bones or fruit pits that can jam the disc. Make a habit of inspecting and cleaning the filter after heavy or seedy loads; consistent maintenance preserves smooth indexing and protects the diverter drive.
When the Error Persists
If a known-good disc still triggers 9-3/F9E3, focus on the diverter drive motor and its position sensor, the wiring between the diverter and the control, and the control’s diverter output. Intermittent wiring, a stripped drive, or a sensor that can’t report position will recreate the fault even with a perfect disc. Verifying those components resolves stubborn cases and restores reliable, full-coverage washing.