Amana dishwasher 9-1: diverter: can't find position
9-1 means the diverter, which directs water to the different spray arms, did not report reaching the position the control asked for.
What 9-1 means
- Brand
- Amana
- Appliance
- Dishwasher
- Code
- 9-1
- Documented meaning
- Diverter: can't find position
- Applies to
- 6 Amana models on 1 platform
- Can you keep using it?
- With caution
What the dishwasher is detecting
A small motor turns the diverter disk and a sensor reports its position. If the control runs the motor and never sees the expected position, it records this code.
Causes listed for this condition
In the order the service documentation checks them. Documented causes come from the manufacturer's service documentation for these platforms; possible causes are based on how the system works; unconfirmed marks common assumptions that the documentation does not support.
- Documented A corroded or loose connection in the diverter sensor or motor circuit, or an open or shorted sensor or motor.
- Documented A diverter shaft or disk that binds and cannot turn freely.
- Documented An open fuse on the control that feeds the diverter motor.
- Documented A failed diverter motor drive circuit on the control.
Safe checks you can make
- If your model has a removable filter in the bottom of the tub (the owner's manual shows how to twist it out), take it out, rinse it under the faucet and lock it fully back in place.
- Check the load: no bowls, pans or containers turned so they catch and hold water, and nothing hanging below the lower rack where it can stop a spray arm.
- Switch off the dishwasher's circuit breaker (or unplug it, if it plugs in under the sink) for one minute, restore power and run a short cycle to see whether the code returns.
Further diagnosis requires opening the appliance. Beyond the owner checks, diagnosis involves removing panels, testing components and checking wiring. We describe what a technician investigates, not how to do it yourself.
What a technician checks
- Watches and listens for diverter rotation during the service diagnostic cycle.
- Checks the diverter sensor and motor circuit with power off and inspects the sensor for water.
- Checks the control fuse before suspecting the control.
Typical repairs and cost
Depending on what diagnosis finds, this code can lead to one of these repairs:
| Repair | Typical range | Labor |
|---|---|---|
| Dishwasher diverter motor replacement | $180–$390 | Moderate |
| Dishwasher main control board replacement | $260–$590 | Moderate |
Typical total ranges for the Las Vegas area, parts and labor included. The final cost depends on diagnosis, the exact model, parts availability and whether other damage is found.
Can you keep using it?
Use with caution. Washing may be uneven because water cannot be routed to every spray arm. Schedule service.
Amana models documented with this code
And 4 more. Use the model lookup to check yours.
Related problems and codes
Other codes documented on the same Amana platforms:
Repair or replace?
A fault code alone rarely justifies replacing a dishwasher. Most 9-1 repairs involve a single component once diagnosed. Replacement becomes worth considering when the unit is near the end of its typical 9–12-year life and the diagnosed repair is a major one. See the repair-or-replace guide.
Need 9-1 diagnosed in the Las Vegas area?
We repair Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, JennAir, Amana and other Whirlpool-family appliances in Las Vegas, Henderson, Summerlin and Boulder City. A model number helps but is never required to book.