E01 F09 Whirlpool Washer Error Code- What Is It & How To Fix?

Facing any error code midcycle in your washer is not a pleasant experience at all. You might find yourself receiving the E01 F09 Whirlpool washer code several times during a wash cycle. We’re here to help with that!

The error code E01 F09 Whirlpool washer appears when the main control board realizes that the washer is not draining. So, any single component connected to the drain system can be at fault for this. Apart from that, problems with the control board itself or the wrong pressure switch can also cause this code.

So, let’s see exactly what the reasons are behind this error code’s sudden appearance and how you can get rid of it the soonest.

What Does The E01 F09 Whirlpool Washer Error Code Mean?

The E01 F09 Whirlpool washer error code indicates an issue with the drain system of the washer.

When the water from the washer tub or drum refuses to drain, this error code appears to let you know about the newfound trouble.

In most cases, a component connected to the drainage system of the washer becomes faulty or defective. As a result, the water stops draining during the wash cycle.

Instantly, the washer main control board detects this change and immediately issues the error code E01 F09 as a warning to the user. This malfunction then prevents you from using the washer for further operations.

In rare cases, this same code also refers to a faulty pressure switch or main control board. It can also be used to indicate continuous usage of a wrong detergent in the washer. However, these are very rare occasions.

Why Does The E01 F09 Whirlpool Washer Error Code Appear?

The main culprits behind the appearance of the error code E01 F09 are the drain components of the Whirlpool washer.

Malfunction of one or more of these components along with the clogging of the drain hose leads to this code.

However, there are some other factors for this problem along with them too. Here are all of the possible reasons for which the E01 F09 error code appear-

1. Low-quality, overused detergent 
2. Clogged up drain hose or drain pump
3. Kinked or twisted drain hose
4. Dirty, blocked drain filter
5. Loose wire connection in the drainage system 
6. Faulty pressure switch
7. Central Control Unit is not working

Troubleshooting and Fix for E01 F09 Error Code on Whirlpool Washer

Now that we are aware of the exact reasons behind this code, getting rid of it won’t be much of a problem at all.

If you can’t pinpoint the specific source of the problem, you can enter the diagnostic mode on the washer.

This will specify exactly which component the problem lies and direct you to it. Here are the fixes according to the result you get from the diagnosis of the washer:

1. Perform A Washer Reset

In a lot of cases, simply rebooting or resetting the washer removed this error code from the display.

So, the first option should be to reset the washer and check if the error code disappears before proceeding with any other fixes.

To reset the washer-

• Turn off the washer and unplug it from the power socket on the wall. 
• Let the washer be disconnected for a few minutes. 
• Then, plug in the power cord again and check whether the error code is gone from the system.

If the display still shows the E1 F9 error code, proceed with the next fixes for possible solutions.

2. Use High Efficiency Detergent

Another reason behind the water not draining is the accumulation of suds inside the washer tub. Suds are created when the residue of soap builds up over a large course of time.

These suds slow down the wash cycle and make the washer lose the ability to drain or spin.

Using the wrong kind of detergent or using too much detergent into the washer can build up suds faster.

Therefore, you need to use high efficiency detergent for your wash cycles. Additionally, make sure you never put in too much detergent at once.

3. Fix The Kinked or Blocked Drain Hose

One of the most common and plausible reasons for any washer draining problem is the drain hose.

The drain hose can get clogged over time due to usage. Lint, small objects and dirt can accumulate and block the drain hose.

As a result, the water can’t get through the drain hose entirely and fails to drain at all.

When the drain hose itself is twisted or kinked too much, the water flow through the hose is disrupted. In such circumstances, the water can’t drain and the E1 F9 error code appears.

In order to make sure the drain hose is working properly, check it thoroughly for blockage and kinks.  The drain hose height should be between 39 and 96 inches.

If this height is less or more than that, the drainage problem will continue on. So, remove the twists from the drain hose by twisting them in the opposite direction and then place it at the appropriate mentioned height.

To unclog the blockages, use a drain snake tool or a thin wire inside it. You can also use a solution of water, baking soda and white vinegar.

Remember to turn off the power and remove the drain hose completely from the washer before this action.

4. Clean The Pump Filter

When the Whirlpool washer has a removable filter, it gets dirty pretty soon. Without cleaning it every time it gets too dirty and blocked up which doesn’t let the water filter through.

So, we get the E1 F9 error code indicating that. For cleaning the pump filter, follow these directions:

• Turn off the power to the washer completely. 
• Remove the access panel of the washer or the washing cabinet.
• Locate the filter in the washer.
• Turn the filter cap counterclockwise to open it. 
• Clean out the filter with a simple soap solution. 
• Reattach the cap to the filter once again.

Unclog or Replace The Drain Pump

If the drain pump doesn’t function properly, the water can’t drain from the washer. If any of the objects stuck on the filter get past the filter and to the drain pump, it starts clogging the pump.

Apart from the drain pump getting blocked, there could also be an electrical failure. The drain impeller also has a tendency to break often due to the force exerted by the drain pump.

To get rid of any drain pump issues, follow through the next steps-

• Firstly, use a screwdriver and remove the panel to get to the drain pump. For front load washers, the panel will be at the back and for top load washers, it will be under the washer. 
• Next, inspect the whole drain pump for a possible blockage. Use thin wire to clear off all the clogged articles.
• Fix the situation of the wires and hoses connected to the drain pump if they are damaged or loose.
• Try to turn the drain impeller freely by hand. If it doesn’t turn, it may be damaged and you need a new one.
• To check if the pump went through any electrical failure, use a multimeter and check for continuity in the pump.

5. Fix The Pressure Switch

A pressure switch determines the water pressure inside the tub and sends the necessary signal for the draining process to start.

However, if this pressure switch is defective or damaged, the washer can’t differentiate when the tub is empty.

The washer assumes the tub still needs draining so it sends the control board a signal to start the draining process.

And, without the water left in the tub, the draining doesn’t begin. So, the error code E01 F09 shows up instead.

You can find the pressure switch under the control panel of the washer. Access the pressure switch and then check it with a multimeter to make sure there is continuity.

If the multimeter shows no signs of current, the switch is defective and you need to replace it.

Check The Wirings

Sometimes, a simple thing such as the wirings inside the washer getting damaged or disconnected can lead to this error code.

Any of the components including the pressure switch system, control board, drain pump can have loose wiring connections.

Start by inspecting all of these components of the washer. Make sure none of the wires are loose from their connections.

At the same time, look out for signs of damages in these wires. If you find external damages, buy a new wire to replace the previous ones.

FAQs

Take a look at some answered questions about this error code the Whirlpool washer users have.

Conclusion

Following through with this troubleshooting guide can definitely remove the E01 F09 Whirlpool washer error code. Most of the fixes include unclogging, cleaning or re-establishing connections, so these fixes won’t cost you much.

When the fix includes replacing a certain component, the cost will depend on the part necessary. If the error code still persists after trying all of the fixes, then the control board is likely at fault.

Changing the control board is very complicated and expensive. Remember to definitely contact a technician to get help for this.