Whirlpool WFW9250WR Front-Loading Washer F9 E1 Error, Clogged Drain Filter
2014-06-04 Initial Post
Back on 2012-11-12, my washer beeped and displayed the F9 E1 error about midway through a cycle. I looked up that error code in the Use & Care Guide and here’s what it stated:
“F9E1” on display (Drain Problem)
Press POWER to cancel the cycle. Unplug washer or disconnect power.
Plug in washer or reconnect power. Re-select cycle and press
START/PAUSE. If the problem remains, call for service.
I did all that several times to no avail. I was pretty much set on calling an appliance repair place and then I found the answer here: http://www.justanswer.com/appliance/4et22-front-load-washer-model-wfw9150ww00-bought-14-months-ago.html. It stated to “remove the lower front panel and unscrew the filter from the pump and clean it out.” I figured out how to do that and here’s my summary:
- Unplug power from the washer.
- Prop the two front legs of the washer on a piece of 2 x 4 or something similar.
- Unscrew the three screws on the bottom of the front panel (I used my Metrinch ¼ inch/6mm socket). These screws are hard to grip, so you’ll need to put some pressure on them.
- The drain components are on the right side. Put something under the big white drain plug to catch water as you turn it slowly counter clockwise. There might be a lot of water in there, so take your time and close the plug when you need to, to dump the water; Do this as many times as necessary to remove all the water.
- Inside the white drain tube, on the right side is the filter area. I found a piece of my wife’s bra in there, so after removing that and checking with a mirror to verify that nothing else was caught in there, I put everything back and put the washer on the RINSE/DRAIN & SPIN cycle and it has worked fine since.
It wasn’t my idea of how to spend a Monday evening, but I saved $50 some dollars and most importantly, time. I was dreading the idea of having to take a day off from work to meet with the appliance repairman.
October 31st, 2015 at 12:41 PM
I followed this and it worked perfectly. These washers should be recalled. They eat clothes and the pieces get stuck in the plastic filter in the drain clogging it throwing the error code...3 screws using a ratchet 1/4 inch removes panel. Very hard hand screw to untighten drain. Water will rush out so be prepared with about a 5 gallon bucket!! Once wash subsides clean out then replace.
October 31st, 2015 at 9:37 PM
Mr R: Thanks for your reply. I'm glad this was helpful for you. I'm not a big fan of this washer. It has ripped up a few shirts and pants over the years (fortunately those didn't clog the filter). I'm not sure if this happens with other front loaders. I got this washer brand new for free so I've put up with it.
December 22nd, 2015 at 2:03 AM
This is the worse washing machine ever. It eats our clothes all the time and in less than 2 years we have to clean this filter 3 times.
December 28th, 2015 at 4:46 PM
Thanks! We had 2 color fast sheets and 28 cents in change!
June 5th, 2016 at 11:30 AM
Thank you so much for this info and step by step guide with pictures. When mine threw this code all I could think was waiting & spending money. So glad I was able to fix it myself thanks to your help!
June 5th, 2016 at 11:32 AM
Thank you so much for the step by step instructions! When mine threw this error code all I could think was time & money. 🙁 but you saved the day! Thank you again!
July 1st, 2016 at 9:43 AM
Anyone have experience with the Whirlpool Duet which does NOT have the front panel to remove? Mine is a solid Fromt panel -- no access panel under the door like shown here. I fear I have to call a technician for a simple drain clog ($150/service call here for my local Whirlpool repairman). I must have the "newer/better" model. SMH.
July 1st, 2016 at 9:44 AM
I have model WFW70HEBW1
February 11th, 2017 at 6:35 PM
Thank you! This saved us a call to the appliance repair man, and money. You gave great direction...
February 18th, 2017 at 11:23 AM
Another thumbs up - this worked perfectly and saved us calling (and paying) for repairs. The clear directions and pictures were perfect!
September 8th, 2018 at 1:34 AM
I have the the Whirlpool Duet which does NOT have the front panel to remove? How do I get to the filter. The error code is F9 E1.
September 9th, 2018 at 9:04 PM
Ginger: I moved and now I have a Maytag. Get the exact model number of your machine and search for "F9 E1" along with the model number. Try YouTube also. A lot of people put videos up now since it's quicker than writing a blog post with pictures. Good luck.