Frigidaire Error Code F9 (E1 F9): Drain Fix

The Logic Verdict

The short makes it clear: E1 F9 is almost always a drain restriction. Start with a full power cycle, then physically clean the sump filters, unkink the drain hose, and only move on to the drain pump and control board if the simple airflow/waterflow items check out. Follow that order and you usually have the machine “back to seamless performance in no time,” exactly like the trainer promises.

What It Means

Frigidaire calls F9/E1 F9 a “drain time-out.” The board never saw the water level fall during the last pump-out, so it assumes the filters, hose, pump, or the relay driving that pump are blocked. Because the control waits for a certain current draw, even a partially clogged filter that slows the flow can trigger the code.

Common Causes

• Dirty sump filters. The video singles them out as the first culprit—strainers packed with food sludge stop the pump from moving water fast enough.
• Kinked or clogged drain hose. If the hose is looped too tight behind the cabinet or packed with debris, the pump cavitates and throws F9 immediately after the rinse.
• Failed drain pump or control board. When the easy stuff checks out, the trainer moves on to inspecting the pump windings and the control board relay that powers it.

Step-by-Step Fix

1. Power-cycle with the door closed. Cancel the cycle, turn the breaker off for a minute, then restore power so the control drops the stored fault.
2. Clean every filter panel. Pull the coarse and fine filters out of the sump, rinse them under hot water, and scrub off any grease, seeds, or pasta that could choke the intake screen.
3. Untangle and flush the drain hose. Slide the dishwasher out enough to see the hose path, straighten sharp bends, and blow water or low-pressure air through it to confirm it’s clear all the way to the sink/disposal connection.
4. Inspect the drain pump. With power disconnected, remove the toe-kick, access the pump, check for broken glass or corks inside the impeller, and ohm the windings (most Frigidaire pumps read ~30 Ω). Replace if seized or open.
5. Evaluate the control board if the pump is healthy. Look for burnt traces on the drain relay and verify it sends 120 V to the pump during a drain command. Replace the board if the relay never energizes despite a clear hose and good pump.
6. Button up and test. Reinstall the filters, ensure the hose has a high loop, restore power, and run a rinse-only cycle to verify it drains without tripping F9.

Parts & Tools

• Frigidaire 154580301 drain pump assembly

Watch the Fix