Maytag Dishwasher F19 Error Code Fix Guide

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What This Error Means

F19 on a Maytag dishwasher means a drain fault / long drain.

The control sees that dirty water is not pumping out fast enough, so it stops the cycle and throws the code.

On many Whirlpool-built Maytag models this lines up with the F9E1 / F1E9 drain-error family, usually caused by a clog, a weak drain pump, or a bad connection.

Official Fix

Go in order. Power off first.

  • Kill power: flip the breaker off or unplug the dishwasher. Do not work on it live.
  • Open the door and look for standing water. If the tub is full, bail a few buckets out so you can see the bottom.
  • Pull the lower rack. Pop off the lower spray arm and remove the filter assembly. Rinse the filter under hot water and scrape out any sludge, glass, or food around the sump opening.
  • Reach into the sump (if accessible) and feel for obvious chunks around the drain inlet. Do not force anything into the impeller.
  • Go under the sink. Find the dishwasher drain hose where it connects to the garbage disposal or sink drain tee. Check that:
    • The hose is not kinked, crushed, or pinched by cabinet clutter.
    • The clamp is snug but not cutting into the hose.
    • If this is a newer install into a disposal, the knockout plug inside the disposal port has been removed.
  • If you have a countertop air gap (little cap on the sink), twist the cap off and clear out any slime, seeds, or food chunks inside.
  • Restore power. Run a Cancel/Drain or similar drain-only option. Watch the sink drain: you should see a strong stream of water and hear a steady pump hum.
  • If the pump just buzzes, gurgles, or is silent, kill power again, remove the toe panel, and inspect the drain pump:
    • Check for debris jamming the impeller.
    • Make sure the wiring connector is fully seated and not burned or corroded.
    • Use a multimeter: if the pump windings are open (infinite resistance) or shorted, the pump is bad and needs replacement.
  • Inspect the full length of the drain hose. If it is packed with grease or scale, replace the hose instead of trying to snake it forever.
  • Reassemble everything. Restore power and run a short cycle. If it drains normally, the board will usually clear the F19 code by itself after a successful run.
  • If the F19 comes back with a clear hose and a known-good pump, the control board is likely misreading the drain circuit and may need to be replaced.

The Technician’s Trick

Here is how a field tech muscles through a stubborn F19 faster than the book says.

  • Use a shop vac from the sink side. Pull the drain hose off the disposal or drain stub, stick a wet/dry vac on the hose, seal with a rag, and run it. Suck and then blow a few times. This rips out grease plugs and glass that normal draining never moves.
  • Free the pump by hand. With power off and the toe panel removed, twist the drain pump out (usually a couple of screws or a twist-lock). Spin the impeller with your fingers or a screwdriver. If it was stuck by a tiny shard, you will feel it break loose and it will often run fine afterward.
  • Force a drain with the hidden diagnostic mode. On most newer Maytag/Whirlpool-built dishwashers, pick any three buttons (not Power) and press them in sequence 1-2-3, 1-2-3, 1-2-3 within about 8 seconds. If all lights start cycling, you are in diagnostics. Close the door and let it run; it will kick the drain pump on and can clear trapped air and stubborn F19 codes after a repair.
  • Do a real power reset. After clearing clogs or changing parts, shut the breaker off for 5 minutes. Bring it back up and test. A full power drop often clears a code the panel “remembers” even after the actual problem is gone.

Is It Worth Fixing? (The Financial Verdict)

  • ✅ Fix: Under ~10 years old, stainless tub, issue is a clog or just needs a drain pump; total repair cost is well below a mid-range replacement dishwasher.
  • ⚠️ Debatable: Around 8–12 years old, needs both a pump and a control board or already has other annoyances (rusty racks, sticky buttons); compare the quote closely to a new mid-line unit.
  • ❌ Replace: 12+ years old, plastic tub, multiple past breakdowns, or any F19-related repair estimate that’s more than about 50% of a comparable new Maytag/Whirlpool dishwasher.

Parts You Might Need

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See also

Got other machines in the house throwing mystery codes? These guides help you decode them fast: