Sharp F09 dishwasher: what it means & what to check

What F09 actually means

The dishwasher can't tell what position its water divisor is in — the part that switches the flow of water between the upper and lower spray arms — so it stops the programme.

The fault calls F09 a divisor position error. The machine expects a signal confirming where the divisor (the diverter that sends washing water to the top or bottom of the cabinet) has moved to; when that confirmation doesn't arrive, or the divisor isn't turning as commanded, the control board halts the cycle and shows the code. Sharp's instruction for this one is unambiguous — it is a service call, not an owner adjustment.

What F09 looks like on a Sharp dishwasher

Most people find this page having searched for what the machine is doing rather than the code itself. On a Sharp dishwasher, F09 usually shows up as one or more of these:

Dishwasher not draining
Water left in the tub at the end of the cycle
Stops mid-cycle full of water
Standing water in the bottom
Noisy fan
Not getting cold evenly
Cuts out after a few minutes
No function at all

Recognise any of those? That is this fault, and the rest of this page explains what causes it and what you can check yourself.

What usually causes it

The divisor mechanism jammed or stuck part-way between positions
Failed position sensor or microswitch that reports where the divisor is
Debris or limescale in the divisor housing preventing it turning
Wiring or connector fault between the divisor and the control board
Faulty control board misreading the position signal

What you can safely check yourself

Work through these in order. Anything beyond this — panels off, testing parts, anything to do with the wiring — is an engineer's job, and not one to attempt with the machine plugged in.

Turn the dishwasher off at the wall for a minute, then switch back on and start a short programme — an occasional false reading will clear
Check both spray arms spin freely by hand and that the holes aren't blocked with debris
Lift out and rinse the filters in the sump, and make sure nothing (a fallen fork, a bit of label) is sitting in the base of the tub
Make sure tall items in the lower basket aren't fouling the upper spray arm

Which Sharp models show F09

F09 means the same thing on all 9 of these models. If yours is not listed, the explanation above still applies — the code is set by the control board, not the model number.

QW-G472W · QW-GT13F492W-EN · QW-GT21F472W-EN · QW-GT43F393I-EN · QW-GT45F444I-EN · QW-S486X · QW-T13F491W-EN · QW-T21F472W-EN · QW-T24F463W-EN

Common questions about Sharp F09

What does F09 mean on a Sharp dishwasher?

The dishwasher can't tell what position its water divisor is in — the part that switches the flow of water between the upper and lower spray arms — so it stops the programme. The fault calls F09 a divisor position error. The machine expects a signal confirming where the divisor (the diverter that sends washing water to the top or bottom of the cabinet) has moved to; when that confirmation doesn't arrive, or the divisor isn't turning as commanded, the control board halts the cycle and shows the code. Sharp's instruction for this one is unambiguous — it is a service call, not an owner adjustment.

Can I fix Sharp F09 myself?

There are 4 checks you can safely do yourself first.

Turn the dishwasher off at the wall for a minute, then switch back on and start a short programme — an occasional false reading will clear.
Check both spray arms spin freely by hand and that the holes aren't blocked with debris.
Lift out and rinse the filters in the sump, and make sure nothing (a fallen fork, a bit of label) is sitting in the base of the tub.
Make sure tall items in the lower basket aren't fouling the upper spray arm.

This one usually needs an engineer once you have tried them.

How much does it cost to repair Sharp F09?

£66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.

Tried the checks and it's still showing F09?

This one usually needs an engineer once you have tried the checks above. Then it wants someone who can open it up.

What it costs, before you call: the price is the same whatever the fault turns out to be — £66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.

Our own engineers, not a call centre. We cover Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire — most dishwasher faults are seen same day or next day.

Call 0115 648 0929 Book online — postcode and number is all we need

Outside our area? The explanation above still stands — take it to a local engineer and tell them the code. Knowing it saves them time and you money.

Other Sharp dishwasher codes

All Sharp fault codes and repairs →

What this looks like when it happens

dishwasher lights flashing

Repairs we cover near you

Written by the engineers at ASAP Repairs, 0115 648 0929. We repair these machines for a living in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire.

Sharp F09 error — dishwasher