Sharp F09 washing machine: what it means & what to check

Stop using it for now. Carrying on with this fault risks further damage or a leak. Switch it off at the wall until it has been looked at.

What F09 actually means

The machine can't tell where the water-diverter (the part that steers water to the right detergent compartment) is sitting, so it has stopped the programme.

Sharp washing machines use a small motorised diverter to direct incoming water through the different parts of the detergent drawer. The control board checks the position of that diverter and if it doesn't get the expected signal it halts the cycle and shows F09. The guidance for this code is to call service, as it is an internal component fault rather than something in the plumbing.

What F09 looks like on a Sharp washing machine

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

Not filling with water
No water going in
Takes for ever to fill
Stops right at the start of the cycle
Drum not turning
Won't spin
Hums or buzzes but nothing moves
Turns one way only

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

Faulty position sensor or microswitch on the water diverter
Diverter motor jammed or worn out
Detergent build-up stiffening the diverter mechanism
Loose or damaged wiring between the diverter and the control board
Control board fault 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 machine off at the wall for a minute, then switch back on and start a short programme — an occasional one-off glitch will clear
Clean out the detergent drawer and its housing with warm water to remove hardened powder or softener residue
Check the water is fully turned on and the inlet hose is not kinked

Common questions about Sharp F09

What does F09 mean on a Sharp washing machine?

The machine can't tell where the water-diverter (the part that steers water to the right detergent compartment) is sitting, so it has stopped the programme. Sharp washing machines use a small motorised diverter to direct incoming water through the different parts of the detergent drawer. The control board checks the position of that diverter and if it doesn't get the expected signal it halts the cycle and shows F09. The guidance for this code is to call service, as it is an internal component fault rather than something in the plumbing.

Can I fix Sharp F09 myself?

There are 3 checks you can safely do yourself first.

Turn the machine off at the wall for a minute, then switch back on and start a short programme — an occasional one-off glitch will clear.
Clean out the detergent drawer and its housing with warm water to remove hardened powder or softener residue.
Check the water is fully turned on and the inlet hose is not kinked.

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 washing machine 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 washing machine codes

All Sharp fault codes and repairs →

What this looks like when it happens

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 — washing machine