What F9 Means
Bertazzoni's own use & care manual lists F9 as a divisor position error — the internal water-diverter valve that routes wash water between the upper and lower spray arms isn't reaching or confirming its correct position.
Common Causes of F9
- A jammed or worn diverter valve motor
- Debris obstructing the diverter's movement
- A wiring or position-sensor problem on the diverter assembly
🔧 One Safe Check You Can Try
There isn't a safe homeowner check for this one — the diverter/divisor assembly sits behind the tub wall and is tested with the unit partly disassembled, which Bertazzoni's own manual routes straight to "Contact service."
⚠ Why You Shouldn't Go Further Than That
- The diverter assembly sits behind the tub wall wired into a live circuit, making it a genuine shock hazard unless the unit is fully de-energized first.
- Trying to manually free a jammed diverter risks snapping its drive shaft, turning what might have been a simple clear-out into a full assembly replacement.
- This problem can look similar to a wash-motor issue from the outside, and replacing the wrong, costlier part is a common mistake.
- Reaching the diverter generally means partly sliding the dishwasher out of its cabinet cutout, and that step alone is enough to affect the warranty coverage — check your terms first for many owners.
- A diverter reinstalled even slightly misaligned can continue misrouting water, leaving upper or lower dishes poorly washed even after a part is replaced.
Opening a panel to inspect or repair something yourself doesn't automatically cancel your manufacturer's warranty — but it can risk accidental damage, and some manufacturers do have specific service conditions. Check your product's warranty terms, or ask us, before deciding.