Whirlpool Dishwasher FA E4 (FAE4, F10E4) Error Code: Diverter Valve Error (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)

What the code means

Whirlpool Product Help lists "FAE4 or F10E4" as a Diverter Valve Error, and the only owner step it gives is cycling power for 30 seconds before contacting service. Whirlpool's technical manual W11480208 for Whirlpool, JennAir, Brastemp and KitchenAid 24 inch filtration dishwashers explains the code: Function 10 (shown as A on some displays) is "Other," and Error 4 means "Diverter can't find positions," based on the diverter's position optical sensor and the spray arms. The A in FA is just the number 10 written as one character, so FA E4 and F10E4 are the same fault. The manual lists the causes as a corroded or loose connection in the diverter sensor or motor circuit, or an open or shorted diverter sensor or motor. It also ties diverter problems to poor washing, little or no wash pump flow and long cycles, because water isn't being sent where it should go. On models with a numeric display the code shows as F, the function number, then E4; on models with only status lights, the manual says the Clean or Complete light blinks the function number, pauses 2 seconds, then blinks the error number. Note that one or two rows of that manual's troubleshooting tables label the codes inconsistently (for example "F10E4 (FAE5)"); the Service Error Codes table and Whirlpool's help page both put the diverter position fault at Error 4. FA E5 (F10E5) is a different code, a diverter leak.

Likely causes

• A corroded or loose connection in the diverter motor or diverter position sensor circuit, which Whirlpool's technical manual lists first
• An open or shorted diverter motor
• A faulty diverter position optical sensor that can't tell the control where the diverter is
• A damaged harness between the control board and the diverter assembly
• Less often, a failed diverter drive circuit on the main control board, which the manual checks only after the motor and sensor test good

Safe DIY checks

1. Reset the control the way Whirlpool describes: unplug the dishwasher for 30 seconds, or turn off its breaker for 30 seconds if it's hard-wired, then restore power.
2. Run a normal cycle and check whether FA E4 comes back. Whirlpool's help page says to contact service or schedule a repair if it does.
3. After the reset, look at the results in both racks. Whirlpool's manual ties diverter problems to poor washing and weak spray, so one rack coming out dirty is worth telling the technician.
4. If you're comfortable working on appliances, unplug the dishwasher or shut off its breaker first, remove the lower spray arm and make sure nothing is jammed around it and the filters are seated. The manual also says the diverter disk must be installed on its shaft.
5. Leave motor resistance and live-voltage tests to a technician. Whirlpool marks those steps for authorized technicians only.

Parts that commonly fix it

Always match the part number to your exact model.

Related codes

• F2 E2 Whirlpool Dishwasher F2 E2
• F4 E3 / F4E3 Whirlpool Dishwasher F4 E3 / F4E3
• F6 E1 / F6E1 Whirlpool Dishwasher F6 E1 / F6E1
• F7 E1 / F7E1 Whirlpool Dishwasher F7 E1 / F7E1
• F8 E4 Whirlpool Dishwasher F8 E4

All Whirlpool codes →

Sources

1. Whirlpool Product Help: FAE4 or F10E4 - Dishwasher (Diverter Valve Error; cycle power 30 seconds; contact service)
2. Whirlpool Product Help: Dishwasher Error Code or Flashing Lights list (FAE4 or F10E4, FAE5 or F10E5)
3. Whirlpool technical manual W11480208, Whirlpool/KitchenAid/JennAir/Brastemp 24 inch filtration dishwashers (Function 10 (A) Error 4 diverter can't find positions; diverter motor and position sensor tests; fault code display)