How to Fix Whirlpool Stove F9 Code

Error codes are truly a miracle of modern appliances! They pinpoint the area of your stove or other appliance that is faulty, allowing you to save time and energy figuring out what’s wrong. If your Whirlpool stove is showing an F9 error code, that means that there is a fault with the door latch system. Read our guide to find out what can cause this issue and how to fix it!

This guide applies to all common models of Whirlpool stoves, including:

1SF014BEW0

1SF014BEW1

1SF014BEW2

1SF034PEW0

1SF034PEW1

1SF034PEW2

G7CG3064XS00

RDE1300P2

RF263LXTQ3

WCG51US0DS00

WCG51US6DS00

WCG97US0DS00

WEG730H0DS0

WFC310S0AW0

WFE540H0AS0

WFE540H0ES0

WFG320M0BB0

WFG320M0BS0

WFG320M0BW0

WFG505M0BS0

WFG540H0ES0

Try a Reset

Although the F9 error code indicates a problem with the door latch, it is possible for the error code to have been triggered accidentally. This usually happens after a power surge or power outage, but is also possible if your stove experiences a random software glitch. Resetting your stove may clear the glitch and, if you’re lucky, the problem will be totally fixed!

If this issue happened shortly after other power issues in your home, or if it’s the first time something like this has occurred and you’ve not noticed any other door latch problems, a reset could potentially solve your problem. 

Here’s what to do:

• Disconnect your stove from the power – either unplug it or switch off the circuit breaker. 
• Leave the stove disconnected for two minutes.
• Reconnect the stove and check if the error recurs. Make sure that the stove now closes and opens as normal. 
• Try using your stove to ensure the error doesn’t recur. 

Try to Open the Door Manually

The F9 error can mean that your door is either unable to open or unable to lock. Either way, your stove registers that something is not functioning correctly with the door latch. Attempting to open the door manually can sometimes work if the door is jammed or stuck due to a mechanical issue. This is most likely to occur if the latch is dirty, or after using a high-heat self-cleaning cycle. 

Here’s what to do:

• Ensure your oven is cool to the touch. 
• Cut the power supply to your oven.
• Consult your user manual to find the manual release mechanism – it’s usually located at the inside top of the door. 
• Use a flathead screwdriver or similar object to gently press and release the latch. 

Inspect and Clean the Latch

Once you’ve opened the latch, thoroughly inspect and clean the latch mechanism. The latch can become jammed with grime, food debris, and grease, preventing it from working properly. It can also become bent or otherwise damaged. 

• Using a cotton bud or similar non-scratching cleaning tool, carefully clean in and around the door latch. 
• Inspect the mechanism for any obvious damage – this could mean your door latch needs replacing. 
• Once cleaned, close the oven door and restore power. Check to see if the error code has cleared. If it has, test to see if you can use your oven as normal. If the code doesn’t recur, you’ve fixed the problem!

Replace the Door Latch Assembly

If your inspections show that the door latch is damaged, the only way to clear the error code is to replace the entire latch assembly. Only do this step once you’ve ruled out simpler fixes, such as resetting the stove or cleaning the latch assembly. 

To confirm that the latch is malfunctioning, you can test it with a multimeter. After disconnecting the latch from the stove, place a probe from the multimeter on each of the latch assembly’s terminals. Check for continuity – if it has no reading, the latch is faulty and needs replacing. 

Here’s how to do it:

• First of all, you’ll need to order a replacement latch assembly. You can contact Whirlpool directly, or you can purchase from an online appliance parts retailer. Make sure that the part you purchase is compatible with your model of oven. 
• Disconnect the stove from the power source. 
• Remove the old latch. Disconnect it from its wiring and remove any brackets, clips, or screws holding it in place. Take pictures as you work to help you install the new latch correctly. 
• Position the new latch and attach the wiring and the screws.
• Restore power to your stove and check to see if the error code has cleared. Test out your stove by heating the oven to cooking temperature and waiting to make sure the error doesn’t recur. 

Replace the Control Board

This is a significant and difficult repair to undertake, so only try this if you’ve ruled out all other issues. If your stove is old and has other problems, it may make more sense to purchase a new one, as this can be a difficult and costly repair. Also, make sure you are confident performing electrical DIY tasks, as you could easily cause more damage to your stove accidentally. 

If all other repairs have failed, your F9 error could be due to an issue with the control board. This is most likely if you’ve found no fault with the latch assembly itself, but the F9 error is persisting. 

Here’s what to do:

• Source a replacement control board from Whirlpool or online.
• Disconnect your stove from the power. 
• Remove your oven’s back panel to access the control board. Take careful note of how the board is installed. 
• Detach the control board, removing all wiring and screws. 
• Install the new board in place, referring to your reassembly notes if needed. 
• Replace the rear panel and restore power to your stove. 
• Run a test to ensure that the error code has cleared and your oven is working as normal.