When a Bertazzoni shows E09, it’s flagging trouble with the rinse-cycle circulation motor—the part that pushes water through the spray arms during the rinse. If that motor can’t spin or isn’t getting power, the wash finishes weak and the final rinse won’t actually rinse, so you’ll see film, food flecks, or soap residue left behind.
What you’ll usually notice
Dishes come out not-quite-clean after a full run, spray arms feel dry or barely damp right after the machine stops, and the cycle may end sooner than normal with E09 on the display. Sometimes you’ll also hear the unit fill with water but never ramp up to that steady “whoosh” sound you expect during rinse.
Most common causes (short list)
- A failing or jammed rinse-cycle motor
- A loose connector or corroded spade terminal on the motor
- Damaged wiring in the harness between the control board and motor
Quick checks you can do safely
- Power-cycle and reset. Turn the dishwasher off at the breaker for 5 minutes to discharge the board, then power it back up and try a Rinse cycle. Intermittent board glitches often clear here.
- Open the tub and inspect basics. Pull out the lower rack, remove and rinse the filter and sump screen, and make sure nothing (glass, seeds, labels) is lodged around the pump intake. A small jam can stall the motor and trigger E09.
- Spin the spray arms. They should turn freely by hand and be free of toothpicks or mineral crud at the jets. Blocked arms can make it seem like the motor isn’t circulating.
- Listen during fill. You should hear fill…then circulation. If it fills and goes quiet (or just hums) before throwing E09, that points back to the circulation motor not starting.
If E09 returns after those basics, you’re into parts/connection territory.
Next-level troubleshooting (for confident DIYers)
- Check the motor connector. With power off at the breaker, remove the toe-kick, access the motor housing, and confirm the plug is fully seated and terminals are clean and tight. Reseat once.
- Inspect the harness. Look for pinched, brittle, or heat-discolored wires from the control board down to the motor. Any damage here can cause a no-run condition.
- Continuity test. If you’re comfortable with a multimeter, you can test the motor windings and harness continuity with the unit unplugged. An open winding = replace the motor; an open harness = repair/replace the wiring.
If wiring and connectors check out but the motor still won’t circulate, replacement of the rinse-cycle circulation motor is the typical fix. On some units the pump and motor are a combined assembly; replacing as a set often saves time and prevents repeat leaks.
When to call a pro
- E09 reappears immediately after a reset
- The motor hums but won’t start (often a seized or failing motor)
- You find heat damage or corrosion on connectors/harness
- You’re not equipped to safely pull the machine, test continuity, or reseal the sump
A technician can confirm with live tests, check for board output to the motor, and swap the assembly with the correct OEM part so flow and pressure return to spec.
Good habits to prevent a comeback
Rinse food scraps off the bottom filter weekly, keep spray arm jets clear, and run a hot cleaning cycle with dishwasher cleaner or vinegar monthly to reduce mineral buildup around the pump. Make sure the machine always starts with hot water (run the sink hot first) so detergent dissolves fast and the motor isn’t pushing cold, sudsy water that can foam and stall circulation.
E09 is your dishwasher telling you the rinse water isn’t being circulated. Rule out simple blockages and a control glitch first. If the error persists, expect a connector/wire issue or a failing circulation motor—and that’s the point where a qualified tech is the most efficient path to a lasting fix.
