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Error code reference

Miele Dishwasher Error Codes: What They Mean and What to Do

When your Miele dishwasher shows a code, it is pointing at the part of the cycle that failed. This page lists the 35 codes we could confirm in Miele's own owner's manuals and support articles: what each one means, the checks that are safe to do yourself, and the point where a technician should take over.

Compiled by the Appliance Surgeon team from Miele documentation · Last checked

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At a glance

Miele dishwasher codes and what to do

Covers Miele US built-in dishwashers from the G 4000, G 5000, G 6000 and G 7000 generations. Older G 4000 models show F-numbers in the time display (e.g. F11, F12/F13, F70) alongside a flashing Intake/Drain light; G 5000/G 6000 text-display models show words such as 'Drain', 'Water intake', 'Waterproof' or 'Fault F..'; G 7000 (AutoDos) and 2019+ G 5000 Discovery models add codes such as F170/F171/F177 and AutoDos faults F600/F601/F607.

The fault number appears in the time display or as a text message, often with a flashing Intake/Drain light or all program lights flashing. Miele's general reset for an unlisted 'Fault F..' is to turn the dishwasher off, wait a few seconds, turn it on and restart; if it comes back, or for any Waterproof/F70 message, shut off the water and call service.

CodeMeaningWhat to do
F11Water is not draining; water left in the tubCheck, then call if it returns
F12Water supply restricted (water inlet fault)Check, then call if it returns
Water intakeWater is not coming in properlyCheck, then call if it returns
F14Circulation pump stuck, or a water-level/pressure faultCheck, then call if it returns
F69Circulation pump jammed, often after weeks without useCheck, then call if it returns
F70Waterproof leak protection triggered; program stopped, drain pump runsStop using it
F52Too much foam detected; program interruptedUsually a quick fix
F1Water/heating temperature sensor circuit faultNeeds a technician
F18Water intake valve faultyNeeds a technician
F19Flow meter (water counter) faultyNeeds a technician
F24Heater relay contact faultNeeds a technician
F25Heating fault related to the set wash temperatureNeeds a technician
F26Boiling (overheat) protection triggered in heating systemNeeds a technician
F33Door lock did not releaseNeeds a technician
F36Door lock switch faultyNeeds a technician
F51Pump pressure level switch faultNeeds a technician
F53Speed sensor faultNeeds a technician
F63Water path control unit faultNeeds a technician
F67Circulation pump faultNeeds a technician
F84Internal water intake fault (not a supply problem)Needs a technician
F88Turbidity (water clarity) sensor faultNeeds a technician
F91Load recognition not workingNeeds a technician
F38Electronic (control) faultNeeds a technician
F85Technical fault (Miele gives no specific cause)Needs a technician
F86Salt reservoir flap is not closedUsually a quick fix
Salt reservoir lidSalt reservoir lid not closed tightlyUsually a quick fix
F170Rinse aid is running outUsually a quick fix
F171Dishwasher salt is running lowUsually a quick fix
F177Reminder to check and clean the filtersUsually a quick fix
Spray armA spray arm is blocked or its jets are cloggedUsually a quick fix
F600AutoDos detergent outlet blocked; program canceledCheck, then call if it returns
F601AutoDos dispenser faultCheck, then call if it returns
F607Lower spray arm blocked; AutoDos switched off for this cycleUsually a quick fix
All lights flashingHeavy limescale, grease or soil buildup insideCheck, then call if it returns
Time display flashingDoor not fully closed after automatic door openingUsually a quick fix

Safety first. Switch the appliance off at its power button and unplug it or turn off the breaker before you clean a filter or check a hose. If you smell gas, leave the home and call your gas utility from outside. If there is a burning smell, smoke, sparking or water near wiring, stop using it and keep it off until it has been checked.

Code by code

What each Miele dishwasher code means

F11Water is not draining; water left in the tub

Check, then call if it returns

Also shown as or same meaning as: Drain, Drainage, Drain light flashing

Applies to: All series. G 7000 and 2019+ G 5000 Discovery use a drain pump cover; older models a non-return valve. Text-display models show 'Drain' or 'Drainage'.

Common causes

  • Clogged filter combination
  • Drain pump blocked by debris or glass
  • Non-return valve or pump cover not seated
  • Kinked or looped drain hose

What you can safely check

  • Turn off and unplug, then remove and rinse the filter combination
  • Scoop out standing water and clear debris from the drain pump area per the manual
  • Wear gloves; glass splinters are easy to miss in the pump area
  • Refit the non-return valve or pump cover until its catch fully engages
  • Straighten kinks or high loops in the drain hose

Call a technician if: Water still will not drain after cleaning, or the code returns

Source: [1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [7], [8], [9]

F12Water supply restricted (water inlet fault)

Check, then call if it returns

Also shown as or same meaning as: F13, F15, F173

Applies to: Miele US support gives F12, F13, F15 and F173 the same meaning and fixes.

Common causes

  • Supply valve closed
  • Dirty inlet filter at the hose connection
  • Kinked inlet hose
  • Low house water pressure

What you can safely check

  • Open the dishwasher's water supply valve fully
  • Straighten any kinks in the inlet hose
  • With power and water off, clean the inlet filter as your manual shows
  • Restart the program

Call a technician if: Fault returns with the valve open and a clean filter, or the hose is damaged

Source: [4], [5], [10], [11], [12], [13]

Water intakeWater is not coming in properly

Check, then call if it returns

Also shown as or same meaning as: Water inlet fault, Please open the faucet, Open water supply, Water intake light flashing

Applies to: Text messages on text-display models; indicator light on others

Common causes

  • Faucet or supply valve closed
  • Soiled inlet filter
  • Kinked inlet hose
  • Water pressure below minimum

What you can safely check

  • Open the faucet or supply valve all the way
  • Remove kinks or loops from the inlet hose
  • With power and water off, clean the inlet filter per the manual
  • Restart the program

Call a technician if: Pressure is low, the hose is damaged, or the message keeps returning

Source: [6], [7], [9], [14], [15]

F14Circulation pump stuck, or a water-level/pressure fault

Check, then call if it returns

Common causes

  • Pump dried out and stuck after a long idle period
  • Water trapped in upturned dishes
  • Drain line siphoning water out
  • Pressure or level switch fault

What you can safely check

  • Remove the filters, pour in about 1 qt warm water with a few drops of rinse aid
  • Wait 5 minutes, refit the filters and restart; repeat two or three times
  • Turn off, wait a few seconds, turn on and restart
  • Load cups and hollow items upside down so they cannot hold water

Call a technician if: The code persists after soaking and restarting

Source: [16]

F69Circulation pump jammed, often after weeks without use

Check, then call if it returns

Also shown as or same meaning as: F78, Wash, Dry and End lights flashing

Applies to: Miele US support uses the same fix for F69, F78 and flashing Wash/Dry/End lights

Common causes

  • Pump dried out and stuck between uses or at first use

What you can safely check

  • Remove the filters; pour in about 1 qt warm (not boiling) water plus a little rinse aid
  • Wait 5 minutes, refit the filters and restart; repeat two or three times
  • If still showing, turn off, wait a few seconds, turn on and restart

Call a technician if: The code persists after two or three soak-and-restart attempts

Source: [17], [18], [19]

F70Waterproof leak protection triggered; program stopped, drain pump runs

Stop using it

Also shown as or same meaning as: Waterproof, Waterproof system

Applies to: G 4000-series time displays show F70; text-display models show 'Waterproof'

Common causes

  • Water detected by the Waterproof system (leak)

What you can safely check

  • Close the dishwasher's water supply valve
  • Turn the dishwasher off and unplug it; let the drain pump stop
  • Do not use the dishwasher again until it is inspected

Call a technician if: Always: book service

Source: [4], [5], [6], [7], [20]

F52Too much foam detected; program interrupted

Usually a quick fix

Common causes

  • Wrong or excessive detergent
  • All-in-one tabs without the tab setting on
  • Tabs used in the Express program

What you can safely check

  • Cancel the program, then turn the dishwasher off and on
  • Use only dishwasher detergent in the recommended amount
  • If you use all-in-one tabs, turn on the tab setting
  • Avoid tabs in the Express program

Call a technician if: Foam fault repeats with correct detergent use

Source: [21]

F1Water/heating temperature sensor circuit fault

Needs a technician

Also shown as or same meaning as: F2

Common causes

  • Sensor short circuit (F1) or open circuit (F2)

What you can safely check

  • Turn it off, wait a few seconds, turn it on and restart once

Call a technician if: Book service if the code comes back

Source: [22], [23]

F18Water intake valve faulty

Needs a technician

Common causes

  • Inlet valve failure

What you can safely check

  • Turn it off, wait a few seconds, turn it on and restart once

Call a technician if: Book service if the code comes back

Source: [24]

F19Flow meter (water counter) faulty

Needs a technician

Common causes

  • Flow meter failure

What you can safely check

  • Turn it off, wait a few seconds, turn it on and restart once

Call a technician if: Book service if the code comes back

Source: [25]

F24Heater relay contact fault

Needs a technician

Common causes

  • Heating control relay problem

What you can safely check

  • Turn it off, wait a few seconds, turn it on and restart once

Call a technician if: Book service if the code comes back

Source: [26]

F25Heating fault related to the set wash temperature

Needs a technician

Common causes

  • Heating or temperature control problem

What you can safely check

  • Turn it off, wait a few seconds, turn it on and restart once

Call a technician if: Book service if the code comes back

Source: [27]

F26Boiling (overheat) protection triggered in heating system

Needs a technician

Common causes

  • Heating safety protection activated

What you can safely check

  • Turn it off, wait a few seconds, turn it on and restart once

Call a technician if: Book service if the code comes back

Source: [28]

F33Door lock did not release

Needs a technician

Common causes

  • Door lock/auto-open mechanism fault

What you can safely check

  • Turn it off, wait a few seconds, turn it on and restart once
  • Do not force the door open

Call a technician if: Book service if the code comes back

Source: [29]

F36Door lock switch faulty

Needs a technician

Common causes

  • Door lock switch failure

What you can safely check

  • Turn it off, wait a few seconds, turn it on and restart once

Call a technician if: Book service if the code comes back

Source: [30]

F51Pump pressure level switch fault

Needs a technician

Common causes

  • Pressure/level switch problem

What you can safely check

  • Turn it off, wait a few seconds, turn it on and restart once

Call a technician if: Book service if the code comes back

Source: [31]

F53Speed sensor fault

Needs a technician

Common causes

  • Speed sensor problem

What you can safely check

  • Turn it off, wait a few seconds, turn it on and restart once

Call a technician if: Book service if the code comes back

Source: [32]

F63Water path control unit fault

Needs a technician

Common causes

  • Water routing control unit problem

What you can safely check

  • Turn it off, wait a few seconds, turn it on and restart once

Call a technician if: Book service if the code comes back

Source: [33]

F67Circulation pump fault

Needs a technician

Also shown as or same meaning as: F68, F79

Applies to: Miele US support gives F67, F68 and F79 the same meaning

Common causes

  • Circulation pump or its control failed

What you can safely check

  • Turn it off, wait a few seconds, turn it on and restart once

Call a technician if: Book service if the code comes back

Source: [34], [35], [36]

F84Internal water intake fault (not a supply problem)

Needs a technician

Common causes

  • Internal intake component fault

What you can safely check

  • Turn it off, wait a few seconds, turn it on and restart once

Call a technician if: Book service if the code comes back

Source: [37]

F88Turbidity (water clarity) sensor fault

Needs a technician

Common causes

  • Turbidity sensor failure

What you can safely check

  • Turn it off, wait a few seconds, turn it on and restart once

Call a technician if: Book service if the code comes back

Source: [38]

F91Load recognition not working

Needs a technician

Common causes

  • Load-sensing system fault

What you can safely check

  • Turn it off, wait a few seconds, turn it on and restart once

Call a technician if: Book service if the code comes back

Source: [39]

F38Electronic (control) fault

Needs a technician

Also shown as or same meaning as: F40, F47, F179, F594, F595

Applies to: Miele US support labels each of these numbers 'electronic fault'

Common causes

  • Electronics fault

What you can safely check

  • Turn it off, wait a few seconds, turn it on and restart once

Call a technician if: Book service if the code comes back

Source: [40]

F85Technical fault (Miele gives no specific cause)

Needs a technician

Also shown as or same meaning as: F87, F172

Common causes

  • Unspecified internal fault

What you can safely check

  • Turn it off, wait a few seconds, turn it on and restart once

Call a technician if: Book service if the code comes back

Source: [40]

F86Salt reservoir flap is not closed

Usually a quick fix

Common causes

  • Salt container flap left open

What you can safely check

  • Close the salt reservoir flap firmly
  • Restart the program

Call a technician if: Message stays after the flap is closed

Source: [41]

Salt reservoir lidSalt reservoir lid not closed tightly

Usually a quick fix

Also shown as or same meaning as: Close salt reservoir lid

Common causes

  • Lid not screwed or latched shut

What you can safely check

  • Close the salt reservoir lid firmly
  • If it opened mid-cycle, switch off, switch back on and restart

Call a technician if: Message stays with the lid firmly closed

Source: [42]

F170Rinse aid is running out

Usually a quick fix

Common causes

  • Rinse aid reservoir low

What you can safely check

  • Refill the rinse aid reservoir
  • Press OK to confirm

Call a technician if: Message persists after refilling

Source: [43]

F171Dishwasher salt is running low

Usually a quick fix

Common causes

  • Salt reservoir low

What you can safely check

  • Refill dishwasher salt at the end of the program
  • Press OK to confirm

Call a technician if: Message persists after refilling

Source: [44]

F177Reminder to check and clean the filters

Usually a quick fix

Also shown as or same meaning as: Check filters

Common causes

  • Set number of programs reached (factory default every 50)

What you can safely check

  • Remove and clean the filter combination
  • Press OK to confirm
  • Optional: change the reminder interval in Settings

Call a technician if: Reminder will not clear after confirming

Source: [45], [46]

Spray armA spray arm is blocked or its jets are clogged

Usually a quick fix

Also shown as or same meaning as: Spray arm (bottom), Spray arm (middle), Spray arm (top), Spray arm light flashing

Common causes

  • Dishes stopping the arm from turning
  • Food debris in the spray jets

What you can safely check

  • Rearrange items so the spray arm turns freely
  • Turn off, remove the named spray arm per the manual and clear its jets
  • Rinse it, refit it and check that it spins freely

Call a technician if: Message returns with a clean, free-turning spray arm

Source: [47], [48]

F600AutoDos detergent outlet blocked; program canceled

Check, then call if it returns

Applies to: Models with AutoDos (G 7000)

Common causes

  • Clogged lower spray arm
  • Detergent buildup in the AutoDos dispenser

What you can safely check

  • Turn off, remove and clean the lower spray arm, then refit and lock it
  • Remove the PowerDisk and clean the AutoDos unit as your manual describes
  • Dry it, reinsert the PowerDisk and close the lid tightly

Call a technician if: Fault persists after cleaning

Source: [49]

F601AutoDos dispenser fault

Check, then call if it returns

Applies to: Models with AutoDos (G 7000)

Common causes

  • PowerDisk or holder not seated correctly
  • Soiled AutoDos unit

What you can safely check

  • Check the PowerDisk holder lies flat and the PowerDisk sits flush
  • Clean the AutoDos unit, turn AutoDos back on and restart
  • If it repeats, switch AutoDos off and add detergent by hand

Call a technician if: You want to use AutoDos again after it keeps faulting

Source: [50]

F607Lower spray arm blocked; AutoDos switched off for this cycle

Usually a quick fix

Applies to: Models with AutoDos (G 7000)

Common causes

  • Items blocking the lower spray arm
  • Clogged lower spray arm jets

What you can safely check

  • Make sure nothing stops the lower spray arm turning
  • Remove the lower spray arm, clear its jets, rinse and refit
  • Keep the area near the AutoDos outlet clear, confirm OK and restart

Call a technician if: Message returns with a clean, free-turning spray arm

Source: [51]

All lights flashingHeavy limescale, grease or soil buildup inside

Check, then call if it returns

Common causes

  • Dirty filters, drain pump, non-return valve or spray arms

What you can safely check

  • Clean the filter combination per the manual
  • Clean the spray arms and the drain pump area per the manual
  • Restart the program

Call a technician if: Lights keep flashing after cleaning

Source: [52]

Time display flashingDoor not fully closed after automatic door opening

Usually a quick fix

Applies to: Models with automatic door opening (door closed)

Common causes

  • Door closed before it fully opened, so the lock rail did not retract

What you can safely check

  • Open the door all the way, then close it firmly

Call a technician if: Display keeps flashing after reopening and closing

Source: [53]

Still showing the code?

When to call a technician

If a code comes back after the safe checks, or the table says it needs a technician, the fault is usually a sensor, valve, pump, motor or control board, and diagnosing it means opening the dishwasher. Our technicians repair Miele appliances across Washington, DC, Northern Virginia and Maryland, seven days a week until 10 PM. Tell us the code when you book and we bring the parts that code usually points to.

Book Miele dishwasher repair $75 diagnostic, credited toward the repair.

Sources

Where these meanings come from

Every code on this page was checked against Miele's own documentation: owner's manuals, use and care guides, support articles or Miele technical sheets. Codes we could only find on third-party sites are left out. Meanings are paraphrased; your model's manual is the final word.

  1. Fault F11 (G 1xxx-G 6xxx) — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  2. Fault F11 (G 7xxx and G 5xxx Discovery from 2019) — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  3. Drainage (display message) — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  4. Operating Instructions, Dishwasher G 4281 / G 4286 (US) — Miele, Inc. (USA). us.mieleusa.com
  5. Operating Instructions, Dishwasher G 4220 / G 4225 (US) — Miele, Inc. (USA). us.mieleusa.com
  6. Operating Instructions, Dishwasher G 5600 / G 5605 (US) — Miele, Inc. (USA). us.mieleusa.com
  7. Operating Instructions, Dishwasher G 5670 / G 5675 (US) — Miele, Inc. (USA). us.mieleusa.com
  8. Drain indicator light flashing — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  9. Inlet/drain indicator light is flashing on and off — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  10. Fault F12 (water inlet) — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  11. Fault F13 (water inlet) — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  12. Fault F15 (water inlet) — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  13. Fault F173 — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  14. Water inlet fault/Please open the faucet — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  15. Water intake indicator light flashing — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  16. Fault F14 — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  17. Fault F69 — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  18. Fault F78 — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  19. Wash, Dry, and End program sequence displays are flashing — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  20. Fault F70 (Waterproof system) — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  21. Fault F52 — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  22. Fault F1 — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  23. Fault F2 — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  24. Fault F18 — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  25. Fault F19 — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  26. Fault F24 — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  27. Fault F25 — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  28. Fault F26 — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  29. Fault F33 — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  30. Fault F36 — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  31. Fault F51 — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  32. Fault F53 — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  33. Fault F63 — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  34. Fault F67 — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  35. Fault F68 — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  36. Fault F79 — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  37. Fault F84 — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  38. Fault F88 — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  39. Fault F91 — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  40. Display messages & light indicators (dishwasher support index) — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  41. Fault F86 — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  42. Salt reservoir lid/Close salt reservoir lid — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  43. Fault F170 — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  44. Fault F171 — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  45. Fault F177 — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  46. Check filters/setting the interval — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  47. Spray arm (bottom) — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  48. Spray arm indicator light flashing — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  49. Fault F600 (AutoDos: dispensing process outlet fault) — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  50. Fault F601 — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  51. Fault F607 — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  52. All indicator lights flashing — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  53. Time display flashing when door closed — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  54. Operating Instructions, Dishwasher G 5006 / G 5008 (en-US/en-CA, M.-Nr. 11 694 023) — Miele, Inc. (USA). media.miele.com

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