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Error code reference

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

When your Miele washer shows a code, it is pointing at the part of the cycle that failed. This page lists the 33 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 washer codes and what to do

Covers Miele front-load washers sold in the US, including current W1 models and earlier generations, using Miele USA's washer support library (articles do not list model families). W1 models with text displays show plain-language messages (e.g. 'Water drainage fault', 'Heating fault', 'Check filter + nozzle'); single-line displays reveal the F-code when you press the V sensor; models with simpler displays show an F-number or flash a Drain / Check inlet indicator. Steam (F29 group) and TwinDos (F211 group) codes only apply to models with those features.

Faults appear as an F-number or a text message, sometimes with a flashing Drain or Check inlet light. Miele's documented reset is to switch off, unplug, plug back in and restart; for some faults (F20, F34, F35) leave it unplugged at least 2 minutes. Give service the F-code if it returns.

CodeMeaningWhat to do
F10Water inlet blocked or restrictedCheck, then call if it returns
F15Hot water inlet blocked or restrictedCheck, then call if it returns
F11Drain restricted; water is not pumping outCheck, then call if it returns
F16Too much foam from excess detergent or additivesUsually a quick fix
Check detergentToo much detergent was usedUsually a quick fix
F56Final spin stayed below 400 rpm because of excess foamUsually a quick fix
F37Washer not level or drain hose mounted too highCheck, then call if it returns
F34Door lock problem, or drum overloadedCheck, then call if it returns
F35Door or drum could not be unlockedNeeds a technician
F20Heating fault: wash water did not reach temperature in timeCheck, then call if it returns
F62Program selector left between two positionsUsually a quick fix
F92Hygiene reminder after long use of only low temperaturesUsually a quick fix
F138Waterproof system detected a leak inside the washerStop using it
F220Washer reports a leakStop using it
F373Leak at the drain filter; filter not screwed tightCheck, then call if it returns
F210Suds circulation problem: blocked door-seal nozzle or drain filterCheck, then call if it returns
F252Dirty door contacts near the door hingeUsually a quick fix
F43Electronic fault, or unsupported option combination sent from the appCheck, then call if it returns
Techn. fault, contact ServiceGeneral technical fault messageCheck, then call if it returns
F1Water/heating temperature sensor circuit faultNeeds a technician
F3Heater-bank temperature sensor circuit faultNeeds a technician
F19Flow meter stickingNeeds a technician
F29Steam generator faultNeeds a technician
F39Electronic (control) faultNeeds a technician
F50Drum drive (motor) faultNeeds a technician
F51Pressure (water level) sensor faultNeeds a technician
F63Water path control unit faultNeeds a technician
F64Magnetic field sensor faultNeeds a technician
F65Drum light faultNeeds a technician
F242Touch display not communicating with the electronicsNeeds a technician
F211TwinDos dispenser temperature sensor faultNeeds a technician
TwinDos emptyTwinDos detergent cartridge is emptyUsually a quick fix
888Demo mode is on; programs will not startUsually 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 washer code means

F10Water inlet blocked or restricted

Check, then call if it returns

Also shown as or same meaning as: Water inlet fault, Check inlet light flashing

Applies to: Text-display models show 'Water inlet fault'; others light 'Check inlet'

Common causes

  • Faucet closed
  • Dirty inlet filter at the hose connection
  • Kinked inlet hose
  • Low water pressure

What you can safely check

  • Open the faucet fully and restart the program
  • Straighten kinks or loops in the inlet hose
  • With the faucet off, unscrew the hose and clean the inlet filter per the manual
  • Check flow: a fully open faucet should fill about 1.3 gal in 15 seconds

Call a technician if: Pressure is too low, the hose is damaged, or the fault repeats

Source: [1], [2], [3]

F15Hot water inlet blocked or restricted

Check, then call if it returns

Also shown as or same meaning as: Hot water inlet fault

Applies to: Washers connected to hot water

Common causes

  • Hot water faucet closed
  • Dirty hot-water inlet filter
  • Kinked hot-water hose
  • Low hot-water pressure

What you can safely check

  • Open the hot water faucet fully and restart
  • Straighten kinks in the hot-water hose
  • With the faucet off, clean the hot-water inlet filter per the manual

Call a technician if: Hot-water pressure is too low, the hose is damaged, or it repeats

Source: [4], [5]

F11Drain restricted; water is not pumping out

Check, then call if it returns

Also shown as or same meaning as: Water drainage fault, Drain light flashing

Common causes

  • Drain hose outlet more than 3 ft 3 in (1 m) high
  • Kinked or looped drain hose
  • Clogged drain filter or pump

What you can safely check

  • Make sure the drain hose outlet is no higher than 3 ft 3 in (1 m)
  • Remove kinks or loops from the drain hose
  • Open the front access flap, set out towels, slowly unscrew the drain filter
  • Clean the filter, remove coins or buttons, then screw it back tightly

Call a technician if: Water still will not drain after cleaning, or the fault repeats

Source: [6], [7], [8]

F16Too much foam from excess detergent or additives

Usually a quick fix

Common causes

  • Too much detergent, stain remover or additive
  • Program not suited to the load

What you can safely check

  • Use less detergent and fewer additives
  • Dose for your water hardness and how dirty the load is
  • Pick a program suited to the fabric

Call a technician if: Foam fault continues with reduced detergent

Source: [9]

Check detergentToo much detergent was used

Usually a quick fix

Common causes

  • Overdosing for water hardness or soil level
  • Automatic dispensing set too high

What you can safely check

  • Reduce the detergent amount step by step
  • On TwinDos models, check the dispensing settings

Call a technician if: Message keeps appearing with reduced detergent

Source: [10]

F56Final spin stayed below 400 rpm because of excess foam

Usually a quick fix

Common causes

  • Too much detergent dispensed

What you can safely check

  • Follow the detergent maker's dosing for water hardness and soil level
  • Run the load again with less detergent

Call a technician if: Spin fault continues with correct dosing

Source: [11]

F37Washer not level or drain hose mounted too high

Check, then call if it returns

Common causes

  • Washer not standing level
  • Drain hose outlet above 3 ft 3 in (1 m)

What you can safely check

  • Check the washer stands level on all feet
  • Lower the drain hose outlet to no more than 3 ft 3 in (1 m)

Call a technician if: Fault persists with the washer level and hose positioned correctly

Source: [12]

F34Door lock problem, or drum overloaded

Check, then call if it returns

Also shown as or same meaning as: Door lock

Common causes

  • Load above the program's maximum
  • Door lock technical fault

What you can safely check

  • Remove some laundry if the drum is overloaded
  • Switch off and on; if it persists, unplug for at least 2 minutes and restart

Call a technician if: Fault persists after reducing the load and the 2-minute power reset

Source: [13]

F35Door or drum could not be unlocked

Needs a technician

Also shown as or same meaning as: Door release

Common causes

  • Door lock/release technical fault

What you can safely check

  • Unplug for at least 2 minutes, plug back in and restart
  • Do not force the door

Call a technician if: Door stays locked or the fault returns

Source: [14]

F20Heating fault: wash water did not reach temperature in time

Check, then call if it returns

Also shown as or same meaning as: Heating fault

Common causes

  • Thermostop function timed out
  • Heating system fault

What you can safely check

  • Unplug for at least 2 minutes, plug back in and restart

Call a technician if: Fault returns after the power reset

Source: [15]

F62Program selector left between two positions

Usually a quick fix

Common causes

  • Dial not set to a defined program position

What you can safely check

  • Turn the program selector fully onto a program position

Call a technician if: Fault persists with the dial set correctly

Source: [16]

F92Hygiene reminder after long use of only low temperatures

Usually a quick fix

Common causes

  • Only low-temperature programs used for a long period

What you can safely check

  • Run the machine-cleaning program, or Normal at the highest temperature, empty

Call a technician if: Message returns after the hot cleaning run

Source: [17]

F138Waterproof system detected a leak inside the washer

Stop using it

Also shown as or same meaning as: Waterproof system activated

Common causes

  • Water leak inside the machine

What you can safely check

  • Turn off the water faucets
  • Switch off and unplug the washer
  • Do not run it again until it is serviced

Call a technician if: Always: book service to remove water and fix the leak

Source: [18], [19]

F220Washer reports a leak

Stop using it

Common causes

  • Water leak inside the machine
  • Occasionally shown in error (software)

What you can safely check

  • Unplug the washer and check for water around and under it
  • If dry, plug in and run a program to see if it recurs
  • On Wi-Fi models, connect to Wi-Fi and install any software update

Call a technician if: You find water, or the fault returns

Source: [20]

F373Leak at the drain filter; filter not screwed tight

Check, then call if it returns

Common causes

  • Drain filter loose after cleaning

What you can safely check

  • Open the front access flap and screw the drain filter in tightly
  • Wipe up any water and restart

Call a technician if: Leak or fault continues with the filter tight

Source: [21]

F210Suds circulation problem: blocked door-seal nozzle or drain filter

Check, then call if it returns

Also shown as or same meaning as: Check filter + nozzle

Common causes

  • Lint blocking the nozzle at the top of the door seal
  • Clogged drain filter

What you can safely check

  • Clear lint from the nozzle at the top of the door seal
  • Drain and clean the drain filter per the manual, then refit it tightly

Call a technician if: Fault returns after cleaning the nozzle and filter

Source: [22]

F252Dirty door contacts near the door hinge

Usually a quick fix

Common causes

  • Soil on the door contacts

What you can safely check

  • Gently clean the door contacts by the hinge as Miele shows
  • Restart the program

Call a technician if: Fault persists after cleaning

Source: [23]

F43Electronic fault, or unsupported option combination sent from the app

Check, then call if it returns

Common causes

  • Options combined in the Miele app that the washer cannot run
  • Electronics fault

What you can safely check

  • Restart without the option combination, choosing only supported options

Call a technician if: Fault occurs without app options selected

Source: [24]

Techn. fault, contact ServiceGeneral technical fault message

Check, then call if it returns

Also shown as or same meaning as: Exclamation mark and Technical fault flashing

Common causes

  • Internal fault; the exact F-code identifies it

What you can safely check

  • Switch off, unplug for a moment, plug back in and restart the program
  • On single-line displays, press the V sensor to show the fault code

Call a technician if: Fault persists; give service the F-code

Source: [25], [26]

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

  • Switch off, unplug for a moment, plug back in and restart the program

Call a technician if: Code returns after one restart

Source: [27], [28]

F3Heater-bank temperature sensor circuit fault

Needs a technician

Also shown as or same meaning as: F4

Common causes

  • Sensor short circuit (F3) or open circuit (F4)

What you can safely check

  • Switch off, unplug for a moment, plug back in and restart the program

Call a technician if: Code returns after one restart

Source: [29], [30]

F19Flow meter sticking

Needs a technician

Common causes

  • Flow meter fault

What you can safely check

  • Switch off, unplug for a moment, plug back in and restart the program

Call a technician if: Code returns after one restart

Source: [31]

F29Steam generator fault

Needs a technician

Also shown as or same meaning as: F81, F83, F105, F106

Applies to: Steam-equipped models; Miele gives all five numbers this meaning

Common causes

  • Steam generator problem

What you can safely check

  • Switch off, unplug for a moment, plug back in and restart the program

Call a technician if: Code returns after one restart

Source: [32], [33], [34], [35], [36]

F39Electronic (control) fault

Needs a technician

Also shown as or same meaning as: F41, F44, F45, F47, F49, F130

Applies to: For F41 Miele suggests switching off for about 10 seconds first

Common causes

  • Electronics fault

What you can safely check

  • Switch off, unplug for a moment, plug back in and restart the program

Call a technician if: Code returns after a restart

Source: [37], [38], [39], [40], [41], [42], [43]

F50Drum drive (motor) fault

Needs a technician

Also shown as or same meaning as: F53, F104

Common causes

  • Drive system problem

What you can safely check

  • Switch off, unplug for a moment, plug back in and restart the program

Call a technician if: Code returns after one restart

Source: [44], [45], [46]

F51Pressure (water level) sensor fault

Needs a technician

Common causes

  • Pressure sensor problem

What you can safely check

  • Switch off, unplug for a moment, plug back in and restart the program

Call a technician if: Code returns after one restart

Source: [47]

F63Water path control unit fault

Needs a technician

Common causes

  • Water routing unit problem

What you can safely check

  • Switch off, unplug for a moment, plug back in and restart the program

Call a technician if: Code returns after one restart

Source: [48]

F64Magnetic field sensor fault

Needs a technician

Common causes

  • Sensor problem

What you can safely check

  • Switch off, unplug for a moment, plug back in and restart the program

Call a technician if: Code returns after one restart

Source: [49]

F65Drum light fault

Needs a technician

Common causes

  • Drum lighting problem

What you can safely check

  • Switch off, unplug for a moment, plug back in and restart the program

Call a technician if: Code returns after one restart

Source: [50]

F242Touch display not communicating with the electronics

Needs a technician

Common causes

  • Display-to-control communication fault

What you can safely check

  • Switch off, unplug for a moment, plug back in and restart the program

Call a technician if: Code returns after one restart

Source: [51]

F211TwinDos dispenser temperature sensor fault

Needs a technician

Also shown as or same meaning as: F212, F213, F214

Applies to: TwinDos models

Common causes

  • Sensor short or open circuit in TwinDos container 1 or 2

What you can safely check

  • Keep washing by adding detergent manually until repaired

Call a technician if: Always: book service to restore TwinDos

Source: [52], [53], [54], [55]

TwinDos emptyTwinDos detergent cartridge is empty

Usually a quick fix

Applies to: TwinDos models

Common causes

  • Cartridge used up
  • Cartridge not detected

What you can safely check

  • Replace the cartridge with the washer switched on
  • If not detected, remove it, check the two small switches move freely, reinsert
  • Confirm the prompt with OK/Yes to reset the counter

Call a technician if: Message persists with a new, seated cartridge

Source: [56]

888Demo mode is on; programs will not start

Usually a quick fix

Common causes

  • Demonstration mode activated

What you can safely check

  • Turn off demo mode with the Start/Stop button sequence in Miele's instructions

Call a technician if: Demo mode will not switch off

Source: [57]

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 washer. 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 washer 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 F10 — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  2. Water inlet fault — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  3. Check inlet indicator light flashes — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  4. Fault F15 — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  5. Hot water inlet fault — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  6. Fault F11 — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  7. Water drainage fault — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  8. Drain indicator light flashes — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  9. Fault F16 — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  10. Check detergent — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  11. Fault F56 — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  12. Fault F37 — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  13. Fault F34 or door lock — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  14. Fault F35 or door release — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  15. Fault F20 or Heating fault — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  16. Fault F62 — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  17. Fault F92 — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  18. Fault F138 — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  19. Waterproof system activated — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  20. Fault F220 — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  21. Fault F373 — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  22. Fault F210 or Check filter + nozzle — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  23. Fault F252 — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  24. Fault F43 — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  25. Techn. fault, contact Service — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  26. Exclamation mark and Technical fault flash — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  27. Fault F1 — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  28. Fault F2 — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  29. Fault F3 — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  30. Fault F4 — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  31. Fault F19 — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  32. Fault F29 — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  33. Fault F81 — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  34. Fault F83 — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  35. Fault F105 — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  36. Fault F106 — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  37. Fault F39 — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  38. Fault F41 — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  39. Fault F44 — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  40. Fault F45 — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  41. Fault F47 — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  42. Fault F49 — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  43. Fault F130 — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  44. Fault F50 — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  45. Fault F53 — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  46. Fault F104 — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  47. Fault F51 — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  48. Fault F63 — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  49. Fault F64 — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  50. Fault F65 — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  51. Fault F242 — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  52. Fault F211 — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  53. Fault F212 — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  54. Fault F213 — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  55. Fault F214 — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  56. TwinDos empty — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  57. 888 in the display — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com
  58. Display messages & light indicators (washer support index) — Miele, Inc. (USA). www.mieleusa.com

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