Miele Dishwasher Troubleshooting (5 Common Problems & Fixes)

In this Miele dishwasher troubleshooting, I address the most common problems and show you exactly how to fix them.  

Common Miele dishwasher problems to diagnose and fix include failure to turn on, problem with water intake, and the inability to drain. The heater relay contacts may malfunction, power supply might be an issue, and the control panel might be faulty.

Fortunately, Miele dishwasher issues are so easy to fix that you don’t need professional help.

As someone who has interacted with different dishwasher brands, including Frigidaire, Miele, and General Electronics, I can tell you for sure that diagnosing and fixing common dishwasher problems on your own can save you a lot of money in service.

Miele Dishwasher Troubleshooting (3 Common Problems & Fixes)

The following table shows the most common Miele dishwasher problems, possible causes, and quick DIY fixes.

1. Miele Dishwasher Won’t Drain

A Miele dishwasher is hand down one of the best units on the market. But it’s still subject to water drainage issues from time to time.

If your unit is having this problem, there’s a high chance that the drain filter is dirty or clogged.

Check the dishwasher filter for clogs, and get rid of any dirt and debris you find. Do a frequent or monthly check on the filters to make sure the drainage doesn’t jam.

Here are 7 simple steps to help you clean the Miele dishwasher filter:

1. Take out Miele’s lower rack.
2. Take out the filter combination by turning the filter handle counter right. 
3. Use running water to clean the filter combination. You can use a brush to scrub the outside for better results.
4. Push the plastic clip on the sides of the dishwasher to open the filter flap and, with running water, rinse the open filter to get rid of possible debris.
5. Close the filter until you hear it click into place.
6. Put the filter back and lock the handle into position by turning to the right.
7. Put back the rack into the washer.

That’s it! Your unit should drain well.

2. Miele Dishwasher Won’t Turn On

The Miele dishwasher will not start for several reasons. The problem could be the door switch, power supply, interior malfunctioning, or the control panel.

1. The Door Switch May Be Faulty

The Miele dishwasher has a safety protocol where the unit can’t turn on if the door latch is faulty, hence keeping the unit from leaking.

Here is how the system works:

The latch completely shuts the door and tells the latch switch the door is fully sealed. If the latch doesn’t hold the door shut, the switch will not activate, and the Miele dishwasher won’t turn on.

Also, the dishwasher will not start if the latch is broken. If the latch is broken, the door won’t click, and the switch will be unable to trigger the dishwasher to run.

A faulty door latch isn’t as easy to fix. So I recommend getting a new door latch for replacement.

Make sure the latch or switch you choose is compatible with your dishwasher model. You don’t want to rush into the buying process only to find out later that the switch you bought doesn’t work for your unit. 

2. Possible Problem With Power Supply

Perhaps the most common problem with most Miele dishwashers is the inability to turn on because of power supply problems.

This might be a result of damaged power chords, a defective power source, or a blown-up fuse. Also, your circuit breaker might have jumped and it needs to be back in position for power to flow.

Always consider seeking consulting a qualified electrical engineer if you don’t have an idea of what you are doing on the power box because an accident by electricity can be fatal.

3. The Unit Might Be Having an Interior Malfunction

If the motor start relay is not functioning as expected, the Miele dishwasher won’t turn on.

The reason the motor start relay isn’t starting is that its coil portion isn’t showing continuity and for that reason, it is good to have it replaced.

The drive motor might also be malfunctioning causing the whole unit not to start. The drive motor is important because it’s responsible for swishing water around the inside of your dishwasher.

If the drive motor fails, water won’t circulate. And because the water doesn’t circulate, the dishwasher can’t run a wash cycle, and therefore it won’t start.

So get a new drive motor replacement. Because the ERP motor pump is compatible with most brands, it makes a good option for Miele dishwashers. 

The dishwasher may also not turn on because the thermal fuse has blown from overheating. The thermal fuse completes the circuit, so when it blows up the circuit becomes incomplete, hence power does not flow.

The simple fix is to have the blown fuse replaced with a new one.

4. The Control Panel May Be Faulty

The control is almost everything on a dishwasher because it includes all the control buttons. It is a feature responsible for controlling wash cycles, plus has all the settings that make the Miele dishwasher work the way it should. 

When your dishwasher fails to turn on, it means there could be a hung cycle problem. This happens when the washer stops through the program and isn’t able to restart or reset properly.

Sometimes the issue may be a result of the start and selector switches, which are responsible for the electrical timer control, wash cycles, and settings.

So, when control panel connections interfere with the timer control, the dishwasher will not determine when wash cycles start and stop.

Also, it helps to check the control panel to find buttons that are loose, damaged, or stuck because they may make the dishwasher fail to turn on and work.  

6 Common Miele Dishwasher Error Codes Explained

The Miele dishwasher comes with different codes that show on the display panel to show you that there’s an error with the machine.

If you read my troubleshooting guide for KitchenAid dishwasher, you’ll realize that the codes are means of communication. For example, a code will tell you when given cycles are complete.

Sometimes the codes remain on the display panel even after solving an issue, but you can clear them from the unit by doing a reset.

Here are the six common codes:

1. Error code F11

Error code F11 occurs if the water in the Miele dishwasher isn’t draining away. This is usually a result of a blockage in the filter combination. So, remove the filter at the bottom and get rid of any debris you find.

2. Error Code F12/13

The Miele code F12/13 occurs if there is a water intake problem. The problem might be a result of a kinked inlet water hose or blocked water inlet. This error can also show when water pressure is below 0.3 bars.

3. Error Code F14

Error code F14 will display on the control panel if there is a problem with the heater pressure switch. A faulty heater pressure switch can cause the dishwasher to overfill.

4. Error Code 24

This error code suggests that the heater relay contacts, which are responsible for controlling the heating system within the washer, are malfunctioning.

5. Error Code F32

The error will display on the panel when the door doesn’t lock. In most cases, the error happens when you shut the door manually too fast. To avoid the error, close the door properly and make sure you latch it properly.

6. Error Code F70

Miele dishwasher code F70 will appear on the display if there’s an issue with the float switch. The float switch detects the level of water in the Miele dishwasher.

How to Reset Miele Dishwasher

Although most appliances come with reset buttons, Miele dishwasher doesn’t. While the Miele dishwasher doesn’t have a reset button, factory resetting is still possible.

To factory reset your Miele dishwasher:

• Switch the unit off.
• Press the start button while turning the dishwasher on.
• Press and hold the start button for about 5 seconds. The indicator light will turn on to signify the reset process is on.
• Now press the clock button 19 times. Light signals from the clock indicator will flash for a followed by 9 short light signals.

The Miele dishwasher is now in the default settings. You can turn the dishwasher on and start a new wash cycle.  

How to Care for Your Miele Dishwasher to Avoid Malfunction

An ounce of care is worth a pound of cure and therefore caring for the Miele dishwasher is very important to avoid malfunction.

So:

1. Use the Right Amount of Detergent

Never put too much detergent in the dishwasher because it uses 1/3 of what most units use. Also, only consider using the Miele’s dishwasher tabs to get better results. Avoid the rest of the tabs because they hold up to 3X the needed amount.

Use nothing more than one spoon of GEL per load because is highly concentrated with detergent. For those who prefer powder detergents don’t use more than 22.2 ml per load or 1.5 tablespoons.

2. Check and Clean Spray Arm Jets

The spray arm can underperform when food particles and debris build up on it. Take out the spray arm by unscrewing the locknut and clean it under warm running water. Consider using tweezers, toothpicks, or extend a paper clip to remove lodged particles that are stubborn.

3. Regularly Clean Rubber Seals

What is left of cleansers can befoul the seal. Food particles that accumulate at this part can cause a bad smell. Clean the seals using vinegar and water, if vinegar isn’t available, clean using baking soda and water.

4. Regularly Clean the Combination Filter

Oils, small food particles, and detergents can combine to make a bond in the form of glue, which can clog the dishwasher thus malfunctioning.

Remove the filters from the dishwasher and rinse with warm water. Use a soft bristle brush to remove stubborn debris. Do this at least once a month.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How Much Vinegar Can I Use to Clean Miele Dishwasher?

You can use a quarter (¼) cup of vinegar for each gallon of water to clean the inside of your Miele dishwasher.

2. How Can I Clean the Stainless Steel Tub of My Miele Dishwasher?

To clean the stainless steel tub, turn the dishwasher on the hottest cycle and wait for 10 to 15 minutes.

Open the dishwasher and pour a cup of white vinegar into the water. Shut the door and let the appliance complete the cycle.

3. How Can I Clear Miele Dishwasher Error Code?

You can clear the Miele dishwasher error code by turning off water supply and disconnecting the unit from the power. 

Conclusion

I hope this Miele dishwasher troubleshooting post helps you to handle the most common problems that your model has. I’m of the idea that you can fix most of the dishwasher problems on your own. So, you don’t necessarily need to hire the service of a professional technician.