Miele Dishwasher F11 Code: Meaning & Fixes
- Meaning
- Drain fault: the dishwasher couldn't pump the water out, so it stands in the wash cabinet.
- Can I fix it?
- Yes, usually a DIY fix
- Seen on
- Miele dishwashers, G 1000 to G 6000 series and G 7000 and G 5000 Discovery models from 2019. Models without a code display flash the Drain indicator light instead.
Water standing in the wash cabinet with F11 on the display almost always means something you can fix yourself. Miele names two causes: the part over the drain pump isn’t seated properly, or something is blocking the pump. Miele’s own fix takes about 15 minutes, a small cup and a sponge. Watch for glass splinters, which are hard to see down there.
Try this first
- Switch off and unplug the dishwasher.
- Take out the filter combination and rinse it.
- Check that the cover over the drain pump (non-return valve on older models) is clicked in and flush.
- Clear anything blocking the drain pump and check that the impeller turns.
- Straighten the drain hose if it's kinked.
What causes F11
| Cause | What you notice | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Drain pump cover or non-return valve not seated | F11 right after you cleaned the filter area | The catch must engage and the part sit flush |
| Drain pump blocked | Water stays in the cabinet | Glass, stones or other debris at the impeller |
| Dirty filter combination | Slow drain, food in the filter | The filter in the base of the cabinet |
| Kinked or clogged drain hose | F11 after the dishwasher was moved | The hose behind the dishwasher |
| Failed drain pump | F11 persists with a clear pump | Needs Miele Customer Service |
Fix it step by step
Tap a step number to tick it off as you go. Ticks stay on this device.
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Switch off and unplug
Turn the dishwasher off and unplug it.
-
Remove the spray arm and filter
On 2019 and later G 7000 and G 5000 models, take out the lower spray arm first. Then twist the filter combination handle back and lift it out.
-
Scoop out the water
Use a small cup to scoop the standing water out of the base.
Safety: Risk of injury from glass splinters. They are hard to see in the drain pump area.
-
Remove the cover over the pump
Press the catch on the drain pump cover (the non-return valve on older models) inward and tip it to release it. Rinse it and remove anything caught in it.
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Clear the pump
Press a small sponge through the impeller to soak up water, then carefully remove any foreign objects. Turn the impeller by hand: it should move with slight resistance.
-
Refit and test
Place the cover back vertically from above until the catch engages and it sits flush. Refit the filter flat in the base and turn the handle until both arrows meet, then refit the spray arm. Plug in, restart the programme and check that the water drains.
When to call a technician
If F11 persists after the filter, the pump cover and the drain hose are clear, contact Miele Customer Service or book a repair online. The drain pump itself may have failed.
Questions people ask
Is F11 on a Miele dishwasher a sensor fault?
Usually not. Miele lists a badly seated pump cover and a blocked drain pump as the causes, both of which you can fix yourself.
What does the flashing Drain light mean on a Miele dishwasher?
On models without a code display, a flashing Drain light is the same drain fault as F11. The same checks apply.
Is F11 the same on Miele washing machines?
Miele washers also use F11 for a drain fault, but the parts and steps are different. Use the washer instructions for a washer.