Miele Dishwasher F78 Code: Meaning & Fixes
- Meaning
- Circulation pump blocked: the wash pump is stuck, often after the dishwasher sat unused.
- Can I fix it?
- Sometimes, may need a pro
- Seen on
- Miele dishwashers with a code display. F69 is a closely related circulation pump code.
F78 often shows up the first time a Miele dishwasher runs, or after it sat unused for weeks. Miele’s explanation: the circulation pump has dried out and stuck. Before you price a new pump, try Miele’s own fix: a warm water and rinse aid soak in the base of the tub, repeated two or three times.
Try this first
- Remove the lower spray arm and the filter combination.
- Pour about 1 liter (1 quart) of warm water, no hotter than 165°F, with 3 to 5 drops of rinse aid into the base of the tub.
- Wait 5 minutes, refit the filter and spray arm, and start the program again.
- Repeat the soak 2 to 3 times if F78 comes back.
- If it still shows, switch the dishwasher off, wait a few seconds and switch it on again.
What causes F78
| Cause | What you notice | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Pump dried out and stuck | F78 on first use or after weeks without running | Warm water and rinse aid soak |
| Foreign object or debris in the pump | F78 with grinding or no wash sound | Needs Miele Customer Service |
| Worn or cracked pump impeller | F78 keeps returning after soaking | 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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Remove the spray arm and filter
Take out the lower spray arm, then twist the filter combination handle back and lift the filter out.
-
Soak the pump
Pour about 1 liter (1 quart) of warm water with 3 to 5 drops of rinse aid into the base of the tub. Leave it for 5 minutes.
Safety: Risk of scalding. Don't use water hotter than 165°F (75°C), and don't use boiling water.
-
Refit and restart
Put the filter combination back so it lies flat in the base, refit the lower spray arm and start the program again.
-
Repeat if needed
If F78 returns, repeat the soak 2 to 3 times.
-
Reset the electronics
If F78 still shows, switch the dishwasher off, wait a few seconds, switch it back on, select the program and press Start/Stop.
When to call a technician
If F78 persists after the soak and a restart, Miele says to contact Miele Customer Service or book a repair. The circulation pump or its impeller may need repair or replacement.
Questions people ask
Does F78 mean the pump on my Miele dishwasher is dead?
Not necessarily. Miele's first explanation is a pump that dried out and stuck after a long break or on first use, which a warm water and rinse aid soak can free.
Why did F78 appear on a brand-new Miele dishwasher?
Miele lists first use as a time when the pump can stick. Try the soak 2 to 3 times before calling service.
Can I use boiling water to free the pump?
No. Miele caps the water at 165°F (75°C) because of the risk of scalding.