Read through our complete breakdown of each Miele washing machine error code and the possible repair faults that they can indicate.
F1 Miele error code (thermistor fault)
The NTC has a short circuit because the heating element is faulty. Both the NTC and the faulty heating element will need to be replaced.
The easiest way to locate both of the faulty parts is to use an electronic multimeter to check the heating element is not open circuit or low insulation. After the element has been replaced, the NTC will need to be located and replaced also.
F2 Miele error code (NTC fault)
The F2 Miele error code is the same as the F1 error. Both the thermistor and the faulty water heating element will need to be replaced.
F10 Miele error code (water supply)
The machine has detected that not enough water is filling the drum. Miele washing machines will allow for around 5 minutes before they give up trying to fill the machine.
Try the following to repair the F10 error code:
- Check the water supply tap is in the on position
- Make sure there are no kinks in the fill pipe
- Listen for a humming noise while the machine is trying to fill. If the water supply is available and the water solenoid valve is humming, replace the water inlet valve
- Make sure that there are no blockages in the soap drawer
F11 Miele error code (water not draining)
The machine has detected that the water can’t drain away. This will usually be accompanied by a drum full of water.
Check the following:
- Check the drain pump filter for blockages
- Look inside the drain sump hose for blockages
- Check the water waste pipe for obstructions
- Try replacing the drain pump if the machine has no blockages
The F11 error code can sometimes be caused by an electronic failure on the printed circuit board (PCB). The board will no longer send power own to the drain pump. This would mean the PCB needs to be replaced.
F15 and F20 Miele error code (water intake)
The washing machine has detected that the water is not available during the intake. The machine can not fill.
Check that the water supply tap is in the on position. If the water supply is on, look for kinks in the fill hose. Miele washing machines need a minimum of 1 bar of water pressure for a successful fill.
F16 Miele error code (detergent overflow)
The machine has detected that too much detergent has been used in the drawer. Miele washing machines have a sensor that checks for the amount of detergent that is in the draw to stop blockages.
Remove the excess detergent from the draw and put the machine on a short cycle with no clothes inside. Afterwards, attempt another wash with the correct amount of detergent.
F29 Miele error code (steam fault)
The machine has detected a failure in the steam mechanism. This is a common fault with Miele washing machine heating elements.
The heater that creates the steam inside the washing machine will need to be located, tested and most likely replace. The temperature sensor can also be the cause of this fault code.
F34 Miele error code (door lock fault)
The washing machine cannot lock the door before the start of the cycle. This will usually be at the start of the wash cycle before the water fills the drum.
Things to check:
- Check that the door is closed properly
- Take a look at the wiring leading to the door interlock
- Replace the door interlock
- Make sure the door catch has not dropped
If the above doesn’t solve the problem, the machine will likely need a replacement printed circuit board (PCB)
F39 Miele error code (control module failed)
The control module has malfunctioned. The printed circuit board (PCB) can no longer operate as expected.
The only way to solve this error code is to replace the control module. On occasion, the PCB fails due to an ongoing fault with another part, which causes the PCB to short-circuit.
The control module on Miele washing machines can be expensive, so it’s sometimes better to replace the washing machine instead of repairing it.
F41 Miele error code (cycle aborted)
The machine has aborted the cycle due to incorrect data. The F41 error code usually indicates a fault with the electrics, causing an incorrect reading to the PCB.
What to do:
- Turn the machine off for 5 – 10 minutes and restart the cycle
- Make sure the power supply is good
- Check for kinks in the power lead
- Make sure there are no visible signs of water leaks
If there are no obvious water leak problems and the power supply is good, the problem could lie with the printed circuit board which will need to be replaced.
F42 Miele error code (mains frequency)
The machine has detected that the mains frequency is incorrect. This is an electrical supply fault, which is usually not caused by the washing machine.
It may be best to call an electrician to take a look at the electrical supply. Before doing so, it might be a good idea to try the machine is another socket / electrical ring to make sure that the machine is not at fault.
If the electrical supply is not faulty, the machine will need the printed circuit board (PCB) replaced.
F46 Miele error code (LCD connection)
The washing machine has detected that the connections leading to the LCD are loose.
You should visually inspect the wiring and sockets that lead to the LCD display. These are usually found by removing the lid of the machine and taking a look directly behind the digital display.
Common things to look for are disconnected wiring, burned block connectors and burn marks on the LCD board. You may need to replace the wiring or the LCD board depending on the state upon inspection.
F50 Miele error code (drive error)
The Miele F50 error code means that the machine cannot move the drum. This will usually be visible as once the machine has filled with water, the drum will not turn.
Usually, you can fix this error code by replacing the carbon brushes on older models. If it’s a newer model which has an induction motor, the drive motor will need to be replaced.
Occasionally the drum can become stuck due to an obstruction such as a bra wire or the drive belt falling off and tangling up the drum pulley.
F51 Miele error code (pressure switch fault)
The machine cannot get an accurate reading of the water pressure. Miele washing machine uses pressure sensors to gauge the amount of water in the drum so it will stop filling.
This error code can be fixed by replacing the faulty water pressure sensor.
F53 Miele error code (motor speed sensor fault)
The machine cannot regular the speed of the motor. The tachometer is responsible for regulating the revolutions per minute (RPM) of the motor, meaning it’s likely at fault.
The tachometer is located on the motor, which usually means that the complete drive motor will need to be replaced with a new one.
F56 Miele error code (tachometer fault)
Similar to the F53 error code, the tachometer has become faulty and the machine cannot reach above 400 RPM to spin the clothes.
Miele washing machines will display the F56 error code if the machine is spinning at less than 400 revolutions per minute. To repair this error code, you will need to replace the motor.
F62 Miele error code (programme selector fault)
The machine has detected a defective programme selector. The selector is responsible for choosing which cycle to run on the machine and is controlled by the knob on the front of the machine.
Things to check:
- Check the knob is not stuck between two cycles
- Make sure that the display of the machine is not water damaged
- Turn the machine off for 5 – 10 minutes and try restarting
If these simple checks don’t help you locate the problem, you may be experiencing a faulty control board. The PCB will need to be replaced.
F65 Miele error code (drum lighting cap missing)
The machine has indicated that the drum lighting cap is missing from its holder. As a safety precaution, the machine will display F65 on the LCD.
The simple fix is to either refit or replace the drum lighting cap. This is a simple fix and shouldn’t take too long.
F83 Miele error code (overheating fault)
The washing machine has detected that the temperature is too hot in the heater unit. Inside the unit, a temperature sensor regulates if the air is too warm and becomes unsafe.
Excessive temperatures inside the heater unit usually indicate a blockage in the heater duct. Fluff from drying cycles can build up and cause a lack of airflow. The heater duct should be disassembled and cleared.
If the machine does not have a blockage, the F83 error code can be caused by a faulty fan. If the fan is not operating, the air does not get blown through the duct and the warm air rises and causes it to overheat.
F92 Miele error code (bacteria sensor)
The machine has detected an excessive amount of bacteria build up in the machine. Mould buildup in washing machines is common, especially if they are only used for cold temperature washes.
Running the machine through a maintenance wash and cleaning the washing machine door seal is the first thing to do.
If the machine has no visible signs of mould and still displays the F92 error code, it may indicate a bacteria sensor failure. The sensor will need to be located and replaced.
F104 Miele error code (low voltage supply)
The machine is experiencing low voltage power to the drive/motor. This can be due to a faulty motor or control module.
During a cycle, the control module will supply the motor with enough power to turn the drum. If the power supply is not sufficient, the error code will display on the front.
This fault code can be fixed by replacing the motor or the printed circuit board (PCB).
F138 Miele error code (drip tray leak)
The machine has detected water build up in the drip tray. This means that there is a leak somewhere in the machine causing this build up.
You will need to visually inspect the machine from all angles to see where the leak is coming from.
If your machine has a removable panel then it’s best to remove the pane and inspect the machine while it’s on a cycle.
If you manage to find and repair the leak, you will need to remove all of the water that has built up before the next wash.
