Miele Appliance Error Codes
Washing Machine
Front-load washer fault codes for water intake, drainage, heating, motor, and sensor systems.
F1 / F2
NTC Temperature Sensor Fault
Heating thermistor short-circuited or reading impossible values
What This Means
The NTC temperature sensor has short-circuited or is reporting impossible readings — often caused by water or heating-related problems. Without a valid temperature signal, the machine cannot safely regulate its wash temperature and aborts the program.
Common Causes
- Water ingress into the sensor or its connector
- Failing heating element causing extreme temperatures that damage the NTC
- Corroded or loose NTC connector at the control board
What You Can Try
Switch off and unplug the machine for 10 minutes, then restart and run a quick cycle. If F1 or F2 returns immediately, the NTC sensor or its wiring requires professional replacement. Do not attempt further hot washes until the fault is cleared.
F10
Water Intake Fault
Machine cannot fill with water within the required time
What This Means
The washer failed to reach the required water level within the allotted fill time. The machine pauses and displays F10 as a safety precaution to prevent running dry.
Common Causes
- Water supply tap not fully open or turned off
- Kinked or pinched inlet hose
- Clogged inlet valve filter screen (sediment buildup)
- Faulty water inlet valve solenoid
- Flood protection device (Aquastop) triggered
What You Can Try
Check that the water supply tap is fully open. Inspect the inlet hose for kinks. Turn off the water, disconnect the hose at the machine end, and clean the small mesh filter inside the inlet with a brush. Reconnect and retry. If F10 persists, the inlet valve requires professional replacement.
F11
Drainage Fault
Water not draining within the required time limit
What This Means
The washer cannot empty its drum within the expected timeframe. The machine holds the load to prevent flooding. This is the most common Miele washing machine error call — it is frequently a simple blockage rather than a pump failure.
Common Causes
- Blocked drain pump filter (coins, buttons, lint)
- Kinked or obstructed drain hose
- Drain hose outlet too high (maximum height is 39 inches)
- Failed drain pump motor
What You Can Try
Locate the drain pump access panel (usually bottom-front of the machine). Place towels and a shallow tray, then slowly unscrew the filter cap — water will flow out. Remove all debris from the filter and cavity. Inspect the drain hose for kinks. Refit and test. If the pump hums but does not move water, the pump impeller is jammed or the pump requires replacement.
F16
Excess Foam / Detergent Overload
Too much detergent detected — machine paused to protect drain pump
What This Means
F16 appears when foam levels in the drum are so high that the machine pauses the cycle to prevent foam from reaching and damaging the drain pump. The machine will automatically add extra rinse cycles to clear the foam before resuming.
Common Causes
- Too much detergent used for the load size or water hardness
- Non-HE detergent used in a high-efficiency Miele washer
- Detergent residue build-up in the drawer causing overdosing
What You Can Try
Allow the machine to complete its automatic foam-clearing rinse — do not interrupt it. For future washes, use HE-rated (low-foam) detergent and reduce the dose by 25–30%. Clean the detergent drawer monthly to prevent buildup. If using TwinDos, verify cartridge concentrations are correct.
F20
Flood Protection / Water in Base Tray
Aquastop activated — water detected in the appliance base
What This Means
Water has accumulated in the drip tray at the base of the machine, triggering the Aquastop flood sensor. This is a safety shutdown — the machine disconnects the water supply and refuses to operate until the leak source is identified and the tray is dried.
Common Causes
- Leaking door seal (damaged gasket)
- Loose or cracked hose connection inside the machine
- Overfilling caused by a faulty pressure switch
- Detergent drawer leaking due to a blocked overflow
What You Can Try
Unplug the machine immediately. Tip the machine backward approximately 15° to drain the base tray — have towels ready. Inspect visible hoses and the door seal for damage. Do not use the machine until the leak source is professionally identified and repaired.
F53
Speed Sensor / Tachometer Fault
Drum speed sensor failed — spin cycle cannot complete
What This Means
The tachometer (speed sensor) that monitors drum rotation speed has failed. Without accurate speed data, the motor controller cannot safely manage the spin cycle and disables spinning entirely. The wash program may complete, but laundry will remain very wet.
Common Causes
- Failed Hall sensor or tachometer on the motor
- Damaged tachometer wiring from vibration over time
- Motor brush wear on older models
What You Can Try
No customer-level repair is available for F53. The speed sensor sits on the motor assembly and requires professional diagnosis and replacement. Contact Miele Service — quote the F53 code when booking.
F63
Water Path Control Unit Fault
Electronic water control system failed
What This Means
The water path control unit — which manages water distribution between the drum, detergent drawer, and drain — has malfunctioned. This is an electronic control fault, not a plumbing blockage.
Common Causes
- Failed water distribution solenoid valve
- Control board fault causing incorrect valve signals
- Damaged wiring harness between the board and valves
What You Can Try
Switch off and unplug for 10 minutes. Restart and run a rinse-only cycle to test. If F63 persists, professional board or valve diagnosis is required — this code indicates an electronic fault beyond user-serviceable scope.
Dryer
T1 and heat-pump tumble dryer fault codes for ventilation, heating, sensors, and drum systems.
F66 /
066
066
Ventilation Fault
Airflow through the dryer is restricted — overheating protection triggered
What This Means
F66 is the most common Miele dryer error. The dryer's thermal protection has triggered due to restricted airflow. This code appears whether the problem is a clogged lint filter, a blocked heat exchanger, poor room ventilation, an overloaded drum, or clothes that were too wet at the start.
Common Causes
- Lint filter not cleaned before this cycle
- Heat exchanger clogged with fine lint (requires periodic deep cleaning)
- Ventilation grille on the machine obstructed by objects or wall placement
- Laundry room too small or poorly ventilated
- Drum overloaded — laundry too heavy for single load
- Clothes not spun at sufficient speed before drying
What You Can Try
Remove the load. Clean the lint filter thoroughly. Clean the heat exchanger (refer to your model's manual — typically a rinse under running water). Open the laundry room door or window. Reduce the load size. Restart the cycle. If F66 returns on a small, properly filtered load, the heat exchanger has deeper lint accumulation requiring professional cleaning.
F55
Maximum Drying Time Exceeded
Laundry not dry after 180 minutes — cycle terminated
What This Means
The dryer reached its maximum permitted drying time of 180 minutes without sensing that the load was dry. The cycle terminates automatically and F55 is displayed. This is a usage or loading issue in most cases, not a mechanical fault.
Common Causes
- Drum overloaded — too much laundry for a single cycle
- Laundry entered the dryer too wet (spin speed in washer too low)
- Dense fabrics (denim, towels, hoodies) mixed together in one load
- Moisture sensor strips inside the drum contaminated with fabric softener residue
What You Can Try
Remove some items and restart with a smaller load. For future cycles, use a higher spin speed in the washer (1200+ RPM) before drying. Clean the two metal moisture sensor bars inside the drum with a soft damp cloth — fabric softener residue insulates them, causing false "dry" readings to fail.
F50
Control Board / Electronic Fault
Internal electronics fault — typically appears on door open
What This Means
F50 typically appears when the dryer door is opened mid-cycle or at the end of a program, indicating an electronics glitch or a minor control board reset event. There is often no specific mechanical cause — it can be a transient fault.
Common Causes
- Transient electronics glitch or power fluctuation
- Door opened at a critical point in the cycle
- Control board memory error
What You Can Try
Turn the dryer off completely at the mains. Wait 30 seconds, then power back on and restart. If F50 appears consistently on every cycle, the control board requires professional diagnosis. A one-time F50 after an interrupted cycle can be safely ignored after a reset.
Refrigerator
Built-in and freestanding refrigerator sensor and system error codes.
F1
Refrigerator Compartment Sensor Fault
Cabinet temperature sensor open, shorted, or reading incorrectly
What This Means
The sensor monitoring the refrigerator compartment air temperature has failed or is producing invalid readings. The unit cannot regulate cooling correctly without this sensor and may run too warm or too cold.
Common Causes
- Faulty NTC thermistor — open or short circuit
- Loose connector at the control board
- Moisture infiltration into sensor wiring
What You Can Try
Switch the refrigerator off and back on at the control panel. If F1 persists, contact Miele Service — sensor replacement requires professional access to the refrigerator's interior panels.
F2
Evaporator Sensor Fault
Refrigerator evaporator coil temperature sensor has failed
What This Means
The evaporator sensor — mounted directly on the refrigerator's cooling coil — is faulty. This sensor controls defrost timing and compressor operation. A failed evaporator sensor often results in the coil icing over completely, causing the refrigerator to warm despite the compressor running.
Common Causes
- Sensor failed after extended exposure to frost-defrost cycles
- Wiring harness to the evaporator damaged
- Ice buildup physically dislodging the sensor from its mounting
What You Can Try
Power off the refrigerator for 24–48 hours with the door open to allow a full manual defrost. If temperatures return to normal after defrosting, the evaporator likely iced over from a previous sensor issue. If F2 returns within a few days, the sensor requires professional replacement.
F5
Control Board Communication Fault
Microprocessor control card malfunctioning or communication error
What This Means
F5 indicates the main control board (microprocessor card) has malfunctioned or lost communication with one of its subsystems. All refrigeration functions may be disrupted.
Common Causes
- Power surge damaging the control board
- Failed control board component
- Internal wiring harness fault between boards
What You Can Try
Switch off at the mains for 5 minutes and restore power. If F5 returns, no further customer troubleshooting is available — the control board requires professional diagnosis and likely replacement.
nA
Temperature Rise After Power Failure
Display shows warmest temperature reached during outage
What This Means
The "nA" indicator is not a fault — it is an informational alert shown after a power outage. The display shows the warmest temperature reached inside the refrigerator during the power failure, allowing you to assess food safety. Once acknowledged, the unit returns to normal display.
Common Causes
- Power outage or circuit breaker trip
- Appliance unplugged and reconnected
What You Can Try
Press the Alarm Off key while "nA" is lit. The display will show the peak temperature reached during the failure for approximately one minute, then return to normal. As long as the temperature did not exceed 41°F (5°C) for more than 2 hours, food is generally safe.
Freezer & Ice Maker
Freezer compartment sensor faults, ice maker errors, and water inlet issues.
F3
Freezer Air Sensor Fault
Freezer compartment temperature sensor open or shorted
What This Means
The sensor monitoring the freezer compartment air temperature has failed. Without this reading, the freezer cannot maintain safe frozen temperatures and food spoilage risk increases rapidly.
Common Causes
- NTC sensor failed open or short-circuit
- Connector to sensor corroded or displaced
- Frost accumulation physically damaging sensor wiring
What You Can Try
Switch off the appliance for 5 minutes and restart. If F3 returns, move frozen food to a backup freezer and contact Miele Service immediately. The sensor replacement requires professional access to the freezer compartment wall.
F4
Freezer Evaporator Sensor Fault
Freezer coil temperature sensor failed
What This Means
F4 indicates the evaporator sensor on the freezer's cooling coil has failed. This sensor controls defrost initiation and termination. A failure here often results in the evaporator icing over completely, blocking all airflow and causing the freezer to stop cooling.
Common Causes
- Sensor failed after long-term exposure to freeze-defrost cycling
- Frost block physically separating the sensor from its mounting clip
What You Can Try
Power off and perform a manual defrost (24–48 hours with freezer door open). If temperatures recover temporarily but F4 returns within days, the sensor is faulty and requires professional replacement.
01 21_F
01 22_F
01 22_F
Ice Maker Fault
Ice production stopped or water inlet to ice maker failed
What This Means
These codes indicate an ice maker system fault. 01 21_F typically means the ice maker cannot complete its cycle (cubes not forming or not dropping). 01 22_F usually points to a water supply or inlet valve problem preventing water from reaching the ice maker. Both Miele and service technicians confirm these as ice maker-specific faults.
Common Causes
- Ice cubes jammed against the back wall of the ice drawer
- Water inlet valve clogged or failed (most common for 01 22_F)
- Water pressure too low at the supply line
- Water filter clogged, restricting flow to the ice maker
- Ice maker dispenser output flap blocked or frozen shut
What You Can Try
Turn off the ice maker toggle switch (under the electronic touch panel — see your manual pages 7–9). Shake the ice drawer to dislodge any stuck cubes. Check the water filter and replace if overdue. Verify water pressure at the supply valve. If the fault persists after checking these, the water inlet valve (1Y63/2Y63) likely needs replacement by a technician.
Wine Cooler
KWT series wine storage unit error codes and common temperature stability issues.
F0
BioFresh Fresh Air Sensor Fault
Fresh air zone humidity/temperature sensor failed
What This Means
F0 indicates a fault in the fresh air sensor on appliances equipped with the BioFresh zone. The BioFresh zone maintains near-zero temperatures for optimal freshness. On wine coolers without BioFresh, F0 indicates a general fresh air circulation sensor fault.
Common Causes
- BioFresh sensor failed after moisture exposure
- Vibration from nearby appliances loosening sensor connections
What You Can Try
Switch the appliance off and on at the control panel. If F0 returns, Miele Service replacement is required — customer access to this sensor is not possible without removing internal panels.
F1 / F2
Cabinet / Evaporator Sensor Fault
Temperature sensor in main compartment or evaporator failed
What This Means
F1 is a cabinet temperature sensor fault; F2 is an evaporator sensor fault. Temperature precision is critical for wine storage — even a failed sensor that causes a few degrees of variance can damage cork and accelerate wine aging. Both codes require professional service.
Common Causes
- Sensor failed after prolonged use
- Unit positioned adjacent to heat sources causing thermal stress on sensors
What You Can Try
Ensure the wine cooler is not near a heat source or in direct sunlight. Power cycle for 5 minutes. If the code persists, contact Miele Service. Do not use the unit for long-term wine storage until sensor faults are resolved.
TEMP
SWING
SWING
Temperature Instability
Common issue — no error code. Wine storage temperature swings detected.
What This Means
Temperature instability in a wine cooler does not always trigger an error code. Consistent temperature is the single most critical factor in wine preservation — swings of more than 2–3°F over time degrade cork integrity and accelerate premature aging. This is most commonly an installation issue.
Common Causes
- Unit not level — door hanging slightly open
- Too close to oven, dishwasher, or direct sunlight
- Door seal deteriorated — check with paper slip test
- Overloaded shelves blocking internal air circulation
- Ventilation clearances not met for the installation
What You Can Try
Level the unit using adjustable feet. Ensure the required ventilation gaps are maintained. Test the door seal with a sheet of paper — it should grip firmly all the way around. Store bottles horizontally to keep corks moist. Move the unit away from heat sources if possible.
Range & Stove
Freestanding gas and electric range error codes for oven sensors, door locks, and heating systems.
F01
Door Sensor / Lock Fault
Oven door sensor not confirming closed or lock motor failure
What This Means
F01 on a Miele range or wall oven indicates a door sensor or door lock problem. This is most commonly seen on convection microwave combination models where a door latch mechanism is required. On older models, F01 can indicate a main control board fault.
Common Causes
- Door latch mechanism damaged or misaligned
- Door lock motor failed (on pyrolytic self-clean models)
- Door sensor switch worn or damaged
- Control board fault (on older range models)
What You Can Try
Inspect the door for obvious misalignment or obstructions in the latch path. Power cycle at the mains for 5 minutes. If F01 persists, professional door sensor or latch motor diagnosis is required — do not force the door mechanism.
F02
Heating Element Fault
Oven heating element circuit failure — oven does not heat
What This Means
The oven's heating element circuit has been detected as faulty. This can mean the element itself has failed (open circuit), the element relay on the control board has failed, or the wiring to the element is damaged.
Common Causes
- Bake or broil element burned out (visible blistering or break)
- Relay controlling the element welded closed or failed open on the control board
- Element wiring insulation damaged during pyrolytic cleaning
What You Can Try
Visually inspect the visible portion of the oven element (bake element is at the oven floor, broil is at the ceiling) for burn marks, breaks, or blistering. Power cycle. If F02 persists, do not use the oven — professional element or relay board replacement is required.
F03
Thermostat / Temperature Sensor Fault
Oven temperature probe reading incorrectly or out of range
What This Means
The oven temperature sensor (thermostat probe) is reading outside its valid range. The oven shuts off heating as a safety measure since it cannot confirm temperature is within safe limits. This is equivalent to an RTD fault on other brands.
Common Causes
- Temperature probe physically damaged by oven rack or pans
- Probe wiring burned during pyrolytic self-clean cycle
- Probe connector corroded or loose at the control board
What You Can Try
Inspect the probe on the oven interior back wall for visible damage. Power cycle for 5 minutes. If F03 returns, the temperature probe requires professional replacement — do not use the oven for cooking until resolved as temperatures will be uncontrolled.
F32
Self-Clean Door Lock Error
Pyrolytic program door lock not engaging correctly
What This Means
F32 appears when the pyrolytic self-clean program is selected but the door lock cannot engage or confirm its locked state. Self-clean is aborted as a safety measure — the program cannot run at 900°F+ without a confirmed door lock.
Common Causes
- Oven racks left inside blocking the latch path
- Foreign object in the door gap
- Door lock motor beginning to fail
What You Can Try
Remove all oven racks before attempting pyrolytic cleaning. Turn the mode selector back to the self-clean program to attempt a reset. If F32 persists after confirming no obstructions, the door lock motor requires professional inspection.
Cooktop & Rangetop
Induction and electric cooktop error codes. Gas rangetops do not display error codes — functional issues are listed.
F
ALERT
ALERT
Sensor Control Covered or Object on Panel
Touch control field is blocked — cooktop suspended
What This Means
A flashing "F" on the cooktop display means one or more sensor controls in the active control zone are covered — by a hand, food boilover, cloth, or object placed on the panel. Miele's official guidance confirms this is not a hardware fault.
Common Causes
- Boilover liquid covering the touch panel
- Dishcloth or object resting on the sensor area
- Sustained finger contact on the panel
What You Can Try
Remove any objects from the cooktop control area and wipe the panel clean with a soft dry cloth. The "F" will clear automatically once the sensors are unobstructed. If F persists on a clean, unobstructed panel, the touch sensor itself may require professional calibration or replacement.
FE37
FE44
FE44
Overheating Protection Triggered
Cooktop electronics overheated — automatic shutdown
What This Means
The cooktop's thermal protection has shut it down to prevent damage to the power electronics. This is most common on induction models running at maximum power for extended periods, or when cabinet ventilation beneath the cooktop is restricted.
Common Causes
- Sustained high-power cooking for extended periods
- Drawer directly beneath the cooktop blocking cooling airflow
- Cooling fan inside the cooktop failing
What You Can Try
Turn off the cooktop and allow it to cool for 10–15 minutes. Ensure nothing is blocking the ventilation underneath. If the code returns on first use after cool-down, unplug the connector for 30 minutes then reconnect. Persistent FE37/FE44 indicates a failed cooling fan or PTC sensor — professional diagnosis required.
FE47
FE48
FE48
Cooling Fan Blocked or Failed
Fan error — obstruction or motor fault detected
What This Means
FE47 or FE48 indicates a problem with the cooling fan on the underside of the cooktop. The fan keeps the electronics cool during operation — if it is blocked or has failed, the overheating protection will also trigger (FE37/FE44). These codes can also appear as Err 47, Err 48, or Err 49.
Common Causes
- Object from the drawer beneath the cooktop lodged in the fan blades
- Cooktop installed in an enclosed space without adequate clearance below
- Fan motor bearing failure
What You Can Try
Check that the drawer or cabinet directly below the cooktop is not obstructing the fan. Remove any items stored directly underneath. Power cycle. If FE47/FE48 persists on a clear installation, the fan motor requires professional replacement.
FE91–
FE94
FE94
Voltage Supply Fault
Incorrect voltage detected — too high or too low
What This Means
The cooktop's electronics are detecting a voltage supply that is either too high or too low for safe operation. Miele induction cooktops require the correct supply voltage (typically 208V or 240V between L1 and L2) — incorrect connection or unstable supply will trigger this shutdown.
Common Causes
- Incorrect electrical connection — wrong voltage configuration
- Utility brownout or overvoltage event
- Shared circuit with high-draw appliances causing voltage drop
What You Can Try
Do not continue using the cooktop if it shows FE91–FE94. Disconnect from power and have a licensed electrician verify the supply voltage and wiring configuration before reconnecting. These codes always require an electrical professional — incorrect voltage can cause irreversible damage to the power electronics.
POWER
FLASH
FLASH
Pan Not Detected on Induction Zone
No induction-compatible cookware on the active zone
What This Means
When the power level indicator flashes on an induction zone, the cooktop is not detecting a ferrous metal base on that zone. This is informational — the cooktop is working correctly and waiting for compatible cookware.
Common Causes
- Non-induction cookware (aluminum, copper, glass, non-magnetic stainless)
- Pan too small — base diameter must cover the center point of the zone
- Pan not centered on the cooking zone
What You Can Try
Test the pan base with a magnet — if the magnet sticks firmly, the pan is induction-compatible. Use a larger pan that covers the center of the zone. If a confirmed compatible pan still triggers the flashing, the induction coil or its detection sensor requires professional inspection.
Oven / Microwave
Built-in oven and microwave combination fault codes from the H-series and M-Touch platform.
F05
F06
F06
Oven Temperature Sensor Fault
NTC temperature probe short-circuited (F05) or open-circuit (F06)
What This Means
From the Miele H-series fault code table: F05 means the oven temperature NTC sensor is short-circuited; F06 means the sensor circuit is open (broken). Both codes disable oven heating since the control board cannot safely regulate temperature without a valid sensor signal.
Common Causes
- Sensor probe physically damaged inside the oven cavity
- Wiring burned during a high-temperature pyrolytic cycle
- Probe connector corroded or loose at the control board
What You Can Try
Inspect the probe on the oven back wall for visible damage. Power cycle for 5 minutes. If the code returns, do not use the oven — uncontrolled heating is a fire risk. Contact Miele Service for probe replacement.
F32
Self-Clean Door Lock Error
Pyrolytic program door lock failed to engage
What This Means
The pyrolytic self-clean program requires the door to lock before proceeding. F32 means the lock did not engage or confirm locked status. The oven correctly aborts the program — self-clean at 900°F+ cannot run with an unlocked door.
Common Causes
- Oven racks inside the oven obstructing the latch
- Door latch hook worn or broken
- Door lock motor beginning to fail
What You Can Try
Remove all oven racks. Turn the mode selector back to self-clean to reattempt. If F32 persists with an empty oven, the door lock mechanism requires professional inspection before any further self-clean attempts.
F33
F52
F52
Electronic / Communication Fault
Internal control board fault — professional service required
What This Means
F33 and F52 indicate internal electronic faults on the control board. These codes signal issues that cannot be resolved through user-level troubleshooting. F33 can indicate a communication or analysis fault on M-Touch Generation 5000 electronics.
Common Causes
- Control board component failure
- Communication fault between display and main board
- EEPROM data corruption (on some models)
What You Can Try
Power cycle at the mains for 5 minutes. If F33 or F52 persists, contact an authorized Miele technician — board replacement or re-programming is required.
F01
Microwave Control Board / Door Lock Fault
Main control board hardware failure or door lock issue on combination models
What This Means
F01 on a Miele convection microwave typically indicates either a door lock failure or a significant hardware fault on the main control board. On convection microwave combination units, the door must lock during certain modes — a failure here blocks all operation.
Common Causes
- Door latch mechanism damaged or misaligned
- Door lock switch continuity failure
- Main control board hardware failure (on units over 10 years old, boards may be discontinued)
What You Can Try
Inspect the door latch for visible damage. Unplug the unit and check door lock switch connections for corrosion. Power back on and test. If F01 persists, professional diagnosis is required — main board availability may be limited on older models.
Coffee Machine
CVA built-in and countertop coffee machine fault codes — confirmed from Miele USA official support and CVA4075 service documentation.
F1-F4
NTC Temperature Sensor Fault
Coffee/steam heater temperature sensor short or open circuit
What This Means
From the official Miele CVA4075 fault code table: F1 = short circuit on the coffee/hot water NTC sensor; F2 = open circuit on coffee/hot water NTC; F3 = short circuit on the steam NTC sensor; F4 = open circuit on the steam NTC. Miele USA confirms these as heat-related problems and instructs a 1-hour cool-down as the first step. The room temperature must be above 60°F (15°C).
Common Causes
- Machine used in an environment below 60°F — cold temperatures trigger false sensor faults
- NTC thermistor failed after extended use
- Scale buildup on the thermoblock causing the heater to overheat and damage the sensor
What You Can Try
Switch off via the On/Off button and allow the machine to cool for 1 full hour. Ensure the room temperature is above 60°F. After 1 hour, attempt to restart. If the code returns, run a full descaling program — scale buildup is the most common cause of thermal sensor faults. If codes persist after descaling, professional NTC sensor replacement is required.
F10
No Water Supply
Machine cannot take in water — tank empty or supply blocked
What This Means
F10 is confirmed by Miele USA as a water supply fault — the machine is not receiving water. On countertop models, this is almost always an empty tank. On built-in models connected to a water line, it indicates a supply pressure or valve issue.
Common Causes
- Water tank empty or not properly seated
- Water supply valve closed (built-in plumbed models)
- Scale blocking the internal water pump
- Water filter clogged restricting flow
What You Can Try
Fill and firmly reseat the water tank. For built-in models, check that the supply valve is open. Run a descaling cycle if the machine has not been descaled in the last 3 months. If F10 persists after confirming water supply, the pump or inlet requires professional cleaning.
F17
Insufficient Water Intake
Water available but intake rate too low — pump or scale issue
What This Means
Unlike F10 (no water at all), F17 means water is present but the machine is not pulling it in fast enough. This is distinct between built-in and countertop models — for built-in units, F17 points to insufficient supply line pressure; for countertop, it usually means a partially blocked pump or heavily scaled internal circuit.
Common Causes
- Scale buildup in the pump or internal water circuit (most common)
- Low water pressure at the supply connection (built-in models)
- Water filter almost fully clogged
What You Can Try
Run a descaling program immediately — F17 is Miele's signal that scale buildup has reached a level that restricts water flow. Replace the water filter. On built-in models, verify supply pressure is within specifications. If F17 persists after descaling, the pump requires professional service.
F73
Brew Unit Fault
Brew unit cannot move to start position — jammed or motor fault
What This Means
F73 (also displayed as FAULT – 73) means the brew unit cannot move into its start position. This is confirmed by Miele USA as a brew unit movement fault. The brew unit must return to its home position before each brew cycle — if it is jammed, the machine locks all coffee functions.
Common Causes
- Coffee grounds accumulated and dried inside the brew unit housing
- Brew unit inserted incorrectly after cleaning
- Brew unit drive motor or gear mechanism failed
What You Can Try
Remove the brew unit and rinse thoroughly under warm water. Check that the tabs and tracks are clean and not obstructed by dried grounds. Reinsert carefully, ensuring it slides fully into place and clicks locked. If F73 persists after cleaning and reinserting, the brew unit drive mechanism requires professional repair.
F80 /
F82 /
F83
F82 /
F83
Flow-Through Heater Fault
Coffee or steam heater not heating, or overheating
What This Means
From the CVA4075 service manual: F80 = coffee/hot water flow-through heater not heating; F81 = steam heater not heating; F82 = coffee/hot water heater overheating due to power electronic fault; F83 = steam heater overheating. These are serious heating system faults. Miele USA groups F80–F83 as heat-related problems requiring 1-hour cool-down then service if persistent.
Common Causes
- Thermal fuse in the heater blown (overheating protection triggered permanently)
- Power electronics fault on the heating control board
- Heavy scale buildup overheating the thermoblock and tripping the thermal cutout
What You Can Try
Switch off and allow to cool for 1 hour in a room above 60°F. Restart and test. If the code returns, run a descaling cycle. If the fault persists after descaling, the heater thermal fuse or power board requires professional replacement — this is not a user-serviceable repair.
F28
Clean Brew Unit by Hand
Brew unit requires manual cleaning — automatic rinse not sufficient
What This Means
F28 or the message "Clean brew unit by hand" indicates that coffee oils and grounds have accumulated to a level where the automatic rinse cycle is insufficient. The brew unit requires removal and manual cleaning. This is a maintenance reminder, not a fault.
Common Causes
- Brew unit not manually cleaned for an extended period
- Oily or dark roast beans used frequently without adequate rinsing
What You Can Try
Remove the brew unit, rinse all parts under warm running water (no detergent), clean all grooves and slots with a small brush, dry completely, and reinsert. Miele recommends manual brew unit cleaning every 2 weeks or monthly at minimum. Regular maintenance prevents F73 and F28 from escalating.
Warming Drawer
ESW series warming drawer functional issues. Miele warming drawers (ESW 408x-14) do not display numeric error codes — faults present as non-responsive behavior.
NO
HEAT
HEAT
Warming Element Not Heating
Drawer powers on but does not reach temperature
What This Means
The warming drawer control panel responds and lights illuminate, but the drawer does not produce heat. The ESW warming drawer uses a flat heating element under the drawer floor — if this fails, the unit is entirely non-functional for its primary purpose.
Common Causes
- Heating element open-circuit (failed)
- Thermal cutout/fuse tripped due to overheating
- Temperature sensor failure causing the control board to refuse heating
- Control board relay failure
What You Can Try
Switch off at the mains for 5 minutes and restart. Ensure nothing was placed on the drawer for an extended period causing overheating. If no heat after reset, the heating element or thermal fuse requires professional replacement. The ESW series uses heat-resistant custom panels — verify any replacement front panel does not exceed 11 lb (5 kg) or 140°F rating.
NO
SIGNAL
SIGNAL
Control Panel Unresponsive
Drawer does not respond to controls — no display or function
What This Means
The warming drawer is completely unresponsive — no display illumination and no reaction to control inputs. This indicates either a power supply issue to the appliance or a control board failure. Unlike the Wolf warming drawer, Miele ESW models do not display numeric codes for these conditions.
Common Causes
- Circuit breaker tripped or fuse blown
- Appliance not receiving power from the wall outlet
- Control board failed
- Wiring harness between power supply and control board disconnected or damaged
What You Can Try
Verify the circuit breaker for the drawer circuit has not tripped. Check the wall outlet with another device. Reset the breaker if tripped. If power is confirmed at the outlet but the drawer remains unresponsive, the control board or wiring requires professional diagnosis.
OVER
HEAT
HEAT
Thermal Cutout Triggered
Drawer shut off due to excess heat — safety cutout tripped
What This Means
The ESW warming drawer has a built-in thermal cutout that shuts off the heating element if the drawer exceeds its safe operating temperature. The custom front panel must be made of heat-resistant material rated to at least 140°F — non-compliant panels can cause overheating and trigger the safety cutout.
Common Causes
- Custom front panel material not heat-resistant (minimum 140°F requirement)
- Custom panel too heavy — exceeds 11 lb maximum causing installation stress
- Drawer left on at maximum temperature setting for extended periods without food inside
What You Can Try
Allow the drawer to cool completely (30 minutes) then reset at the mains. Verify the custom panel meets Miele's specification: minimum 3/8" (19mm) thick, heat-resistant to 140°F, total panel + handle weight under 11 lb. If the cutout triggers repeatedly, the thermal fuse may have failed permanently and requires replacement.
Ventilation Hood
Miele ventilation hoods do not display numeric error codes. Common functional faults are listed below.
NO
FLOW
FLOW
Poor or No Airflow
Fan runs but suction is weak or absent
What This Means
The hood motor runs and lights work, but airflow and suction are significantly reduced. This is almost always a maintenance issue — Miele ventilation hoods require regular grease filter cleaning and periodic charcoal filter replacement on recirculation models.
Common Causes
- Grease filters heavily clogged — restricting airflow (most common)
- Charcoal filter fully saturated on recirculation models
- External ducting blocked or disconnected
- Grease accumulation in the blower fan housing
What You Can Try
Remove and clean the grease filters (dishwasher-safe on most Miele models). For recirculation units, replace the charcoal filter — it cannot be cleaned, only replaced. Inspect the exterior duct flap to confirm it opens freely. If suction remains poor after filter service, the fan housing may require professional cleaning.
LAMP
FAIL
FAIL
Hood Lighting Not Working
One or more LED or halogen lights failed
What This Means
One or more cooktop lights beneath the hood have failed. On halogen models, bulbs can be user-replaced. On LED-based models, the LED module replacement requires professional service as the modules are integrated and not user-accessible.
Common Causes
- Halogen bulb burned out (user-replaceable on applicable models)
- LED module failed on newer models
- Light switch fault on the control board
What You Can Try
Consult your model's manual to determine if bulbs are user-replaceable. On halogen models, power off, allow to cool, and replace the bulb with the specified type (handle with a cloth — skin oils shorten halogen bulb life). On LED models, contact Miele Service for module replacement.
FAN
NOISE
NOISE
Excessive Fan Noise / Vibration
Rattling, grinding, or unusual noise during operation
What This Means
Rattling, vibration, or grinding noises from the hood fan indicate either grease-loaded fan blades causing imbalance, or a failing fan motor bearing. Miele confirms that correct airflow and quiet operation depend on clean grease filters and clean fan blades.
Common Causes
- Grease filter not seated correctly after cleaning
- Grease accumulation on fan blades causing imbalance
- Fan motor bearing worn — more common on units over 8 years
- Ductwork loose or vibrating against structure
What You Can Try
Remove and firmly reseat the grease filters. Clean accessible fan blades if grease is visible. Check that ductwork connections are tight. If noise persists on a clean, properly assembled hood, the fan motor bearing requires professional inspection and replacement.
Vacuum Cleaner
Complete C3, C2, and S-series canister vacuum cleaner indicator alerts and common faults. Miele vacuums use indicator lights and symbols rather than numeric error codes.
WARN!
Thermal Cutout — Vacuum Switched Itself Off
Motor overheated and switched off automatically via thermal protection
What This Means
The "!" symbol or red triangle on Miele canister vacuums means the vacuum has activated its thermal protection and switched off the motor. This occurs when the motor cannot breathe — airflow is blocked somewhere in the system. Miele confirms this via the "Vacuum cleaner switches itself off / '!' symbol lights up" support article.
Common Causes
- FilterBag completely full — replace immediately
- HEPA or exhaust filter clogged and not recently replaced
- Hose blocked by a large object or debris
- Pre-motor protection filter saturated
- Motor protection filter wet (vacuum used on wet debris)
What You Can Try
Unplug the vacuum and allow 30 minutes for the motor to cool. Replace the FilterBag (even if not completely full — a partial bag can still restrict flow with fine dust). Clean or replace the HEPA and pre-motor filters. Check the hose and nozzle for blockages. Reconnect and restart on low power. If the "!" returns quickly, inspect all filters and seals for air bypass.
BAG
FULL
FULL
FilterBag Full / Replace Bag
Dust bag indicator showing full — replace before continuing
What This Means
Miele vacuums use a suction-based FilterBag indicator — when suction drops below a threshold (because the bag is restricting airflow), the indicator lights up. On some models it displays "empty" or "full" bag states. On models with a full-bag indicator, the indicator moves into the red zone.
Common Causes
- Dust bag full — normal end-of-bag life
- Hose or floor attachment blocked (indicator can light even with empty bag if there is a blockage)
- Loose FilterBag holder — bag not seated correctly
What You Can Try
Replace the FilterBag with a genuine Miele bag for your model (Miele recommends authentic bags to maintain filtration standards). If the indicator stays lit after fitting a new bag, check for a hose blockage or verify the bag holder is properly clipped in place. Always replace the bag before the indicator reaches the maximum to protect the motor.
CLEAN
Blizzard CX1 Dust Bin / Filter Alert
Red ComfortClean indicator: bin or filter requires attention
What This Means
On the bagless Blizzard CX1 series, a red ComfortClean button indicates that the dust container, vortex separator, or hygiene lifetime filter requires attention. A yellow ComfortClean indicator means cleaning is recommended but not yet urgent.
Common Causes
- Dust container full — empty and clean the container
- Vortex separator clogged with fine dust
- Lifetime hygiene filter reached service interval
What You Can Try
Empty the dust container and rinse the vortex separator under running water. Allow to dry completely before reassembling — at least 24 hours. If the red indicator persists after cleaning, the lifetime hygiene filter has reached its end of life and requires replacement.
LOW
SUCK
SUCK
Loss of Suction Power
Vacuum runs but suction is significantly reduced
What This Means
The vacuum motor runs but suction is noticeably weaker than normal. This is almost always caused by a maintenance issue — a full bag, clogged filter, or air leak — rather than a motor failure. Miele vacuum suction loss rarely requires professional service if filters are properly maintained.
Common Causes
- FilterBag partially full with fine dust (especially after vacuuming drywall or building dust)
- HEPA exhaust filter clogged — replace every 12–18 months
- Hose or telescopic wand torn — air bypassing suction path
- Floor nozzle brush roll tangled with hair reducing sealing
What You Can Try
Disconnect the hose and test suction directly at the machine port — if suction is strong there, the hose or attachment is blocked. Replace the FilterBag and HEPA filter. Inspect the hose by stretching it gently and looking for tears. Clean the brush roll of hair tangles. If suction is weak even at the machine port with all filters removed, the motor requires professional inspection.