Miele Washing Machine Error Codes: Troubleshooting Guide

If your Miele washing machine stops mid-cycle and displays an alphanumeric code or a flashing light, it is using its onboard diagnostics to tell you exactly what is wrong. While some codes require a professional technician, many common issues—like blockages or sensor glitches—can be resolved with a few simple DIY steps.

How do I fix common Miele washing machine errors? Most Miele errors can be resolved by cleaning filters or resetting the electronics. Common codes include F10 (Water Intake), F11 (Drainage Fault), and F53 (Motor/Carbon Brushes). To clear these, you can perform a Master Reset by opening and closing the door 6 times within 12 seconds or enter Service Mode to run diagnostics by holding the “Stop” button while closing the door and tapping it three times.

How to Perform a Hard Reset on a Miele Washer

Many “Technical Fault” messages are caused by temporary electronic glitches. To reset your Miele washer:

1. Turn the machine OFF.
2. Unplug it from the wall or switch off the circuit breaker for at least 5 minutes.
3. Plug it back in and attempt to restart the cycle.

Note: If an error code like F41 (Electronic fault) or F43 (Programming fault) returns immediately after a reset, you will likely need a certified Miele technician to re-flash the firmware or inspect the control board.

If the machine doesn’t reset, do a master reset. This is what appliance technicians use to reset all the onboard components. 

• Open and close the washer door six times within 12 seconds. Now, run an empty rinse/spin cycle.
• Machines that run through the cycle and draining successfully are fully reset.

Common Miele Error Codes & Solutions

Resolving Water Flow Issues: F10 & F11 Errors

When your Miele washer encounters an F10 (Inlet) or F11 (Drain) error, the cause is usually a simple physical blockage. Cleaning these filters regularly ensures your machine operates efficiently and prevents mid-cycle stops.

Cleaning the F11 Drain Filter

1. Drain the Water: Open the small access flap at the bottom left. Place a shallow tray under the spout and slowly unscrew the round drain filter to let trapped water escape.
2. Remove Debris: Fully unscrew and pull out the filter. Clear any lint, coins, or hair trapped in the mesh.
3. Check the Impeller: Reach into the hole behind the filter and check if the drain pump impeller (the small fan blades) can spin freely.
4. Reinstall: Rinse the filter under warm water and screw it back in tightly to prevent leaks.

Cleaning the F10 Inlet Filter

1. Shut Off Water: Turn off the water supply tap and unscrew the inlet hose from the back of the machine.
2. Extract the Filter: Use needle-nose pliers to gently pull out the small plastic filter located inside the water inlet valve or at the end of the hose.
3. Rinse: Wash away any silt or limescale under running water.
4. Reassemble: Push the filter back into place, reconnect the hose, and turn the water back on to check for leaks.

Miele Washer F53 Error: Motor & Speed Sensor Fault

The F53 error code is a general “Technical Fault” indicating that the motor has stopped or the drum is not rotating as expected. This usually points to an issue with the motor’s physical components (like carbon brushes) or the speed-monitoring system (tachogenerator).

How to Troubleshoot the F53 Code:

• Reset the Electronics: Unplug the washer for 2 minutes. Plug it back in, select a “Sanitize” cycle, and immediately cancel it. Try a new cycle to see if the sensor recalibrates.
• Check Machine Balance: Ensure the washer is level on the floor. An overloaded or “off-kilter” drum can trigger a safety stop that mimics a motor fault.
• Inspect Motor Carbon Brushes: If your machine is several years old and used frequently, the carbon brushes likely have worn down. This code often shows when the drums would normally start rotating. If the carbon brushes can’t contact the motor, the drum won’t rotate. See Instructions Below.
  • Multimeter Test: Check ports 3 and 4 on the motor; resistance should be only a few ohms.
• Test the Tachogenerator (Tacho): This sensor is mounted to the motor and measures drum rotation speed. If the motor doesn’t start after 1.5 seconds, the tacho may be faulty. Or, it may also stop after two reversing cycles. Either way, the drive may work again after it cools down so wait about 20 minutes and check it. See Instructions Below how to test and replace.
• Check for Blockages: Inspect the drain filter and hose. While F53 is motor-related, the Miele system may trigger it if the drive is physically blocked by an obstruction.

How to Fix Carbon Brushes- Replace

Carbon brushes are easy to replace yourself once you order the parts. You access these via the front panel without removing the motor.

1. The first thing to do is check the resistance on the motor with a multimeter. It should be a few obms maximum on ports 3 and 4.
2. Unscrew the screws holding the brush holder. There should be four. Pull off the brush holder.
3. Take off plastic caps holding the brushes. Detach the wires.
4. Remove the brushes. Pull them out of the plastic boxes and replace them with new brushes.
5. Put them back into the housing. Put the plastic caps back on. Reattach the wires.
6. Remount the brush holder. Screw the holding screws back in.
7. Release the brushes using a small screwdriver on each side where the multimeter registers them

How to Fix the Tachogenerator (Tacho Sensor)

• Access the Motor: Gain access to the motor by removing the washing machine’s front panel.

• Conduct a Multimeter Test: Measure the resistance of the tacho sensor to determine if it is faulty.

• Check Resistance Values:

Standard Range: Normal resistance is typically around 70 ohms. A variance of +/- 20 ohms is generally acceptable.

High-Resistance Models: Some specific Miele models may register closer to 500 ohms.

Failure Signs: If the reading is significantly out of range or shows very low resistance, the sensor or the entire motor brush unit requires replacement.

• Professional Advice: While this can be a DIY project, it is recommended to call a service technician if the machine is still under warranty.

Pro Tip: Since a new brush unit often includes the tachogenerator, it is usually more cost-effective to replace both at the same time if you have already disassembled the motor housing.

Miele Washer F20 Error: Heating Fault & Troubleshooting

The F20 error code on a Miele washing machine typically indicates a heating fault, meaning the water is not reaching the required temperature within the allotted time. This can be caused by a temporary software glitch, a faulty heating element, or an issue with the NTC temperature sensor.

Quick Fixes for Miele F20 Error:

• Perform a Hard Reset: Switch the machine off and disconnect it from the power supply for at least 2 minutes. Reconnect and restart the program to clear temporary electronic errors.
• Check the Thermostop: In some cycles, the “Time Left” display may pause while the machine waits for the water to heat up. If the error persists, it means the “Thermostop” function timed out because the water stayed cold.
• Inspect the Heating Element & Relay: If a reset doesn’t work, the internal heating element may be burnt out or the heater relay may be faulty. Check for loose wiring or visible damage to these components.
• Test the NTC Sensor: A malfunctioning NTC sensor may provide incorrect temperature readings to the control board, triggering the F20 code even if the water is actually warm.

If these DIY steps do not resolve the issue, it likely points to a hardware failure that requires a professional technician to test the continuity of the heater and sensors.

Pro Tip: To prevent heating issues, avoid using excessive detergent, which can lead to limescale buildup on the heating element over time.

Miele Washing Machine FAQ

Are miele repairs expensive?

Not necessarily. Approximately 89% of repairs are affordable DIY fixes. While Miele is a top-rated brand by Good Housekeeping and the New York Times, only about 2% of machines (typically those over 10 years old) are considered beyond economical repair.

How do I reset my Miele washer?

• Standard Reset: Unplug the machine for a few minutes, then plug it back in to clear standard error codes.
• Master Reset: If a standard reset fails, open and close the door six times within 12 seconds, then run an empty rinse/spin cycle to recalibrate internal components.

How to Enter Miele Washer Service Mode

Accessing the internal diagnostic menu is intentionally restricted to prevent accidental setting changes. While sequences vary by model, the most common method for modern Miele washers is as follows:

• Initial Setup: Power the washing machine ON and ensure the door is OPEN.
• The Combination: Press and hold the Stop/Finish button while simultaneously closing the door.
• The Sequence: Immediately release the Stop button, then tap it three times in quick succession.
• The Hold: On the third tap, do not release—hold the button until the service menu appears on the display.
• Caution: This mode is designed for certified technicians. Incorrectly navigating the menus can alter factory calibrations, so proceed with care.

Can I force drain a Miele washing machine?

Yes. To force drain the unit, turn off the power, locate the drain hose at the back, and disconnect it to allow the water to gravity-drain into a bucket.

Troubleshooting Other Miele Appliances

Read: Miele Vacuum Troubleshooting Guide

Read: Miele Dishwasher Error Codes and Troubleshooting