Code: F51🧺 Miele Dishwasher

Miele Dishwasher F51: Pump Pressure Level Switch Fault (Meaning, Causes, What to Do)

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Based on 5 manufacturer & service sources

What the code means

Miele's support pages in the US, Canada, UK and Australia all describe F51 as "Pump pressure level switch fault" and add: "This is a technical fault that you cannot remedy yourself." Miele's technical manuals explain the check behind it. The heater pressure switch (B1/13) sits in the heater circuit and only closes when the circulation pump is pushing water, so the heater can't switch on in a dry machine. One second after a program starts, the electronics switch on the heater relay and check whether the pressure switch contacts have closed. If no power comes back through that path, F51 is stored, the program is interrupted and the drain pump runs. Because the test runs through both the relay and the switch, F51 can point at either one, or at the wiring between them.

Likely causes

Safe DIY checks

⚠ Before you start

F51 involves the heater circuit and mains wiring. Unplug the dishwasher or switch off its breaker before anyone takes panels off, and leave relay, pressure-switch and board work to a technician.

  1. Let the drain pump finish, then switch the dishwasher off.
  2. Make sure the faucet or shutoff valve feeding the dishwasher is fully open, since a machine short on water can't build pump pressure.
  3. Clean the filter combination in the bottom of the tub and check for broken glass or debris around it, then switch the machine on and try a short program.
  4. If F51 comes back, stop there. Miele classes it as a technical fault, and the parts involved sit under the machine and on the electronics.
  5. Note the model and serial number from the rating plate on the edge of the door and book a repair with Miele Service (US 888-996-4353) or a Miele-experienced technician.

🛠 When to call a pro

  • Any repeat F51: Miele's technical manual has the technician check the heater relay first and replace it if its contact stays open or its coil has failed.
  • The relay is fine: check the plug connections and wiring between the relay, the pressure switch and the electronics for continuity.
  • The wiring is fine: confirm the heater pressure switch switches through positions 21/22 and 11/12, remove it to look for blockages, and replace it if it still reads open or has debris inside.
  • The dishwasher is under warranty or extended cover: use Miele Service first.

Parts that commonly fix it

Always match the part number to your exact model.

⚙

Dishwasher heater pressure switch

Replaced when it reads open or short, or has debris inside. Miele parts are model-specific, so match it to your model number or let Miele Service fit it.

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⚙

Dishwasher control board (electronics module)

On some models the heater relay is on or plugs into the electronics. Only replace after the relay, switch and wiring have been checked; Miele boards often need programming.

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Multimeter

For a technician's continuity checks on the pressure switch, relay and wiring with the machine unplugged.

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Sources

  1. Miele USA support: The dishwasher display shows fault F51 (pump pressure level switch fault; technical fault you cannot remedy yourself; book a repair)
  2. Miele Canada support: Fault F51 (pump pressure level switch fault)
  3. Miele Great Britain support: Fault F51 (pump pressure level switch fault)
  4. Miele G 1 Series Technical Information, section 3.29 Fault Code F51: Heater Pressure Switch (program interrupted, drain pump runs; heater relay K1/1 activated one second after start, pressure switch B1/13 checked; heater relay defective) via ManualsLib
  5. Miele G 5xxx Technical Information, F51 circuit test path (heater relay contact or solenoid, relay-to-electronic connection, pressure switch open/short or blocked, foreign objects) via EasyManuals

Last reviewed 2026-10-26. Always confirm against the manual for your exact model number.