What causes Miele Dishwasher F78?

A circulation pump that dried out and stuck after the dishwasher sat unused for weeks or months, or at first use, which Miele names as the main cause. Food debris or foreign objects jamming the pump or the area under the lower spray arm. Dirty or badly seated filters letting residue get through to the pump. Owners on iFixit also report debris such as hairs, eggshell or thin plastic in the channel at the back of the tub that carries water to the pump's sensor, which can make the machine think the pump isn't running. A worn or broken pump impeller or a failed circulation pump or its control, which Miele classes as a technical fault for a technician.

How do I fix Miele Dishwasher F78?

Turn the dishwasher off before reaching into the tub. Remove the lower spray arm and take out the filter combination. Pour about 1 liter (roughly 1 quart) of hot water, no hotter than 165°F (75°C), mixed with 3 to 5 drops of rinse aid into the dishwasher interior. Take care, as hot water can scald. Let it soak for 5 minutes, then refit the filter combination so it lies flat in the base of the wash cabinet, and refit the lower spray arm. Restart the program. Miele says to repeat this process 2 to 3 times if needed. While the filters are out, rinse them and check the base of the tub and any grille or channel at the back for debris, removing anything you find. If F78 still shows, turn the dishwasher off for at least 30 seconds, turn it back on, select a program, close the door and start it.

When should I call a pro for Miele Dishwasher F78?

F78 comes back after the soak method and a power reset. Miele says this means a technical fault and to contact Miele Service or book a repair online. The pump hums, grinds or won't move water even with the tub clean, which points to a damaged impeller or failed circulation pump that needs the correct part for your model number. The dishwasher is under warranty. Contact Miele Service first rather than opening it up.

Code: F78🧺 Miele Dishwasher

Miele Dishwasher F78: Circulation Pump Fault or Blocked Pump (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)

Q: What does Miele Dishwasher F78 mean?

F78 on a Miele dishwasher means a fault in the circulation pump, the pump that pushes water through the spray arms. Miele's first fix is for a pump that has dried out and stuck: remove the lower spray arm and filters, pour in about 1 liter of hot (not boiling) water with a few drops of rinse aid, let it soak 5 minutes, reassemble and restart, up to 2 or 3 times. If F78 keeps coming back after a power reset, Miele treats it as a technical fault for Miele Service. Miele's support pages (USA, Canada and UK) describe F78 as "the circulation pump is blocked." Miele explains that after long breaks between uses (weeks or months) or when the dishwasher is first commissioned, the pump can dry out and stick or jam. Miele's operating instructions for G 6000-series machines such as the G 6987 list it as "Technical fault F78: A fault has occurred in the circulation pump," shown with flashing controls and the warning buzzer. F78 is about water circulating inside the machine, not draining out (that's F11) or coming in, so a dishwasher can fill and drain normally and still stop with F78 a few minutes into a cycle.

Reviewed 2026-10-24 · Based on 4 manufacturer & service sources

What the code means

Miele's support pages (USA, Canada and UK) describe F78 as "the circulation pump is blocked." Miele explains that after long breaks between uses (weeks or months) or when the dishwasher is first commissioned, the pump can dry out and stick or jam. Miele's operating instructions for G 6000-series machines such as the G 6987 list it as "Technical fault F78: A fault has occurred in the circulation pump," shown with flashing controls and the warning buzzer. F78 is about water circulating inside the machine, not draining out (that's F11) or coming in, so a dishwasher can fill and drain normally and still stop with F78 a few minutes into a cycle.

Likely causes

A circulation pump that dried out and stuck after the dishwasher sat unused for weeks or months, or at first use, which Miele names as the main cause.
Food debris or foreign objects jamming the pump or the area under the lower spray arm.
Dirty or badly seated filters letting residue get through to the pump. Owners on iFixit also report debris such as hairs, eggshell or thin plastic in the channel at the back of the tub that carries water to the pump's sensor, which can make the machine think the pump isn't running.
A worn or broken pump impeller or a failed circulation pump or its control, which Miele classes as a technical fault for a technician.

Safe DIY checks

⚠ Before you start

Turn the dishwasher off before removing the spray arm and filters. Miele warns of scalding: never use water hotter than 165°F (75°C), and be aware the water sitting in the base may be hot after a cycle. Watch for broken glass in the filter area. Don't keep restarting a machine that repeatedly shows F78; call Miele Service.

Turn the dishwasher off before reaching into the tub.
Remove the lower spray arm and take out the filter combination.
Pour about 1 liter (roughly 1 quart) of hot water, no hotter than 165°F (75°C), mixed with 3 to 5 drops of rinse aid into the dishwasher interior. Take care, as hot water can scald.
Let it soak for 5 minutes, then refit the filter combination so it lies flat in the base of the wash cabinet, and refit the lower spray arm.
Restart the program. Miele says to repeat this process 2 to 3 times if needed.
While the filters are out, rinse them and check the base of the tub and any grille or channel at the back for debris, removing anything you find.
If F78 still shows, turn the dishwasher off for at least 30 seconds, turn it back on, select a program, close the door and start it.

🛠 When to call a pro

F78 comes back after the soak method and a power reset. Miele says this means a technical fault and to contact Miele Service or book a repair online.
The pump hums, grinds or won't move water even with the tub clean, which points to a damaged impeller or failed circulation pump that needs the correct part for your model number.
The dishwasher is under warranty. Contact Miele Service first rather than opening it up.

Parts that commonly fix it

Always match the part number to your exact model.

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Dishwasher circulation pump

Only if a technician confirms the pump or impeller has failed; match your Miele model number.

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Dishwasher cleaner

Helps keep the filters and pump area free of grease and food buildup.