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Miele Dishwasher Circulation Pump Problems: Causes, Symptoms and Repair Options

Technically Reviewed by Oleg Chudnovski on Nov 12, 2025 | Written by Spark Service PRO Editorial Contributors

Being a German manufacturer of high-end domestic appliances and commercial equipment, headquartered in the city of Gütersloh, Miele was founded in 1899 by Carl Miele and Reinhard Zinkann. This company has always been a family-owned and run business. Today, Miele remains the leading company in the appliance manufacturing field. It is well-known worldwide for its superior design, convenient functions, high quality, durability, and reliability in home appliances.

Is your dishwasher not getting enough hot water? Is your indispensable appliance failing to cycle correctly? Are the jets broken or clogged? Whatever the Miele issue may be, we have years of experience in fixing it. You will believe in us to get you up and running again with prompt and gracious service. Let us utilize our 18 years of expertise to provide you with a remarkable dishwasher repair as closely as possible.

Miele Dishwasher Troubleshooting Tips and Repair Advice

Dishwashers from Miele feature a "Start/Stop" light button that flashes when activated. When it doesn't flash, verify that the appliance is plugged in and the selected dishwasher program has been chosen correctly. Be sure that you close the washer door tightly and press the "Start/Stop" button.

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What to Do When Your Dishwasher Won’t Turn On

If the dishwasher doesn't start, follow the steps below to help identify the issue. Do this before you decide that there is a problem with your appliance. Refer to the user manual for specific details about your appliance type and model. These points can be general guidance in determining the issue.

1. Check whether the power is switched on from the power line to the machine, and ensure the “Power” button on your dishwasher is turned on.
2. Then, check the plug, outlet and power cable for possible damage.
3. Try another electrical appliance in the electrical outlet. You can make sure that the outlet is not faulty.
4. Verify that the door is closed tightly and properly.
5. Verify that the waterproof system ("Intek hose") is connected to the hot water supply and that the shutoff water valve is turned on correctly. The "On" position is when the tap handle is directed downstream to the same line as the water supply hose.
6. Check whether the drain filter is not clogged.
7. Many dishwashers have a “Pause” and “Child Lock” function; if yes, please check if they are not activated.
8. Additionally, some dishwashers feature a “reset” function. As a rule, this can be done by switching the dishwasher "OFF" and then switching it "ON" again after one minute, followed by resetting the required program, or it may have a dedicated reset button. Check the user manual for precise details on your appliance.

What to Do When Your Dishwasher Isn’t Working Properly

Furthermore, if your Miele dishwasher continues working improperly, there are several things you can try:

• Remove any old detergent from the dispenser if the dispenser does not close properly. NB: Use only dry, non-clumping detergent, as recommended by the manufacturer, Miele.
• If you hear a rattling noise, immediately stop your Miele dishwasher and reposition some dishes. Chipping can be caused by the dishes hitting each other.
• A knocking noise inside the tub means the spray arm is blocked. Remove any items that keep the arm from moving freely, and use a rinse aid to help dry and reduce spots on glasses. After that, let the cycle completely finish before removing the dishes.
• A problem with the drain pump usually results in a loud squealing, buzzing, and/or grinding sound. It should be noticeable when the dishwasher drains at the beginning and end of the wash cycle. A simple cleaning of the drain filter usually solves the issue.

However, if you require help from the Miele experts, our customer service can provide rapid and reliable assistance. Contact our Spark Service tech support at 647-503-6655; our technical service team will be happy to assist you.

Miele Dishwasher Error Codes for a Blocked Circulation Pump

The Miele dishwasher will not start at all, or it stops mid-cycle. Our professionals advise paying special attention to errors. Let’s look at the most common blockage errors you can face with a blocked circulation pump: F14, F69, and F78. All these errors on display indicate that a failing wash circulation pump is causing a problem with the dishwasher.

If you find that the circulation pump is clogged or has become dry and stuck simultaneously, remove the filter units. Add 1 litre of warm water with 3-5 drops of rinse aid to the filter area and wait for 5 minutes. After that, you can run the program and repeat the procedure twice or thrice.

However, if you do not resolve the problem by following these simple steps, you should switch the power off for 30 seconds and then rerun the dishwasher program. If the problem persists, please use our online service to schedule a repair diagnostic at your location.

Dishwasher Circulation Pump Motor Troubleshooting

The motor service frees up the circulation pump impeller. If you don’t use your dishwasher often, the circulation pump can become stuck and fail to rotate.
F14 error indicates that the circulation pump can’t generate sufficient force or pressure. That is why it is necessary to address this issue by reducing the friction of the circulation pump. Follow this procedure:

1. First, remove the dishwasher from the cabinet. Thus, remove the triple filter and try to drain some water.
2. Turn on the power by pressing the start light until it blinks; then, it will take a couple of seconds to activate. Press it again, and that will activate the drain. It also resets the computer and eliminates errors, which will help drain out any remaining water. It is normal for the Miele dishwasher to leave about an inch of water.
3. Remove the small caps that cover the screws holding the dishwasher to the cabinet, and pull the dishwasher out. They will provide you with enough drain and intake lines so that you can remove them without disconnecting those components. However, take your time to ensure that you do not stretch any of the tubes as you remove them.
4. Remove the plates: remove the four small screws that hold the drift plate in place at the bottom of the dishwasher. After spinning off, you can remove the plate and access the circulation motor. Circulation motors are expensive enough (they will cost about $500-$800 from Miele); thus, the repair is worthwhile.
5. Having access to the motor, you should remove all wire and hose connections. Then, look for any electrical connectors on the heater pressure switch. After that, you should remove the ground connector, the modular connector, and a couple of connectors for the motor.
6. Use a standard head screwdriver to gently pry the back of the circulation motor out of the dishwasher. Pull it out at about 45°. Do not rush. Ensure that all of your connections are turned off. Do not forget to take photos to remember the right places for all connections. Remove the heat or pressure switch, or remove everything that is connected to it. The circulation motor is out now.
7. Remove four screws from the partition assembly on the motor. This will allow getting to the impeller. The impeller caught something, reducing the pressure this motor can create. That is why it gets the F14 sign.
8. Grab the impeller and turn it, rather than twisting it left and right. It will be righty loosey, and this is a reverse thread circumstance. So, righty loosey loose gets it off, so spin it off by hand. Here’s the impeller, and now you can pull out a piece of junk that got caught in the impeller. In most cases, the customer had accidentally left the filter loose, allowing some junk to enter the dishwasher. And it got sucked into the impeller. Just one of the little parts of the impeller was clogged, probably reducing its efficiency by 10%, which can be enough to cause this error.
9. When you pull it out, it is better to put in a new partition kit. Inspect the motor for any signs of corrosion on other parts, and if present, remove it using a wire brush. Put a new partition kit, as it is better because seals tend to leak, and the new rubber would last a long time. It should be put on the impeller with the obstruction removed by turning left and right (turn to the left to tighten).
10. Use the standard screwdriver to secure the cooling fan at the back, locking the shaft in place. Then, tighten the impeller first, carefully. Do not tighten too hard to avoid breaking the housing. Put it in the gasket with the new partition kit and a new piece of rubber. Then, examine everything carefully before reassembling it and ensure that you remove all the dirt.
11. Follow the abovementioned steps in reverse. Put the rest back, tighten the screws, and then reposition the circulation motor so that it comes in at approximately a 45° angle. Then, push in the back until it clicks into position. Two little lugs will secure them to the metal plate at the back. Ensure you have all the connections: two hose connections, the power connections for the motor, and the connections for the heater pressure switch.
12. Before placing the plate, ensure that you have tightened the two hose connections, that your clamps are secure, that all ground connections are made with the green wires, and that the motor power connections are complete. You have completed the heater pressure switch ground connection with electrical connections, and then installed four screws that secure the drip plate.
13. Put your dishwasher back into the cabinet as it was and test your machine to ensure the F14 error has gone away. Now, you can enjoy the great work of your dishwasher for many years to come.

However, never start repairing if you do not have the necessary experience, specialized knowledge, and tools. You can cause more damage to your appliance that will be impossible to fix.

Spark Service PRO Provides Reliable Same-Day Miele Dishwasher Repair Across Toronto and the GTA

Of course, you can find many DIY videos from technicians, but remember that if you are unsure, you can define and fix the problem yourself, or contact our Miele technicians at Spark Service PRO.

We have over 18 years of experience in this business, and you can expect your dishwasher to be returned to you in working condition. We use only new original parts during the repair or replacement. After professional repair, this appliance will last for years to come. Call or text us for Miele dishwasher service at 647-503-6655 or request a repair visit online.