Medium - Inspection Needed

Miele Dishwasher F78 Error Code

F78 means the circulation pump — the motor that drives the spray arms during the wash — is blocked or turning slower than the control board expects, which leaves dishes washed poorly or not at all.

What F78 Means

F78 means the circulation pump — the motor that drives the spray arms during the wash — is blocked or turning slower than the control board expects, which leaves dishes washed poorly or not at all.

Common Causes of F78

  • Hard debris (glass, bone, labels) jamming the circulation pump impeller
  • Worn pump motor bearings on an older unit
  • Wiring fault between the pump and control board

🔧 One Safe Check You Can Try

Check the sump area beneath the lower spray arm for a lodged piece of glass, a peeled-off label, or other hard debris that could be jamming the pump impeller.

⚠ Why You Shouldn't Go Further Than That

  • Reaching into the sump to clear debris near the pump impeller without disconnecting power first risks injury.
  • Confirming whether it's a simple jam, worn bearings, or a wiring fault requires testing the pump motor directly — guessing wrong means paying for a new pump that wasn't needed.
  • Debris left partially lodged after an incomplete DIY attempt can damage the pump motor once the dishwasher runs again.

Opening a panel to inspect or repair something yourself doesn't automatically cancel your manufacturer's warranty — but it can risk accidental damage, and some manufacturers do have specific service conditions. Check your product's warranty terms, or ask us, before deciding.

Other Dishwasher Error Codes

Related Guides

Still Seeing F78?

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FAQ

F78 FAQ

We'd recommend rewashing that load once the pump is repaired, since reduced spray-arm circulation means dishes likely weren't properly cleaned or rinsed.

Circulation pump replacement is a moderate repair, well below the cost of replacing the dishwasher.

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