Miele Dishwasher Error Code F11: Meaning and Fix

F11
How F11 appears on a Miele dishwasher display.
Stand-in photo of a dishwasher drain pump part (Bosch-made, used because the photo source does not list Miele parts) for the Miele F11 drain fault fault
AppliancePartsPros.com product photo

Reading the dishwasher display

A dishwasher reports its fault in the display window, or by blinking a cycle light a set number of times with a pause between groups. Count the blinks and pauses before opening the door. Miele displays an F followed by a number and often a text hint in your language.

Miele reports faults as F-numbers on dishwashers and washers and expects many of them to be handled by a service technician. Plenty of the entries here are first checks you can safely do before booking a visit. The codes apply to model numbers such as G 4228 SCU, G 7156 SCVi and W1 Classic WWF060; check the label on your unit to confirm yours.

What causes F11

How to fix it

  1. Stop the cycle, switch the appliance off and unplug it (or flip its breaker) before touching anything.
  2. Bail out standing water with a cup and towel, then clean the filter or pump cover and remove anything that does not belong.
  3. Remove the filter set and rinse it, then check the pump area for glass.
  4. Check the drain hose from the machine to the sink or standpipe for kinks, crush points and clogs; straighten or flush it with warm water.
  5. Look for a disposal knockout plug or a drain loop that sits too low, which can siphon or block flow.
  6. Restore power and run a short drain or rinse cycle; if the pump hums but does not move water, replace the drain pump.

Parts you may need

PartPart no.Buy
Dishwasher Drain PumpFind part

Part numbers are OEM references; confirm fit by your model number before ordering. Some links are affiliate links; we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Questions

What does error F11 mean on a Miele dishwasher?

Water could not be pumped out within the set time. Exact behavior can vary by model and software version; confirm against your own manual.

Can I keep using my dishwasher while F11 is showing?

Not really. Water that stays in the machine smells, breeds bacteria and keeps the code coming back, so clear the drain path first.

How do I clear F11, and can I fix it myself?

Cancel the program, switch the appliance off and leave it unplugged (or the breaker off) for about five minutes, then restart. The code only stays cleared if the underlying problem is fixed, so work through the steps above. This one is usually a do-it-yourself job with basic tools.

Other Miele dishwasher codes

Sources

Part numbers are OEM references; confirm fit by your model number before ordering. Meanings compiled from manufacturer and parts-retailer documentation; see sources below. Unplug the appliance before opening it.

Applies to models including G 4228 SCU, G 7156 SCVi, G 5006 SC, G 4998 SCVi.