Miele Dishwasher: flashing lights, wet dishes, low water level

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

If your Miele dishwasher is showing flashing indicator lights, leaving dishes wet, and displaying a low water level in the wash tub, you may be facing a water supply issue. Common causes include a faulty water inlet valve, clogged filters, or a malfunctioning drain pump. Understanding these issues can help you troubleshoot effectively.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Miele Models

  • Flashing intake/drain or water inlet lights may correspond to specific fault codes (e.g., F12/F13 for water inlet faults) requiring service reference to model manual.

Possible Causes

Water inlet fault or insufficient water fill

How to Identify: Dishwasher doesn’t fill with normal water level at start, intake indicator light flashing or error code related to water inlet (e.g., F12/F13/F15 on Miele models.

Part: Water inlet valve / water supply line

Drain or circulation pump fault causing incorrect water sensing

How to Identify: Flashing intake/drain indicator, poor water circulation resulting in ineffective spray; water level sensor may be affected.

Part: Drain pump / circulation pump impeller

Clogged filters or spray arms reducing water distribution

How to Identify: Poor water distribution observed, low water jets, spray arms not rotating freely; wet dishes with spots.

Part: Filters / spray arms

DIY Solutions

Check and Clear Water Supply Inlet and Line

Moderate 10–20 minutes
Tools Needed: adjustable wrench, bucket/towels
  1. Turn off dishwasher and water supply.
  2. Inspect supply hose for kinks or blockages at both ends.
  3. Disconnect supply hose, flush out any debris, and securely reconnect.
  4. Ensure the water supply valve (stopcock) is fully open and test a cycle.
⚠️ Safety First: Turn off power and water supply before disconnecting hoses.

Clean Filters and Spray Arms

Moderate 15–30 minutes
Tools Needed: soft brush, toothpick or small tool
  1. Remove bottom rack and take out dishwasher filters.
  2. Rinse and clean the filter assembly to remove debris.
  3. Check spray arms for clogs in the jets; clear blockages.
  4. Reinstall parts and run a rinse cycle.
⚠️ Safety First: Handle spray arms carefully to avoid damage.

Professional Repairs

Replace Faulty Water Inlet Valve or Pump Component

Estimated Cost: $120 - $300+

When to Call a Professional

Repeated flashing intake/drain lights after DIY checks
Water not filling at all despite open water supply
Persistent error codes or unusual noises

Preventive Maintenance

  • Regularly clean filters and spray arms: Blockages reducing water flow and poor wash performance
    Frequency: monthly
  • Inspect supply hose annually: Kinks or early deterioration leading to low water fill
    Frequency: yearly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Miele Dishwasher flashing lights, wet dishes, low water level?
This issue may be due to a faulty water inlet, drain pump problems, or clogged filters reducing water flow.
How do I fix Miele Dishwasher flashing lights, wet dishes, low water level myself?
Check the water supply inlet for blockages and clean filters and spray arms to ensure proper water distribution.
How much does it cost to fix flashing lights, wet dishes, low water level?
Professional repairs can range from $120 to $300+, depending on whether the water inlet valve or pump needs replacement.
When should I call a technician for flashing lights, wet dishes, low water level?
If DIY solutions don't resolve the issue or if you suspect a major component failure, it's best to consult a professional.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

75%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Clogged or faulty water inlet valve preventing adequate water supply
  • Failed pressure switch causing incorrect water level detection
  • Blocked drain hose or filter leading to improper drainage and wet dishes

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Inspect and clean the water inlet valve. Disconnect the dishwasher, locate the valve, and check for clogs or damage. Replace if necessary.

  2. Test and replace the pressure switch if faulty. Access the switch, check for continuity with a multimeter, and replace if it fails the test.

  3. Check and clear the drain hose and filter. Remove any blockages and ensure the hose is properly positioned to allow drainage.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. Miele G4205 Futura dishwasher flashing 3 lights (Cleaning/Dr...

Community Discussions

flashing 3 lights (Cleaning/Drying/End), wet dishes, minimal water in bottom tub

Failed pressure relay switch replaced for $90.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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