Miele Dishwasher F14 — What It Means & How to Fix It
F14 means the dishwasher's circulation pump is blocked — Miele says a pump left unused for weeks or months can dry out and stick, and gives a hot-water soak as the first fix.
What this code means
Miele's support page for F14 states that the circulation pump is blocked. After long breaks between wash cycles — weeks or months — the pump can become dry and stick. Miele's remedy is to remove the lower spray arm and the filter combination, pour in 1 liter of hot water (no hotter than 165°F / 75°C) with 3 to 5 drops of rinse aid, leave it to soak for 5 minutes, then refit the filter and spray arm and start a program.
Miele USA's fault page describes F14 as a blocked circulation pump — the same fault family as F78 — and not as a water-intake fault. If the soak doesn't free the pump, Miele directs owners to its service team.
Most likely causes
| Cause | How likely | DIY-fixable? |
|---|---|---|
| Pump dried out and stuck after weeks or months unused | Common | Yes — hot-water soak |
| Object blocking the wash pump impeller | Occasional | Limited — check via the filter opening |
| Interrupted connection between electronics and pump | Less common | No — technician job |
| Frequency converter or pump motor failed | Less common | No — technician job |
What you can try yourself
- Remove the lower spray arm and lift out the filter combination.
- Pour 1 liter of hot water — no hotter than 165°F (75°C) — with 3 to 5 drops of rinse aid into the bottom of the dishwasher. Take care: hot water can scald.
- Leave the solution to soak for 5 minutes.
- Refit the filter combination, making sure it sits correctly, then refit the lower spray arm.
- Start a program. If F14 returns, stop and contact Miele Service.
When to call a technician
- F14 returns after the filter opening is clear.
- A burnt or hot smell from the machine's base.
- The dishwasher makes a grinding noise and throws F14.
Typical professional repair cost: About $250–500 for circulation pump or frequency converter work with a technician.
Frequently asked questions
Is F14 the same as not draining?
No — F14 is about the pump that pushes water around inside the tub, not the pump that empties it. Draining problems are F11 territory.
I found a piece of glass in the pump — will F14 clear now?
If a blockage was the cause, clearing it can restore the pump — run a short cycle and see. If F14 still shows, the motor side is the problem.
Sources checked
Error meanings can vary by model. This guide was checked against the documentation above; use the manual for the model number on your own appliance when it differs.
Related Miele codes
- Miele Dishwasher F01 F01 is the dishwasher telling you its water-temperature sensor is short-circuited — the machine will stop heating so nothing comes out properly cleaned until it's sorted.
- Miele Dishwasher F02 F02 is F01's twin on the same sensor: the water-temperature sensor circuit reads open, so the heater stands down and a cycle can finish cold and unwashed.
- Miele Dishwasher F11 F11 means the wash cabinet isn't draining — usually a mis-seated non-return valve, a blocked drain pump or clogged filters, and Miele USA walks owners through fixing it.
- Miele Dishwasher F12 F12 means the dishwasher isn't taking in enough water, and Miele's own support page gives the three owner checks: faucet on, clean the inlet filter, straighten the hose.
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