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MIELE F78

Miele Dishwasher Error F78: Circulation Pump Fault — Possible Dry Pump on First Use

Clear meaning, realistic next steps, and safe guidance without turning the page into a long repair manual.

What it means

The dishwasher has detected a circulation pump fault. On first use or after a long period without use, this can occur if the pump ran dry. On established units it indicates a pump obstruction or motor issue.

Severity

Medium - some user checks may help, but repeated faults often need service.

Can you fix it yourself?

Partial — start with DIY steps

Most likely cause

Pump ran dry on first use — the circulation pump was not primed with water before the first cycle

Estimated time for safe first checks: 5 min to prime on first use; Professional if pump has failed.

Step-by-Step DIY Fix Guide

  1. SAFETY: Disconnect power before reaching into the tub.
  2. If this is the dishwasher's first use: add 1 litre of water directly to the bottom of the tub to prime the circulation pump, then run a short program.
  3. For an established unit: remove the lower rack and drain filter assembly, and look into the sump area for any visible debris or foreign objects.
  4. Remove any accessible debris from the sump area.
  5. Reinstall the filter and rack, plug in, and run a short cycle.
  6. If F78 persists after priming or debris removal, contact Miele service.

If the airflow problem comes back

  • If airflow still seems weak after the basic checks, the fan path or a deeper obstruction becomes more likely.
  • F78 persists after priming on first use
  • F78 occurs on an established unit after debris removal

What This Error Means

Error F78 on your Miele dishwasher means: The dishwasher has detected a circulation pump fault. On first use or after a long period without use, this can occur if the pump ran dry. On established units it indicates a pump obstruction or motor issue. The dishwasher's self-diagnostic system has detected this condition and stopped or interrupted the current cycle.

The most frequent cause is pump ran dry on first use — the circulation pump was not primed with water before the first cycle. Work through the causes and fix steps below in order — many Miele dishwasher errors can be resolved without a service call.

Many cases of F78 can be resolved by the homeowner. The steps below cover the full DIY checks — if they do not resolve the error, a Miele-certified technician is needed.

On a brand-new Miele dishwasher, adding 1 litre of water to the tub before the first cycle primes the circulation pump and prevents dry-run faults. If F78 appears on first use, this is almost certainly the cause.

Most Likely Cause by Symptom

The Miele dishwasher may stop, pause, or refuse to complete the cycle normally.

Likely cause: Pump ran dry on first use — the circulation pump was not primed with water before the first cycle

Check first: SAFETY: Disconnect power before reaching into the tub.

Common Causes

  • Pump ran dry on first use — the circulation pump was not primed with water before the first cycle
  • Foreign object (bone fragment, broken glass, food debris) lodged in the pump impeller
  • Pump motor bearing failure on older units

What Not to Do

  • Do not run multiple cycles to try to clear F78 — repeated dry running will permanently damage the pump

Model and Display Variation Notes

Model-family notes

  • Miele dishwasher display wording and code formats can vary by series.
  • If your model behaves differently, check the owner manual before trying any deeper maintenance step.

Display and panel differences

  • Panel wording can vary by series, so confirm the exact code pattern before buying parts.

Parts, Tools and Service Options

Common parts

  • Circulation pump if pump motor has failed ($80-$180)

Manual and model check

Check your exact model and manual before ordering any Miele dishwasher parts.

Service option

Miele service visit if the warning returns after the basic checks are complete.

Suggestions in this section are organized to support the troubleshooting flow first. Any future affiliate relationships should be disclosed clearly.

When Not to Keep Troubleshooting

F78 persists after priming on first use

  • F78 occurs on an established unit after debris removal

How to Prevent It Recurring

  • Add water to the tub before running the very first cycle on a new Miele dishwasher — it primes the circulation pump and prevents dry running

Related Error Codes

Extra notes

  • This page is based on Miele support material and stays conservative where model-specific guidance may vary.
  • The goal is to help you identify safe first checks before you move into parts, service, or model-specific manual lookup.

Source and model notes

Last reviewed: 2026-04-09

Based on: Based on Miele support material and edited into consumer-safe guidance for the exact code family on this page.

View Miele USA Official Support

Model coverage note: Miele dishwasher code meanings can vary by series, control panel, and model family, so use this page as a safe starting point rather than a replacement for the model-specific manual.

Important: FixThisError is an independent guide, not the manufacturer. Use your model-specific manual when the panel wording or behavior differs.

Always disconnect power before inspecting appliances. If unsure, contact a licensed appliance technician.