Miele Dishwasher F13 Error Code: Salt System Fault

Quick Answer

Miele F13 is a salt system fault. In the majority of cases it is simply an empty salt container or an improperly closed salt cap. Open the salt container (inside the wash cabinet floor, on the left side), check the level, and top up with dishwasher regenerating salt if needed. Close the cap tightly. Run a rinse cycle to dissolve the salt and clear the sensor. If F13 persists with a full container, the salt cap's sealing ring may be worn, or the conductivity sensor inside the softener unit has failed.

MieleDishwasherSeverity: low95% DIY Success

Time to Fix

3–15 min

Difficulty

beginner

Parts Cost

$8 – $18

Tools Needed

Funnel (usually included with machine), None required for salt refill

What Does the F13 Code Mean?

Miele dishwashers include an integrated water softener that removes calcium and magnesium from the water supply, preventing limescale on glassware and heating elements. The softener uses dishwasher-specific regenerating salt (not table salt - table salt damages the resin bed). The control unit monitors salt concentration through a conductivity sensor. F13 means this sensor read a value outside the expected range, most often because the salt is depleted.

Most Likely Causes

Based on aggregated repair data, here is the probability breakdown for this error code:

Salt container empty or nearly depleted40%

Salt container cap not fully tightened (loses seal, dilutes too fast)24%

Wrong type of salt used (table salt or pool salt)14%

Conductivity sensor failure12%

Conductivity sensor coated with salt bridge or scale10%

Symptoms You May Notice

F13 displayed on control panel
'Add salt' indicator light illuminated (separate from F13 on some models)
Glassware developing white haze (long-term salt depletion)
F13 appears shortly after refilling salt (loose cap)

Can you reset a Miele dishwasher to clear the F13 code?

Fill salt container. Close cap firmly. Start a short 'Rinse' cycle to circulate brine through the softener. F13 clears after the conductivity sensor reads normal salt concentration, usually within one rinse cycle.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

Funnel (usually included with machine)None required for salt refill

Diagnostic Checklist

Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.

Check and refill the salt container

Open the dishwasher door. On the left side of the wash cabinet floor, locate the round screw cap for the salt container. Unscrew it counter-clockwise. Use a funnel (usually supplied with the machine) to fill the container with dishwasher regenerating salt - coarse granules, not powder, not table salt. Fill to the top. Some water overflow when filling is normal. Screw the cap back on firmly - turn until it clicks or is fully tightened. Wipe the cabinet floor of any spilled salt (it can mark the stainless). Run a rinse or short program.

Check the salt cap sealing ring

Replacement Parts

If your diagnostic testing proves the component has failed, you will need a replacement. We recommend OEM parts over aftermarket for water-handling components.

Part Name	OEM Number	Estimated Price
Salt Container Cap with Seal6819390 · $8–$18	6819390	$8 – $18

Verify part fitment for your Miele model

Repair vs. Replace Calculator

Appliance Age (Years)7 Yrs

Labor Approach

Our Verdict

REPAIR

Estimated Cost: $13 (Parts) vs $1650 (New Machine)

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of salt do I use for my Miele dishwasher?

Use dishwasher regenerating salt only - coarse granules specifically made for dishwasher water softeners. Brands like Finish, Somat, or supermarket own-brand dishwasher salt all work. Never use table salt, pool salt, water softener pellets, or rock salt - these contain additives that damage the ion exchange resin.

Does Miele F13 affect wash quality?

Not immediately, but over time. Running with depleted salt means the water softener stops working and hard water minerals begin depositing on glassware (white haze), the spray arms, and the heating element. Long-term limescale on the heating element reduces efficiency and shortens its lifespan.

My Miele dishwasher shows F13 right after I refilled the salt. Why?

If F13 appears within one cycle of refilling, the most likely cause is the salt cap not being tightened fully. An unsealed cap allows fresh water to dilute the brine before the conductivity sensor can read a normal concentration. Remove the cap, dry the seating surface, check the O-ring, and re-tighten firmly.

Related Miele Dishwasher Error Codes

Code: HUBMiele Dishwasher Error Codes: Full List Code: RESETHow to Reset a Miele Dishwasher

Same Fix Works on These Brands

Miele shares the same hardware platform with these brands. The diagnosis and repair steps are identical.

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Models Known to Experience F13 Errors

This repair applies to most Miele dishwashers with this error code. Common model numbers include:

G 4228 SCVi, G 5265 SCVi, G 6360 SCVi, G 7160 SCVi, G 4310 SC, G 6100 SC

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 14, 2026