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Miele Dishwasher F78 Error Code: Circulation Pump Fault

Quick Answer

Miele F78 is a circulation pump fault - the main wash pump that pressurizes water to the spray arms. Before assuming the pump motor has failed, check the impeller for blockage. Access the impeller by removing the filter assembly and probing the sump beneath - glass shards, cherry pits, and small bones commonly block the impeller.

Miele F78 is a circulation pump fault - the main wash pump that pressurizes water to the spray arms. Before assuming the pump motor has failed, check the impeller for blockage. Access the impeller by removing the filter assembly and probing the sump beneath - glass shards, cherry pits, and small bones commonly block the impeller. A blocked impeller draws excessive current and causes the motor protection circuit to throw F78. If the impeller spins freely but F78 persists, the pump motor needs replacement.

MieleDishwasherSeverity: highDifficulty: intermediate80% DIY Success
Time to Fix
15–90 min
Difficulty
intermediate
Parts Cost
$90 – $165
Tools Needed
Needle-nose pliers, Long flathead screwdriver
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F11

What Does the F78 Code Mean?

The circulation pump in a Miele dishwasher runs continuously during wash and rinse phases, circulating water through the spray arms at pressure. F78 means the motor control circuit detected either excessive current draw (blocked impeller) or insufficient current draw (open winding). Miele's circulation pump is a sealed unit - the motor and impeller assembly are replaced together.

Most Likely Causes

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

Foreign object (glass shard, seed, bone fragment) blocking impeller40%
Circulation pump motor winding failure24%
Wiring harness fault on pump connector22%
Capacitor failure on pump motor14%

Symptoms You May Notice

  • F78 on display, cycle stops during wash phase
  • Machine fills with water but spray arms do not rotate
  • Unusual humming or grinding during wash phase before F78 appears

Can you reset a Miele dishwasher to clear the F78 code?

After removing blockage or replacing pump, press Start/Stop to cancel, then start a new cycle. F78 clears when the pump runs successfully.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

Needle-nose pliersLong flathead screwdriverMultimeterFlashlight

Diagnostic Checklist

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

1

Check impeller for foreign object blockage

Remove the triple filter assembly to expose the sump. Shine a flashlight into the sump area - the circulation pump impeller is visible at the bottom. Use needle-nose pliers or long-handled tweezers to remove any visible foreign object. Try rotating the impeller with a long screwdriver - it should turn freely with slight resistance. A locked impeller is blocked or seized.

2

Test the circulation pump motor

ComponentComponent Under Test
Expected Range80–150 ohms
ConditionIf Open (OL) or infinite, replace component.

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
Circulation Pump Assembly10759820 (G 6000-7000), 7869930 (G 4000-5000) · $90–$165

Repair vs. Replace Calculator

Appliance Age (Years)7 Yrs
Labor Approach
Our Verdict
REPAIR
Estimated Cost: $128 (Parts) vs $1650 (New Machine)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is F78 on a Miele dishwasher?
F78 is the circulation pump fault - the main pump that circulates water to the spray arms during wash and rinse cycles. The most common cause is a foreign object (glass shard, seed, or small bone) blocking the impeller. Check the impeller through the filter sump before ordering a replacement pump.
How much does a Miele circulation pump replacement cost?
A Miele G series circulation pump assembly costs $90-165 for the part. A Miele factory technician visit adds $150-250 in labor. DIY replacement requires removing the lower panels and the sump assembly - it is a 60-90 minute job for someone comfortable with appliance repair.

Related Miele Dishwasher Error Codes

Code: F11Miele Dishwasher F11 Drain ErrorCode: HUBMiele Dishwasher Error Codes: Full List

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 F78 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 6770 SCVi K2O

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 14, 2026