E25 on a Thermador dishwasher means the drain pump impeller is physically blocked because something passed through the filter and lodged in the pump housing. The fix requires removing the filter assembly and the drain pump cover to clear the impeller. Common culprits include bone fragments, broken glass, or fruit pits.
Look, E25 is probably the most common service call I get on Thermador dishwashers. Usually it's a chicken bone or an olive pit sitting right in the pump housing. The machine can't drain, so you've got standing water and a cycle that won't finish. Ignore it long enough and that jammed impeller will burn out the pump motor, turning a free 10-minute fix into a $150 part.
OK so here's the deal. Something got past your filter and is physically stuck in the drain pump impeller. Good news? Most of the time you're 15 minutes away from fixing this yourself with no parts at all. Thermador DWHD dishwashers are actually pretty accessible compared to some other high-end brands, and this repair is genuinely beginner-friendly.
Most Likely Causes
Based on aggregated repair data, here is the probability breakdown for this error code:
Bone fragment or fruit pit passing through the filter into the pump40%
Broken glass or ceramic shard lodged in impeller24%
Drain pump motor failed after a jam overheated the windings22%
Thick food debris compacted in the pump housing14%
Symptoms You May Notice
Standing water sitting in the bottom of the tub when you open the door, sometimes an inch or two deep.
E25 on the display, usually showing up partway through the cycle right at the drain phase.
That grinding or clicking sound right before the cycle stops. Honestly it sounds exactly like something stuck in a garbage disposal.
Cycle runs fine through the wash but completely stalls at drain and never moves forward.
If you caught it early, the drain pump might just hum louder than usual for a minute before E25 appears.
Can you reset a Thermador dishwasher to clear the E25 code?
Once you've cleared the blockage and put the pump cover and filter assembly back in, press and hold Start/Stop for 3-5 seconds until the display clears. If E25 is still showing, unplug the machine from the wall for a full 60 seconds, then plug it back in. Run a Rinse Only cycle right away to confirm it drains completely before you trust it with a full load of dishes.
Tools Required for Diagnosis
Phillips #2 screwdriver (for pump cover screw on older models)Needle-nose pliers (to remove debris safely)Nitrile or rubber glovesDigital multimeter (if motor test is needed)Flashlight or headlampTowels or sponge for standing waterSmall cup or bowl for scooping water
Diagnostic Checklist
Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.
ComponentComponent Under Test
Expected Range200–250 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
OEM Number
Estimated Price
Drain pump00631200 · $45–$80
00631200
$45 – $80
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I access the drain pump on a Thermador DWHD dishwasher?
Remove the lower rack, scoop out standing water, then pull out the triple filter assembly by twisting counterclockwise. Under the filter you'll see a round white plastic cover in the sump. Press the tabs and rotate counterclockwise to pop it off. Takes about 5 minutes to get down to the impeller. No special tools needed, just your hands and a flashlight. Older models might have one Phillips screw holding the cover instead of tabs.
What's the difference between E24 and E25?
E24 means the machine couldn't drain in the allowed time window. That could be a clogged filter, kinked drain hose, or a pump that's starting to fail electrically. E25 is more specific. It means the impeller is physically blocked. Something's jammed in there preventing the blades from spinning. Both leave you with standing water, but if you see E25, skip straight to the pump inspection. Cleaning the filter alone won't fix it.
Will E25 go away on its own?
Nope. Whatever's in there isn't going anywhere by itself. The impeller might try to spin and dislodge the debris on the next cycle, but that's pretty rare. Usually it just keeps failing and eventually the motor burns out from running stalled. Fix it now while it's still a free repair instead of waiting until it becomes a $150 pump replacement. Seriously, it's a 15-minute job.
I cleared the jam but E25 still shows. What's wrong?
This happens pretty regularly. The jam probably overheated the motor windings before you got to it. Pull the dishwasher out, disconnect the pump motor connector at the bottom, and test resistance with a multimeter. Should read 200-250 ohms. If you get OL or zero ohms, the motor's burned and the pump assembly needs to be replaced. Part number 00648583 fits most DWHD models and usually runs $100-150 online. It's about an hour swap if you're comfortable pulling the machine out.
How often should I clean the filter to prevent E25?
Honestly? Monthly if you're running it daily. Thermador's triple filter system is really good at catching debris but it's not magic. Once the coarse strainer gets loaded up, smaller stuff starts getting pushed through to the pump. Takes about 2 minutes to rinse it under the sink. Most E25 calls I go on, the filter looks like it's never been touched since the machine was installed. Don't skip it.
Can I run the dishwasher with E25 showing?
You can try but it won't finish the cycle. The machine detects the drain failure and stops every time. And if the impeller's jammed and you keep forcing it to try, you're burning out the motor. It's genuinely one of the easier repairs on this machine, so just do it. Pull out the filter, clear the pump, done.