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Miele Dishwasher Error Code F78

Reviewed by the ApplianceErrors Editorial Team · Verified against manufacturer service documentation · Last verified: July 19, 2026
⚠ High Severity 👨‍🔧 Call a Pro

Circulation pump / frequency converter fault

The most common cause of the F78 error on a Miele dishwasher is circulation pump impeller jammed by debris (~40% of cases); start with: clear debris from the sump.

💰 DIY cost: $0–$0 👨‍🔧 Pro cost: $250–$500 Save $250+ by doing it yourself
Miele Dishwasher error code F78 on the display panel
How the F78 code appears on a Miele dishwasher display

What Does Error Code F78 Mean on a Miele Dishwasher?

Circulation pump / frequency converter fault.

F78 fires when the control board, via the circulation pump's frequency converter, detects that the pump is not turning as commanded — drawing abnormal current, stalling, or reporting no valid speed feedback. This is the wash-side pump that pressurizes the spray arms, so the program halts mid-cycle with dishes unwashed. Unlike drain-pump or fill faults, F78 points specifically at the circulation motor, its converter electronics, or the wiring feeding it. A jammed impeller commonly triggers it before any true electronic failure.

Models affected: Miele dishwashers with a frequency-controlled circulation pump, including the G 7000 Series and comparable earlier built-in models
What owners report: Owners commonly report F78 appearing partway through a cycle with standing water and dirty dishes, sometimes after glass breakage or a stray label lodges in the sump. A quick win some describe is clearing debris from the filter and sump then power-cycling, which can clear a transient stall; if the code returns immediately, it usually indicates the pump or converter needs professional service.

What Causes Error Code F78?

Here are the most common causes in order of frequency. Start with the most likely cause before moving to the next:

  1. 1
    Circulation pump impeller jammed by debris 40% of cases
  2. 2
    Frequency converter/pump electronics fault 35% of cases
  3. 3
    Wiring to the pump damaged 25% of cases

How to Fix Miele Dishwasher Error Code F78

👨‍🔧 Call a Pro Est. time: 1–3 hours
⚡ Safety first: Unplug the appliance before opening any panels or touching internal components.
  1. 1

    Clear debris from the sump

    Remove the filters and check the sump and spray-arm feed for glass, seeds, or labels.

  2. 2

    Power cycle

    Switch off at the unit for several minutes to clear a transient drive fault.

  3. 3

    Replace the circulation pump

    If the impeller is jammed/failed or the converter is faulty, the pump needs replacement.

    🔩 Miele circulation pump ($120–$250)

How to Reset Error Code F78

Clear the sump and switch off several minutes. If F78 persists, the circulation pump needs service.

Note: If the error returns after resetting, the underlying issue has not been resolved. Work through the fix steps above.

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When to Call a Professional

Circulation pump replacement on Miele dishwashers is a sealed-system job for authorized service.

Average professional repair cost for this issue: $250–$500

Related Error Codes

F11
Drainage fault — water not pumped out
⚠ High Severity

Find Replacement Parts

Use these links to find the exact replacement parts for your Miele Dishwasher:

🔩
Search PartSelect
Miele Dishwasher repair parts
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Search RepairClinic
Step-by-step video guides

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More Miele Dishwasher Error Codes

F13 Water intake fault — dishwasher not filling F15 Heating issue — water not heating to target temperature F70 Flow meter fault — water quantity sensor failure F12 Water intake fault at the start of a step F14 Heater pressure switch fault F24 Heating circuit fault — heater relay or temperature sensor

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep using my Miele Dishwasher when error F78 appears? +
It is not advisable. The dishwasher may still power on, but running it while F78 is active can worsen the motor fault or damage related parts. Treat it as a soon-as-possible repair.
What most commonly causes F78 on a Miele Dishwasher? +
Across reported Miele dishwasher repairs, the most frequent is circulation pump impeller jammed by debris (40% of cases), frequency converter/pump electronics fault (35%), then wiring to the pump damaged (25%). Check them in that order before replacing any parts.
F78 keeps coming back after a reset — what should I check next? +
A reset only clears the stored F78 fault; if it returns, the motor problem is still present. Move on to the physical checks — clear debris from the sump, then power cycle — since the code will reappear until the root cause is resolved. This is a repair most owners hand to a technician.
How much does it cost to fix Miele Dishwasher error F78? +
A DIY repair typically runs $0–$0 in parts, versus $250–$500 for a professional service call, so handling it yourself saves around $250. Expect the work to take a full service visit.
Which Miele Dishwasher models show error F78? +
F78 is documented on Miele dishwashers with a frequency-controlled circulation pump, including the G 7000 Series and comparable earlier built-in models. Other units sharing the same control platform can display it too, so the fixes here generally transfer across the series.

Sources & References

Content verified against manufacturer service documentation. Last verified: July 19, 2026.

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