Fault Code Reference

Miele dishwasher F86 error

Usable, but not working properly

The flap covering the salt reservoir in the door has been left open. This is a prompt rather than a breakdown, but it needs dealing with before the next programme. The reservoir was topped up and the flap was pushed to rather than latched shut is the most common cause.

Difficulty
DIY
Time needed
About 5 min
Checks
5 steps

What it means

The flap covering the salt reservoir in the door has been left open. This is a prompt rather than a breakdown, but it needs dealing with before the next programme.

Most likely causes

Ordered from most to least common, with what each one looks like:

Cause How likely What you would see
The reservoir was topped up and the flap was pushed to rather than latched shut high Salt was added shortly before the message appeared
Spilled granules around the rim are stopping the flap sitting down on its seat high Loose salt is visible around the opening or on the inside of the door
The cap has been started across its thread, so it turns but never pulls down square medium It spins easily but never reaches a firm stop
The flap or its catch has been damaged, most often by something knocking it while the door was down low The flap will not stay shut even when the opening is completely clean

Fix steps

  1. Open the door fully and find the salt reservoir cover, which sits in the door itself rather than in the floor of the cabinet.

    Expected result You can see the flap and whether it is standing open or merely resting closed.

  2. Brush away any spilled granules from around the opening and from the flap's seat, since a few grains are enough to hold it proud.

    Expected result The rim and the seat are clean and dry.

  3. Close the flap deliberately until you feel its catch engage, rather than pressing it until it merely looks shut.

    Expected result It stays down on its own and does not spring back when released. If it does not, go to step 4.

  4. If it will not latch, check the cap underneath is seated square on its thread. Back it off completely and start it again by hand rather than forcing it.

    Expected result The cap turns down smoothly to a firm stop with no cross-threading. If it does not, go to step 5.

  5. Close the door and start a short programme to confirm the message has cleared.

    Expected result The programme begins normally and the prompt does not reappear.

Parts needed

No replacement parts are needed for the checks above. This fault is usually cleared without fitting anything new.

When to call a technician

Call a qualified technician if you work through every step above and the code comes back, if you find water where it should not be, or if any part of the job needs the machine powered up with panels removed. A repeat fault after a correct repair usually points at the control board rather than the part you replaced.

Common questions

What does F86 mean on a Miele dishwasher?

The flap covering the salt reservoir in the door has been left open. This is a prompt rather than a breakdown, but it needs dealing with before the next programme. The reservoir was topped up and the flap was pushed to rather than latched shut is the most common reason for it.

Can I keep using the dishwasher?

You can usually still run the machine, but it will not be working correctly and the fault will keep coming back until it is fixed.

Is this something I can fix myself?

Yes, for most people. The checks below need no special tools and take about 5 minutes.

Models this applies to

Related codes on the same machines

Sources