Reset a Miele washing machine, and what ADD means
A strange message on your Miele washing machine, or it no longer responds? A reset often solves it, and some messages are not a fault at all.
Reset and messages
When does a reset help?
A reset clears a temporary fault in the electronics, for example after a power surge or a programme that froze. It does not fix a mechanical or electrical fault: if the error code comes back on the next programme, something really is broken.
And not every message is a fault. ADD, Ctr, 888 or -0- on the display usually just mean a function is switched on. Below you can read how to reset, what those messages mean, and when you need a technician. The diagnosis at home costs €69, a repair a maximum of €179 in total, parts extra.
How it works, in 3 steps
Prices
How much does Miele washing machine repair cost?
Whether your Miele washing machine won't drain, leaks or shows an error code: you pay the same fixed price, just like for any other brand.
A technician finds out at your home why your Miele washing machine isn't working properly. If you don't go ahead with the repair, you only pay for the diagnosis.
If the technician can repair your Miele washing machine, you pay €110. No time limit: even if it takes long or a second visit is needed.
Spare parts are not included. The technician tells you in advance if a part is needed and what it costs.
Chrono surcharge for a visit in the evening, at the weekend or just a few hours after your request.
Second appliance during the same visit? The technician can check and repair it too for €80.
Maintenance as well? The technician can also clean and check your appliance thoroughly, for €50 per appliance on top of the diagnosis and repair.
Prefer remote help first? A video repair costs €49. See all our prices →
How do you reset a Miele washing machine?
- Switch the machine off with the on/off button.
- Unplug it or switch off the fuse.
- Wait 2 to 5 minutes, so the capacitors on the control board discharge completely.
- Plug it back in and switch the machine on.
- Start a programme and check whether the message has gone.
How do I cancel a running programme on a Miele?
Touch Start/Stop. On models with a text display Cancel programme appears: confirm with OK. The machine drains the water and then unlocks the door. On older models, turn the programme selector to End or Off.
And resetting a Miele dishwasher?
It works the same way: switch off, unplug or switch off the fuse, wait a few minutes and start again. If the error code does not go away, see F11, F14 or F24 on your Miele dishwasher.
What does ADD mean on a Miele washing machine?
ADD is not a fault. It means you can open the door during the programme to add or remove laundry. That is possible as long as the drum is not too hot and the water level not too high.
- Open the door.
- Add or remove the laundry.
- Close the door.
- Touch Start/Add laundry: the programme continues.
If you do not want to add anything, you do not need to do anything. ADD disappears by itself as soon as the programme reaches a stage where adding laundry is no longer possible.
Why can I not open the door while ADD is on the display?
Then the child lock or the lock function is on. The display shows Controls locked or the Locked light is on. Press Start until the light goes out, or switch off the child lock as described in your manual.
Other messages that are not a fault
You see these messages regularly on Miele washing machines. They mean a function is on or something needs adjusting, not that anything is broken.
| Message | What it means and what to do |
|---|---|
| ADD | Not a fault. You can open the door to add or remove laundry. Then close the door and touch Start/Add laundry. |
| Ctr | The Remote control function is on. Switch it off in programming mode (P98, option 00). |
| 888 | The programme will not start because demo mode is on. Switch it off with the Start/Stop button, see our page on resetting. |
| -0- | The programme selector was turned after the start. Turn it back to the programme that was started. |
| No other programme selection | Same cause as -0-: you chose another programme after the start. |
| < 25% load (full drum) | The zero point of the load sensing has shifted, for example because laundry was in the drum when you switched off. Reset the zero point. |
| < 25% (empty drum) | Not a fault: this is normal with an empty drum. |
| Zero-point calibration not possible | The door is closed. Open it and hold Load/dosage until Zero-point calibration OK appears. |
| Locked indicator on | The lock is on. Press Start until the light goes out. |
| Locked. Enter code | The electronic lock is on. The factory code is 125. |
| Enter PIN code | The PIN code is active. The factory code is 125; you can switch it off afterwards. |
| Indicator i with 1 | No wash above 60 °C for a long time. Run Cottons 90 °C with machine cleaner or a powder detergent. |
| Indicator i with 2 | TwinDos has not been used for a long time. Clean the TwinDos system via the Maintenance menu. |
| Red cross (hygiene info) | Same as indicator i with 1: run a hot programme. |
| noC | No Connection: MobileStart is selected but the machine has no Wi-Fi. Connect it via Miele@home. |
| Display texts in another language | The language was changed. Change it back in Settings; the flag symbol shows the language. |
| Start button not lit | The door is not closed properly. Press firmly on the lock side. |
| Call TD | The drum light is loose. Tighten it with the opener from the detergent drawer. |
How do I switch off demo mode (888) on my Miele?
On a machine with an on/off button: switch the machine off and close the door. Hold Start/Stop and switch the machine on. After 5 seconds Start/Stop stays lit. Release, touch Start/Stop again and hold for 3 seconds until the light goes out.
On a machine without an on/off button: switch the machine on and open the door. Hold Start/Stop and close the door. After 5 seconds Start/Stop stays lit. Release, touch Start/Stop again and hold for 3 seconds.
When does a reset not help?
With these messages the cause is outside the electronics. A reset clears them only temporarily at best:
- F10 or Water inlet fault: the supply is blocked. See Miele washing machine F10.
- F11 or Drainage fault: the water is not draining. See Miele washing machine F11.
- F20 or Heating fault: the water is not heating. See Miele washing machine F20.
- F138 or Waterproof system activated: a leak has been detected. Turn off the tap, unplug and do not reset.
All other codes, with explanations, are on our page Miele washing machine repair.
Where do we repair Miele washing machines at home?
Our technicians work in Antwerp, the Brussels-Capital Region, East Flanders, West Flanders, Flemish Brabant, Limburg, Liège, Namur, Hainaut and Walloon Brabant.
Do your technicians have to travel from Vilvoorde every morning?
No. Our technicians live all over Belgium and set off every morning from their own municipality. The parts they need are delivered straight to their homes. That way we get to you quickly, without long drives and often as soon as the next working day.
Frequently asked questions about resetting and messages on a Miele washing machine
The factory code for Miele washing machines and washer-dryers is 125. If you have never changed it, it unlocks the machine. You can then switch the PIN off in the settings.
Ctr means the Remote control function is on. You switch it off in programming mode: P98, then option 00.
At least 2 minutes, ideally 5. That way all capacitors on the control board are fully discharged.
No. A reset by unplugging only clears temporary faults. Your settings, such as language, PIN code and programme preferences, are kept.
A flashing red light next to Water inlet or Drain points to a blockage, not an electronic error. Check the tap, the inlet hose and the lint filter first. A reset alone will not fix that.
The diagnosis at home costs €69. If the technician can repair it, you pay a maximum of €179 in total, however long it takes. Parts are extra and you hear the price beforehand. If you decide not to repair, you only pay the €69.
No. We are an independent repair service, not an official Miele service partner. Our technicians do repair Miele appliances every week, at a fixed price you know in advance. If your appliance is still under the manufacturer’s warranty, contact Miele directly.