What F96 actually means
The machine isn't getting water through its second, alternative water supply — the grey water or reclaimed water inlet — so it has stopped rather than carry on with the wash.
Some Miele machines are plumbed for two supplies: normal mains water and an alternative supply such as reclaimed grey water or rainwater. F96 is raised specifically against that alternative inlet — the machine has called for water on it during filling and hasn't seen enough arrive in the time it expects. It halts at that point in the cycle to avoid running with too little water.
What F96 looks like on a Miele washer dryer
Most people find this page having searched for what the machine is doing rather than the code itself. On a Miele washer dryer, F96 usually shows up as one or more of these:
- Not filling with water
- No water going in
- Takes for ever to fill
- Stops right at the start of the cycle
- F96 flashing on the display
- Beeping and showing F96
Recognise any of those? That is this fault, and the rest of this page explains what causes it and what you can check yourself.
What usually causes it
- The tap or isolating valve on the grey water supply turned off or only part open
- No water in the grey water tank, or its pump not running
- Kinked, trapped or blocked hose on the alternative inlet
- Blocked filter screen where the alternative hose connects to the machine
- Faulty inlet valve or flow meter on the alternative supply, or the water path control inside the machine
What you can safely check yourself
Work through these in order. Anything beyond this — panels off, testing parts, anything to do with the wiring — is an engineer's job, and not one to attempt with the machine plugged in.
- Check the tap or valve feeding the alternative supply is fully open
- If the grey water or rainwater system has a tank, check it actually has water in it and its pump is powered up
- Look along the alternative inlet hose for kinks or anything resting on it, and straighten it out
- Switch the machine off at the wall for a minute, then power it back up and restart the programme
- If the machine can be set to run on the mains supply instead, try a cycle that way — if it fills normally, the fault is on the alternative side
Common questions about Miele F96
What does F96 mean on a Miele washer dryer?
The machine isn't getting water through its second, alternative water supply — the grey water or reclaimed water inlet — so it has stopped rather than carry on with the wash. Some Miele machines are plumbed for two supplies: normal mains water and an alternative supply such as reclaimed grey water or rainwater. F96 is raised specifically against that alternative inlet — the machine has called for water on it during filling and hasn't seen enough arrive in the time it expects. It halts at that point in the cycle to avoid running with too little water.
Can I fix Miele F96 myself?
There are 5 checks you can safely do yourself first.
- Check the tap or valve feeding the alternative supply is fully open.
- If the grey water or rainwater system has a tank, check it actually has water in it and its pump is powered up.
- Look along the alternative inlet hose for kinks or anything resting on it, and straighten it out.
- Switch the machine off at the wall for a minute, then power it back up and restart the programme.
- If the machine can be set to run on the mains supply instead, try a cycle that way — if it fills normally, the fault is on the alternative side.
This sometimes clears with those checks. If it comes back, it needs looking at properly.
How much does it cost to repair Miele F96?
£66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.
Tried the checks and it's still showing F96?
This sometimes clears with the checks above. If it comes back, it needs looking at properly. Then it wants someone who can open it up.
What it costs, before you call: the price is the same whatever the fault turns out to be — £66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.
Our own engineers, not a call centre. We cover Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire — most washer dryer faults are seen same day or next day.
Call 0115 648 0929 Book online — postcode and number is all we need
Outside our area? The explanation above still stands — take it to a local engineer and tell them the code. Knowing it saves them time and you money.
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