What F96 actually means
The machine isn't getting water through its second, non-mains supply — the grey water (recycled or rainwater) inlet — so it has stopped the wash.
Some Miele machines can be plumbed to two supplies: normal mains water and an alternative supply such as recycled grey water or harvested rainwater. F96 means the machine called for water on that alternative inlet and didn't get what it expected within the time allowed, so it halts rather than carrying on with an underfilled drum. If your machine only has one hose to a normal tap, this code points at the second inlet valve or its control rather than anything you've done.
What usually causes it
- The tap or isolating valve on the grey water supply turned off or only part open
- The grey water tank empty, or its pump or filter blocked
- A kinked or trapped inlet hose to the alternative supply
- A clogged filter screen in the alternative inlet connection
- A faulty inlet valve or level sensing on the grey water circuit
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 alternative supply tap is fully open, and the mains tap too
- Look at the grey water tank or reservoir — is there water in it and is its pump running?
- Follow the alternative supply hose along its length and straighten any kinks or tight bends
- Turn the machine off at the wall for a minute, then back on and restart the programme
- If you can switch the machine to a mains-water-only programme, see whether it fills normally — that tells us the fault sits on the alternative supply side
When to call someone
This sometimes clears with the checks above. If it comes back, it needs looking at properly. We cover Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire, and it's £66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it — £84 in total if it's repaired on the visit with no parts needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.
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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