Dishwasher
E13
The E13 error code on a Miele dishwasher indicates a water temperature fault — specifically that the water is not heating to the required temperature within the expected time. It’s a moderately serious fault that will stop your dishwasher completing a cycle, but it’s often fixable without a professional.
What does this error mean?
Miele’s E13 code means the appliance’s control board has detected that the water temperature is too high at the start of a programme — typically above 60°C when the cycle begins. This usually points to hot water being fed directly into the machine from your home’s hot water supply, which the dishwasher isn’t designed to handle. Miele dishwashers are engineered to heat cold water themselves, giving them precise temperature control throughout the wash cycle.
Est. repair cost
£80–£160 for a professional repair; NTC sensor DIY part £15–£35 if self-replacing
🔍 Likely causes
🛠️ Step-by-step fix
Check your water supply connection: Locate the dishwasher’s water inlet hose (usually under the kitchen sink) and confirm it is connected to the COLD water supply tap, not the hot. This single check resolves E13 in the majority of cases.
Reset the machine: Turn the dishwasher off at the power switch, wait 60 seconds, then turn it back on. Select a programme and restart. This clears temporary sensor errors triggered by residual hot water in the tub.
Let the machine cool down: If you’ve just run a cycle or the kitchen is very warm, leave the dishwasher door slightly ajar for 20–30 minutes to allow the internal temperature to drop before restarting.
Check your boiler’s hot water temperature setting: If your combi boiler or hot water cylinder is set above 60°C, reduce it to 55°C and retry. This won’t fix a cold-feed issue but can prevent borderline temperature spikes.
Inspect the inlet hose for kinks or damage: A partially blocked or kinked cold water hose can cause inconsistent flow and odd sensor readings. Straighten or replace if damaged (replacement hoses cost £10–£20 at most appliance spares retailers).
Test the NTC temperature sensor: If all the above checks pass and E13 persists, the thermistor is the next suspect. This part requires accessing the internal components — if you’re not comfortable working inside the appliance, stop here and call an engineer.
📞 When to call a professional
If reconnecting to the cold supply and resetting the machine doesn’t clear E13, call a Miele-approved or experienced appliance engineer. Tell them the error code is E13, that the water supply connection is confirmed cold, and that a reset hasn’t resolved it — this points them directly toward the NTC sensor or control board. Replacing internal components such as the thermistor or inlet valve involves accessing electrical parts and should not be attempted without experience.
⚖️ Repair or replace?
A professional repair for an E13 fault — typically an NTC sensor or inlet valve replacement — costs between £80 and £160 including labour in the UK. If your Miele dishwasher is under 8 years old and has been reliable, repair is almost always worth it given Miele machines typically last 15–20 years. If the machine is over 10 years old and the control board is implicated, weigh repair cost against a new mid-range dishwasher at £400–£600.