Tumble Dryer
F08
The F08 error code on a Miele tumble dryer signals a fault with the heating circuit — specifically that the appliance is failing to reach or maintain the correct drying temperature. It’s a moderately serious fault: your dryer won’t dry clothes properly until it’s resolved, but in most cases it’s fixable without a professional.
What does this error mean?
Miele’s F08 code means the control board has detected that the drum temperature is not rising as expected during a drying cycle. The machine’s NTC temperature sensor or heating element is either not working correctly or is being starved of the airflow it needs to function. Miele’s diagnostics flag this to prevent overheating or damage to your clothes and the appliance itself.
Est. repair cost
DIY part only: £15–£30 (NTC sensor or thermal fuse). Professional repair: £100–£220 all-in.
🔍 Likely causes
🛠️ Step-by-step fix
Clean the lint filter thoroughly — remove it from the door aperture, rinse under warm water, and let it dry completely before reinserting. Do this after every cycle; a blocked filter is the single most common cause of F08.
Clean the condenser unit (heat pump and condenser models) — locate the condenser behind the lower front panel, remove it, and rinse it under a cold tap until the water runs clear. Refit and run a test cycle.
Check the exhaust hose (vented models) — pull the dryer forward, inspect the full length of the hose for kinks, blockages, or a crushed section. Straighten or replace if damaged (replacement hoses cost around £8–£15).
Reset the machine — turn the dryer off at the mains, leave it unpowered for 10 minutes, then switch it back on and run a short cotton cycle. A tripped thermal cut-out sometimes resets this way.
Test the NTC temperature sensor — if you’re comfortable using a multimeter, the NTC sensor is accessible after removing the back panel. A healthy NTC reads approximately 10–50 kΩ at room temperature. If it reads open-circuit or wildly out of range, replace it (part cost £15–£30). If you are not comfortable working inside the appliance, stop here and call a technician.
Do not attempt to replace the heating element or control board yourself unless you are a qualified appliance engineer — these tasks involve mains-voltage components and carry a real risk of electric shock or fire if done incorrectly.
📞 When to call a professional
If cleaning filters, clearing blockages, and a mains reset do not clear the F08 code, call a Miele-approved or reputable local appliance engineer. Tell them the full model number (printed inside the door frame), the exact error code (F08), and whether the drum heats at all or stays completely cold — this helps them arrive with the right parts. Expect to pay a call-out and diagnostic fee of £60–£90 even if you decide not to proceed with the repair.
⚖️ Repair or replace?
A professional repair for an F08 fault — typically a new NTC sensor, thermal fuse, or heating element — will cost £100–£220 parts and labour in the UK. If your Miele dryer is under 7 years old and was a mid-range or premium model (originally £500+), repair is almost always worth it. If the machine is over 10 years old or the control board is at fault (repair cost can exceed £300), replacement with a new model is likely the better financial decision.