Tumble Dryer
F16
The F16 error code on a Miele tumble dryer indicates a fault with the door lock mechanism — specifically, the appliance cannot confirm the door is properly closed or locked. It’s a common fault and often straightforward to resolve, but it will prevent the dryer from starting until it’s fixed.
What does this error mean?
Miele dryers continuously monitor the door latch to ensure it’s securely closed before and during a cycle. F16 means the control board is not receiving a confirmed ‘door closed’ signal from the door lock or interlock switch. This could be a mechanical problem with the latch itself, a wiring issue, or a fault with the door lock module sending the signal.
Est. repair cost
£8–£50 DIY (door hook or lock module); £80–£160 professional repair including call-out
🔍 Likely causes
🛠️ Step-by-step fix
Reset the dryer: Switch off at the wall, wait 30 seconds, then switch back on and try restarting the cycle. A one-off electronic glitch can trigger F16 and a reset often clears it.
Inspect the door seal and latch area: Open the door and check for visible fluff, debris, or a small object lodged around the latch or door cavity. Clear any blockages with a dry cloth.
Check the door latch hook: Look at the plastic or metal hook on the door edge. If it’s visibly cracked, bent, or missing, this is almost certainly your fault. Replacement door hooks for Miele dryers cost £8–£20 and are available from Miele directly or UK parts suppliers like eSpares or 4ourhouse.
Test the door alignment: Close the door slowly and check it sits flush all the way around. If it drops or doesn’t align with the frame, the hinge may be loose — tighten the hinge screws with a screwdriver and retest.
Order and replace the door lock module: If the latch looks intact and the door aligns correctly, the interlock switch or lock module itself is likely faulty. This is a more involved repair — you’ll need to remove the door panel to access it. If you’re comfortable with basic appliance repairs and can safely disconnect the power supply, replacement lock assemblies cost £20–£50 from parts suppliers. Follow Miele’s service documentation or a verified repair video for your specific model.
If F16 persists after all the above: Do not attempt to bypass or override the door lock — this is a safety mechanism. Proceed to professional repair.
📞 When to call a professional
If replacing the door latch or lock module doesn’t clear the F16 code, the fault likely lies in the wiring harness or the main PCB — both of which require a qualified appliance engineer to diagnose safely. Call a Miele-approved engineer or a reputable local white goods technician and tell them your dryer is displaying F16, that you’ve already checked the door latch and lock module, and that the fault persists. This helps them prepare the right parts and saves you a call-out charge.
⚖️ Repair or replace?
A professional repair for F16 — covering call-out, diagnosis, and parts — typically costs £80–£160 depending on whether it’s the latch, lock module, or wiring. If your Miele dryer is under 8 years old, repair is almost always worth it; Miele machines are built to last 10–15 years and parts are well-supported. If the dryer is over 10 years old and has had previous faults, compare the repair quote against a new mid-range heat pump dryer (£500–£800), which will also cut your running costs significantly.