Dishwasher
E17
The E17 error code on a Miele dishwasher indicates a water heating fault — specifically that the water temperature is too high or the temperature sensor is reporting an out-of-range reading. It’s a moderately serious fault that will stop your dishwasher mid-cycle, but it’s not always an expensive fix.
What does this error mean?
Miele’s E17 code means the control board has detected that the water temperature has exceeded safe operating limits, or that the NTC temperature sensor is sending an abnormal reading. The dishwasher shuts down as a safety precaution to prevent overheating or damage to components. In many cases, the fault lies with the sensor itself rather than a genuine overheating problem.
Est. repair cost
£15–£35 DIY NTC sensor replacement; £80–£200 professional repair (parts + labour)
🔍 Likely causes
🛠️ Step-by-step fix
Reset the dishwasher: Switch it off at the mains, wait 10 minutes, then power it back on and try a new cycle. This clears temporary software glitches and is always the first step.
Check your household water supply: Ensure the hot water feed to the dishwasher is not set unusually high at the boiler (above 60°C). A temperature above this can trigger E17 on some Miele models.
Inspect and clean the filter and spray arms: A blocked filter causes the water to recirculate and overheat. Remove the filter basket, rinse under the tap, and clear any debris from the spray arm holes with a cocktail stick.
Examine the wiring harness to the NTC sensor: Pull the dishwasher out slightly and check the visible wiring at the back for obvious damage, kinks, or loose connectors. Reseat any loose plugs firmly. Do not open the control board housing.
Test or replace the NTC temperature sensor: The NTC sensor is typically located on the sump or heating assembly and costs £15–£35 for a genuine Miele part. If you are comfortable with basic appliance repairs, this is a straightforward swap — unplug the machine, drain residual water, disconnect the sensor connector, and fit the new part. If in doubt, stop here and call an engineer.
If the error persists after replacing the NTC sensor, do not proceed further — the heating element or control board will need professional diagnosis.
📞 When to call a professional
Call a qualified appliance engineer if the error returns after a reset and the NTC sensor has been replaced, as the heating element or PCB (control board) is likely at fault — both require specialist testing equipment and should not be tackled as DIY. When booking, tell the engineer you have a Miele dishwasher showing error code E17, that you have already reset the machine, and whether the sensor has been replaced. Miele-trained engineers or reputable independent appliance repair firms are your best options in the UK.
⚖️ Repair or replace?
A professional repair for E17 — covering diagnosis, parts, and labour — typically costs £80–£200 depending on whether it’s the sensor, element, or control board. If your Miele dishwasher is under 8 years old, repair is almost always worth it given Miele’s build quality and the cost of a comparable replacement (£600–£1,400+). If the machine is over 10–12 years old and the control board needs replacing, replacement becomes more financially sensible.