Got an error code flashing on your Smeg dishwasher? Don’t worry you’re not alone. Understanding these codes can help you identify the problem and take steps to get your appliance back in working order. Use this guide to decode the errors and tackle them confidently.
Comprehensive Smeg Dishwasher Error Codes Guide
| Error Code | Detailed Description | Troubleshooting Steps | Prevention Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| E1 | Water inlet malfunction indicating the dishwasher isn’t receiving adequate water supply. This could be due to closed water valves, kinked inlet hoses, or clogged filters. | 1. Ensure water supply valve is fully open 2. Check inlet hose for kinks or damage 3. Clean the mesh filter in the water inlet connection 4. Verify water pressure (should be 0.3-10 bars) 5. If issues persist, inlet valve may need replacement |
Regular inspection of inlet hoses, annual cleaning of filters, maintain consistent water pressure |
| E2 | Drainage system failure indicating water cannot be properly expelled from the machine. Common causes include blocked filters, kinked drain hoses, or faulty drain pumps. | 1. Clean all filters thoroughly 2. Check drain hose for blockages or kinks 3. Ensure drain hose height is correct (max 85cm) 4. Clear any debris from the drain pump 5. Test drain pump functionality |
Monthly filter cleaning, proper drain hose positioning, avoid disposing large food particles |
| E3 | Heating element malfunction preventing water from reaching proper temperature. May indicate failed heating element, faulty thermostat, or wiring issues. | 1. Test heating element continuity 2. Check thermostat functionality 3. Inspect wiring connections 4. Verify control board signals 5. Replace heating element if failed |
Use appropriate water temperature settings, regular maintenance checks, descale periodically |
| E4 | Water overflow detection indicating excessive water levels in the base of the machine. Could be caused by faulty inlet valves, sensor issues, or actual leaks. | 1. Check for visible leaks 2. Test inlet valve operation 3. Verify float switch functionality 4. Inspect door seals 5. Clean overflow sensor contacts |
Regular seal inspection, proper door maintenance, avoid overloading with detergent |
| E5 | Main motor problem affecting the spray arm rotation and water circulation. Could indicate seized motor, damaged bearings, or electrical failure. | 1. Listen for unusual motor sounds 2. Check motor resistance readings 3. Inspect motor bearings 4. Test motor capacitor 5. Verify proper voltage to motor |
Avoid overloading, ensure spray arms rotate freely, regular cleaning of spray arm nozzles |
| E6 | Pressure switch malfunction affecting water level detection. This could lead to improper water filling or draining cycles. | 1. Inspect pressure switch connections 2. Test switch continuity 3. Check air trap for blockages 4. Verify pressure sensor tube 5. Replace switch if faulty |
Regular inspection of pressure switch components, keep air trap clean, check for tube kinks |
| E7 | Turbidity sensor failure preventing the dishwasher from properly detecting water cleanliness levels. Affects wash cycle efficiency. | 1. Clean turbidity sensor 2. Check sensor connections 3. Test sensor functionality 4. Verify control board communication 5. Replace if necessary |
Regular sensor cleaning, avoid excessive detergent use, scrape dishes before loading |
| E8 | Diverter valve malfunction affecting water distribution to spray arms. Results in poor cleaning performance. | 1. Check valve movement 2. Clear any debris around valve 3. Test valve motor 4. Inspect electrical connections 5. Replace valve assembly if needed |
Regular cleaning of spray arms, avoid overloading dishes, use proper detergent amount |
| E9 | Water softener system failure affecting water hardness treatment. May lead to spots on dishes and reduced cleaning effectiveness. | 1. Check salt levels 2. Inspect softener unit 3. Clean resin bed 4. Test regeneration cycle 5. Verify water hardness settings |
Maintain proper salt levels, regular softener maintenance, use correct water hardness setting |
| E10 | Circulation pump problem affecting water distribution during wash cycles. May result in poor cleaning performance. | 1. Check pump for blockages 2. Test pump motor 3. Inspect impeller 4. Verify electrical connections 5. Listen for unusual noises |
Regular pump maintenance, avoid running empty cycles, clean filters regularly |
| E11 | Drying system malfunction affecting the final drying cycle. May leave dishes wet after completion. | 1. Check drying fan operation 2. Inspect vent system 3. Test heating element 4. Verify vapor barrier 5. Clean ventilation paths |
Maintain proper ventilation, avoid blocking air paths, use rinse aid regularly |
| E12 | Control board communication error indicating problems between main board and component modules. | 1. Check all wire connections 2. Inspect for loose connectors 3. Test voltage outputs 4. Look for burnt components 5. Reset control board |
Protect from power surges, ensure proper voltage supply, maintain clean connections |
| E13 | Temperature sensor malfunction preventing proper water temperature monitoring during cycles. | 1. Test sensor resistance 2. Check wire connections 3. Verify sensor placement 4. Test control board input 5. Replace if faulty |
Regular temperature calibration, protect from extreme temperatures, maintain clean sensor |
| E15 | Water leakage detection from the base tray sensor, indicating water escape from the main tub or connections. | 1. Inspect all seals and gaskets 2. Check hose connections 3. Examine tub for cracks 4. Test anti-flood device 5. Verify sensor operation |
Regular seal maintenance, proper hose installation, immediate attention to any visible leaks |
Note: Always disconnect power before performing any internal inspections or repairs. If unsure, contact a qualified service technician. This guide is for reference only – serious malfunctions should be addressed by certified professionals.
Important Notes:
- Model Variations: Smeg manufactures various dishwasher models, and the error code systems can differ. Always refer to your user manual.
- Flashing Lights: Some Smeg dishwashers might use flashing lights instead of alphanumeric error codes. The number of flashes corresponds to a specific error. Your manual will explain this.
- Regional Differences: Smeg dishwashers sold in different regions might have slightly different error code systems.
- Resetting: Before anything else, try turning off the power to the dishwasher at the breaker for a few minutes. This sometimes resets the control board and clears temporary errors.
Where to Find the Definitive Information:
- Your User Manual: This is the most important resource. It will have the exact error codes for your specific model. If you don’t have it, look for it online by searching “[your Smeg dishwasher model number] user manual.”
- Smeg Website: The official Smeg website for your region might have some troubleshooting information, but the manual is usually more detailed.
- Appliance Repair Websites: While these sites can be helpful, always double-check the information against your user manual to ensure it’s accurate for your model.
If the error persists after basic troubleshooting, please contact a qualified appliance repair technician. They are trained to diagnose and resolve appliance issues safely and effectively.