The 'inlet/outlet' red indicator light flashing, small pool of water collected under filter, but cannot get back of to clean it. Model is Miele G646sc

Seems that the inlet valve or water flow is low , check the inlet flow or check for clogged filter.
Also check the lint filter and the cache filter. remove and clean drain pump. This must solve the issue.

There are a few things you can check. First set the washer cycle to Stop and turn off the unit. Next make sure that the stopcock on the inlet valve is fully open. Then close the stopcock/valve and disconnect the inlet hose. Remove the seal and then the filter (use pliers). Clean this inlet filter with running water. Replace the filter and seal and reconnect the hose to your inlet valve. Reopen the valve (check for leaks from threading problems). Make sure the valve is fully open when you try to restart the dishwasher. Check your incoming water pressure at this valve as well - low water pressure will also trigger the inlet error. Make sure the hose is not kinked.

If the washer did any parts of the wash cycle, then try cleaning the outlet side of the system.
Next clean the combination filter, drain pump and non-return valve. For the filter (near the lower spray arm), turn the handle counter-clockwise. Lift the filter out and remove all debris. Rinse under running water and use a nylon bristle brush to get stubborn stuff out. Pull back the yellow clip and open the filter flap. Clean the underside of the filter with running water again.

Remove the water from the cabinet with any container that works. Raise the locking clamp for the non-return valve. Lift up the valve and clean it under running water. Carefully check the drain pump (now visible with the non-return valve out) and remove any debris. Sharp objects may be present. Move the impellers and completely check the pump for foreign objects and remove them. Replace the non-return valve and secure it with the locking clamp. Replace the combination filter so that it lays flat and secure it with the handle. Make sure that the drain hose is not kinked.

If neither of these solve the problem, you need to call for service. The Waterproof safety system has been triggered and water got into the electrical system of the unit.

Many Miele appliance manuals are here: http://www.miele.co.uk/customer/OperatingInstructions.aspx . The manual for the Miele G641 is here: http://www.miele.co.uk/Resources/OperatingInstructions/G%20641%20and%20G%20841%20Plus.pdf . See this manual for pictures of the filters and drain pump area.

I hope this helps.

Cindy Wells

Hello fellow DIY'ers,
Have just had the red light drain/inlet error terror!
Tried all the basics, including:
- check and clean inlet hose filter,
- check and clean drain hose,
- remove and clean all the filters in the bottom, and
-remove and clean the non-return valve.
Still was left with water in the bottom at the end of the wash and the red light drain/inlet error.
After researching further I found that this light also indicates a flooded unit. There in a shallow pan in the base plate and if water collects there it activates a float switch, stops the wash, and lights up the drain/inlet error.

To fix it:
- Disconnect power, water and drainage.
- Pull out your dishwasher, suction/remove all the water from the bottom. This includes the water in the salt reservoir, the drain pump and non-return valve.
- Tip the dishwasher onto its back.
- Remove the four star head screws (sometimes a small flat blade screwdriver will fit these) from the base plate.
- Remove and inspect the base plate. It won't have any water in it as you've just tipped it up. But you will see if it's wet and any staining where the water has sat. It only takes a small amount of water to activate the switch.
- Clean and dry the base plate.
- Have a good look around for leaks in the base of the unit. There was none in mine. Our dishwasher is a snug fit under the bench and we had been doing 2-3 washes per day for several humid weeks leading up to this problem. I believe the water builds up over time and doesn't get a chance to evaporate.
- Put it all back together again and test it.
- If it works, go buy yourself/your family dinner because you just saved yourself about $420!

Regards,

DIYTom

Usually indicates a intake or drain fault - could be a plugged drain line at the garbage disposal or insufficient water coming into the unit

Try turning the machine on its side, undo the bottom and check that the polystyrene float (attached to a switch) is not somehow jammed. This float cuts off the water if the machine leaks internally, and produces the symptoms you describe. It's a really good machine so don't throw it away!!

If that still doesn't help then it might also be the motor brushes, which produce similar symptoms - if your machine starts to fill but then flashes and just drains again, it's almost certainly the brushes. This might be the case after you check the float problem.

Pete,
When I had this problem I went along the entire water inlet route and verified flow. Water flow entering the soap dispenser tray should be very robust & audible; if not, you have a flow restriction or low pressure, flashing red light or not.

I'm stating the obvious because I actually missed some filter elements the first time I tried. Disconnect inlet hose at plastic fitting on chassis and verify your flow there. Then look inside the inlet barb and use a small pair of channel lock or lineman's pliers to grasp the tab on the inverted "basket" and pull it straight out. These filters can be packed full of sand and small gravel inside--they were in my case.

Good luck,
Adam

The inlet/drain light also comes on when there is water in the base pan. There is a float switch that triggers this and over time if water has collected in the base pan the float switch can stick. Pull out the dishwasher and tilt it towards to back. If there is any water in the base pan it will come out. To be thorough, put the machine on it's back and remove the base pan (4 screws by the feet), the float switch is a circular plastic casing with a polystyrene float in it. It comes apart for servicing, the float can jam if there is any rubbish in the water.

All Miele washing machines and dishwashers need to fill in a required time. Flashing inlet (Tap icon) indicates that the machine can not fill in time. There are filters in the end of the hoses which connect to your water supply from the machine and filters in the inlet valves which you can get at by removing the hose from where it fixes onto the machine it'self. You will need some long nose pliers to grab the little tab on the small filter to get it out. Clean all filters and hoses. Still same problem then check the pressure of the water coming into the machine. There should be a good pressure coming out of the hose and will be difficult to stop the flow of water with your finger.

check your overflow level switch wich is located behind front kickplate on right hand side

We had the same problem on a Premier 500 and solved it by tilting the machine forward. Some more water ran out and the lights went off.