Miele g892 scu plus, about 5 years old. when on, all it does is run some motor (humming sound) and flash salt or intake/drain. No program lights on. Sometimes can be reset so rinse light comes on and nothing blinks, but humming motor still runs and salt eventually blinks. I removed toekick panel; there is water in pan. I disconnect drain hose, only a little water came out. Any ideas?

Check the drain for a blockage.

Water pump is for removing water. Check the fill solenoid for water getting into unit. If defective unit will not fill. If stuck in on position you will have flooding. Go to this site for parts help Search Over 2 1 Million Appliance Parts

I removed filter basket and under it there was a small chrome rod prodruding horizontally by about 3cm. I pushed this in and restarted the machine. Although the light flashed when I first switched on it went out when I started the prograamme. It is working fine now.

The red light tell you there is a fault. You have to read the fault code and it will give you a general idea of the problem - to do this you have to enter the service mode of operation - close the door and turn the dishwasher on.
The Start/Stop light must be blinking. If the Start/Stop light is not blinking, press and hold
the Start/Stop button for at least 3 seconds to exit the cycle. The Start/Stop light should now be blinking.

Press and hold the Start/Stop button while turning the dishwasher on. Release the
Start/Stop button and immediately press it 2 more times. Flashing Intake/Drain and
Salt lamps and a lit Rinse lamp indicates successful accessing of services mode
Fault codes
F00 Pots & Pans Lit
F01 Sani Wash Lit
F02 Normal Plus Lit
F03 Normal Lit
F04 Economy Lit
F05 Rinse & Hold Lit
F06 Pots & Pans Lit
F07 Sani Wash Lit
F08 Normal Plus Lit
F09 Normal Lit Flashing

check and see if the disposer drain port plug was removed. intake/drain light means slow drain or no drain

The intake/drain light blinks. How do I fix this problem?

check drain pump impelar is free, it can be found under the non-return valve below filter. also make sure drain hose and S trap is clear.

have you added salt to unit?If so then you have a water intake problem or unit is oversudsing.

add some salt in the cabinet and a bit of water. salt acts as a foam suppressant