Midea Dishwasher Repair: Not Draining, Not Cleaning and Error Codes

Midea dishwashers, including 18-inch and 24-inch built-in models, are popular in Metro Vancouver kitchens and condos. Most Midea dishwasher problems are caused by blockages, water supply issues or a single failed part. Here’s what to check before you call, and what a repair usually involves.

Midea dishwasher not draining

1. Clean the filter. Remove the bottom rack, twist out the filter assembly at the bottom of the tub and rinse it under the tap. A clogged filter is the most common cause of standing water.
2. Check the drain hose. It shouldn’t be kinked under the sink. If it connects to a garbage disposal, make sure the knockout plug in the disposal inlet was removed when it was installed.
3. Check the sink drain and air gap if you have one.

If all of that is clear and the dishwasher still won’t drain, the drain pump may be blocked by glass or a seed, or it may have failed.

Midea dishwasher not cleaning well

• Clean the filter and check that the spray arms spin freely and their holes aren’t blocked.
• Run the hot water tap at the sink before starting a cycle so the dishwasher fills with hot water.
• Don’t overload or block the spray arms with tall items.
• Use fresh dishwasher detergent and rinse aid.

If the dishes are still dirty, the wash pump, the heater or the water supply may be the problem.

Midea dishwasher not drying

Refill the rinse aid first. Plastic items often stay wet, which is normal. If glass and dishes stay wet too, the heating element or a temperature sensor may have failed on models that use a heater for drying.

Common Midea dishwasher error codes

Codes vary by model, so always check the manual for yours. On many Midea dishwashers:

• E1: water took too long to fill. Check that the water supply valve is open and the inlet hose isn’t kinked. If the supply is fine, the inlet valve may have failed.
• E3: the water isn’t reaching the set temperature. Usually the heater or a temperature sensor.
• E4: overflow or water detected in the base. Turn off the water supply and stop using the dishwasher until the cause is found.

Write down the code and your model number before you call.

Midea dishwasher leaking

Too much suds from the wrong detergent, a worn door gasket, a loose hose clamp or a leaking pump seal are the usual causes. Turn off the water supply if water is reaching the floor or cabinets.

What a technician does

We pull the dishwasher out if needed, check the filter, pumps, valves, heater and sensors, and find where the water is coming from. Most Midea dishwasher repairs are a single part.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I clean the filter?

About once a month, more often if you don’t scrape dishes.

Is it worth repairing a Midea dishwasher?

For a drain pump, inlet valve or door seal, usually yes. If the tub or main control board has failed on an older unit, replacement may make more sense.

Need a technician?

Doctor Appliance repairs Midea appliances in Surrey, Burnaby, New Westminster, Vancouver, Coquitlam, Richmond, Delta, Langley and across Metro Vancouver. Call 604-729-0499 (8am–8pm daily) or leave a request online. Have your model and serial number ready. See also: Midea appliance repair.