Before you start
Unplug the dishwasher or turn off the circuit breaker. Have a towel ready for any water that may drain out. Note any error codes displayed — they narrow down the diagnosis significantly.
Not draining (E24/E25)
The most common Thermador dishwasher issue. Remove and clean the drain filter at the bottom of the tub — food debris is the #1 cause. Check the drain hose under the sink for kinks. If connected to a garbage disposal, verify the knockout plug was removed during installation.
Poor wash performance
Check spray arm nozzles for food particles. Verify the water temperature — run your kitchen faucet hot before starting the dishwasher. Clean the AquaSensor at the tub bottom. Use a quality detergent tablet, not liquid soap.
CrystalDry not effective (Star Sapphire)
The zeolite mineral absorbs grease over time, reducing its moisture-absorbing capacity. Run a hot wash cycle with a dishwasher cleaner monthly to help maintain the zeolite. If drying performance doesn’t improve, the zeolite cassette may need professional replacement.
When to call a technician
Error codes E15 (water in base), E09 (heater failure), and E01 (control board) require professional diagnosis. Persistent drainage issues after filter cleaning indicate a pump motor problem.
Need professional Thermador Dishwasher service?
If troubleshooting doesn’t resolve the issue, our factory-certified Thermador technicians can help. We service all Thermador Dishwasher models across all 50 states with genuine OEM parts and a 30-day labor warranty. Schedule service online — same-day booking available.
Related Thermador resources
- Thermador Dishwasher repair service — certified technicians in all 50 states
- Thermador error code database — search all Dishwasher error codes
- Thermador model database — specifications and repair info by model number
- Thermador official site — official specifications, manuals, and product information
Important notes for Thermador dishwasher owners
- Always use genuine OEM parts — aftermarket components may fit but can compromise performance, safety, and warranty coverage on Thermador appliances
- Never ignore error codes — Thermador codes are diagnostic aids designed to prevent small issues from becoming major failures. Address them promptly
- Keep your owners manual accessible — it contains model-specific maintenance schedules and troubleshooting trees. Digital versions are available on the Thermador official site
- Document issues before calling — note error codes, symptoms, when they started, and patterns. This helps the technician diagnose faster
- Use surge protectors — power fluctuations damage electronic control boards. A quality surge protector protects your investment
When DIY troubleshooting is not enough
Some Thermador dishwasher issues can be resolved with the steps in this guide. However, call a certified technician immediately if you encounter:
- Gas smell (gas models) — turn off the appliance, open windows, leave the house, call from outside
- Burning smell or smoke — disconnect power immediately. Do not use until inspected
- Electrical sparking — turn off at the circuit breaker. Wiring or component failure
- Water leaking inside walls — shut off supply and call to prevent water damage
- Error codes that return after power reset — persistent codes indicate real component failure
- Sealed system issues — compressor, refrigerant work requires EPA-certified technicians
Schedule service online — our factory-certified Thermador technicians carry genuine OEM parts and serve all 50 states with a 30-day labor warranty.
