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 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 certified Thermador technicians carry genuine OEM parts and serve all 50 states with a 30-day labor warranty.
