What to check, in order
- Take the spray arms out
And rinse them.
- Unblock the holes
Poke out blocked holes with a cocktail stick. Limescale and food debris clog them gradually.
- Check the bottom rack
Make sure nothing tall is stopping the arm from turning.
When to call an engineer
Not usually needed.
Quick answers
What does the F5 error code mean on a dishwasher?
A spray arm is blocked or can't turn freely, so water isn't reaching the dishes.
Can I fix F5 on a dishwasher myself?
Very easy (about 10 minutes). Start with: take the spray arms out; unblock the holes; check the bottom rack. Not usually needed.
Is F5 on a dishwasher worth repairing?
Usually free. This is cleaning rather than repair, and it costs nothing.
About this code
Unbranded and less common appliances don't publish one shared code list, so this page gives the most common meaning across makers. Your manual is the final word, and the model number that finds it is on a label on the edge of the door or the side of the tub.
Last reviewed October 2026.