As you know, the appliance industry frequently uses a core design across many brand names. The mini countertop dishwasher, manufactured by Midea, are a prime example, sold under names like Cookology, AEG, Currys Essential, Electrolux, and Zanussi. While the brands change, the inner workings and their common failure points remain consistent.

I’ve broken down the key symptoms and technical fixes based on my recent teardown of this popular machine.

Fault 1: Countertop Dishwasher Not Cleaning Dishes Correctly

If your plates are coming out dirty, the first components to inspect are the basic water distribution parts.

  • Blocked Spray Arm: The spray arm holes are designed to jet water at a slight angle, using the water pressure to create rotation. If food particles (often due to an improperly seated filter) get into the internal water system, they will block these holes, stopping the spray arm from spinning. To fix this problem, you should remove the spray arm and carefully clear any blockages from the jets.
  • Filter Blockage: You need to make sure the two-part filter system (stainless steel mesh and fine mesh) is correctly seated and is cleaned frequently (ideally every couple of washes) to prevent debris from entering the pump and wash system.

Fault 2: Countertop Dishwasher Not Filling (Error Code E1)

The most common fault code related to filling is E1, indicating the machine failed to fill within the allocated time. The fault often lies in the system that measures the incoming water.

  • The Flow Matrix/Air Brake System: Water enters the machine through this component, which houses an impeller and a small circuit board. This board counts the impeller’s revolutions to precisely measure the amount of water delivered to the tub.
  • Common Causes of E1:
    1. Failure of the Impeller Circuit Board: The electronic counter fails to report to the main Printed Circuit Board (PCB).
    2. Blockage in the Flow Matrix: As the component is pressed together, cleaning internal blockages is very difficult, often requiring a full unit replacement.
    3. Water Valve Blockage: Check the water inlet valve for blockages in its internal filter screen, which will starve the machine of water.

Fault 3: Water in Base/Anti-Flood Trip (Error Code E4)

If your Midea countertop dishwasher fails to start and displays an E4 error code, it typically means one of two things:

  1. Water Detection in the Base: The machine’s anti-flood device has been activated, detecting water in the drip tray. This requires a physical inspection to find the source of the leak (seal, pipe, or component).
  2. False Activation: The anti-flood device itself can be too flimsy. It consists of a simple polystyrene float that rises to activate a microswitch. Merely moving the machine or tilting it can sometimes cause this float to lift and trigger the switch, leading to a false E4 reading.

To diagnose and fix the E4 error code, you must access the machine’s base to check the anti-flood switch and the base area for any leaks.

Fault 4: Countertop Dishwasher Not Emptying (Error Codes E20, I20, I28)

If water remains in the tub, you are dealing with a drain issue. Error codes like EL6 (often indicated by flashing lights), E20, I20, and I28 are all common indicators of a dishwasher pump problem.

  • Pump Blockage: This is frequently caused by food particles if the filter is not seated correctly, or most commonly by small fragments of broken glass or china which can jam the impeller. To fix this problem, you must access the sump/impeller area (usually by removing a screw under the filter) and clear any debris jamming the impeller. Ensure it rotates freely.
  • Faulty Drain Pump: If the impeller is clear, the drain pump motor itself may have failed. The pump motor number for this machine is 17476000007443.

Fault 5: Main Motor/Wash System Not Running

If the mini dishwasher fills but the spray arms aren’t rotating, the wash motor (the main circulation pump) is the culprit.

  • Jammed Impeller: As with the drain pump, small fragments of china or glass can jam the main motor impeller.
  • Seized Bearing: Water ingress from the heating system seal can degrade the motor bearings over time, causing them to seize.
  • Capacitor Failure: The motor’s start-run capacitor may fail. For this model, the correct specification is a 3 microfarad capacitor.
  • Motor Failure: A complete winding failure in the motor.

Fault 6: Heating Issues and NTC Sensor Check

The heating system is a standard element controlled by a relay on the main circuit board. The heater will only be energized once two conditions are met: the pressure switch detects sufficient water in the tub, and the NTC sensor reports the temperature.

  • NTC Sensor Test Value: Manufacturers rarely provide full resistance charts, which makes component checking difficult. However, I have measured the NTC sensor value on this machine at a typical room temperature.
  1. Test Condition: Room temperature approximately 24–25°C.
  2. Required Reading: The sensor resistance should read 11.25 kΩ (1125 on a 20K setting).
  3. Note: This value will change with ambient temperature, but a reading significantly off this figure at room temperature suggests a faulty sensor.

Engineer’s Technical Notes

  1. Hose Clips: You will encounter crimped metal hose clips on the flow matrix and pump hoses. These are designed to be cut and are extremely difficult to get off. You must replace them with standard Jubilee clips when reassembling the unit.
  2. Sharp Edges: Please be aware that the stainless steel cabinet edges are exceptionally sharp. I strongly recommend you to wear protective gloves when dismantling this appliance to avoid injury.
  3. Circuit Board Repair: If you have an advanced electronics skill set, a faulty PCB (due to a motor or heater short) may be repairable by inspecting for blown tracks or replacing common components like the main heating relay or a swollen power supply capacitor. Always verify if a replacement circuit board is pre-programmed for your specific model before ordering.

We hope this guide has given you the confidence to tackle a repair on your countertop dishwasher. For a full visual walkthrough and dismantling process, make sure to check out the video on our YouTube channel.

If you have any questions about your appliances, please provide your brand, full model number which is written on the identification label, and a detailed description of the issue. Please visit our Contact Us page and make sure you fill out the request for what your problem is. A video shoot of the problem would be perfect as well.

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You can find spare parts for these Midea group countertop dishwasher below.

Cookology CTTD6BK Countertop Dishwaser Spare Parts:

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