WMF Automatic Coffee Machine Error Code 162: Flow Error When Cleaning
Code 162 on a WMF 1500 F with internal storage is a flow error during the cleaning program. Water did not flow as expected, so the machine stopped the program. Make sure the tap is open, follow the same step sequence the manual gives for code 161, run cleaning again and call us if it does not clear.
Medium: the machine may still make drinks, but an unfinished cleaning leaves it unhygienic.
- Code
- 162
- Maker
- WMF
- Equipment
- Super-automatic coffee
- Applies to
- WMF 1500 F (Internal Storage)
What does WMF error code 162 mean?
The cleaning program on the 1500 F sends water through the brewing path and checks how much arrives. If the flow is lower than the program expects, the control stops the cleaning and reports code 162, a flow error when cleaning. Staff see the code while the cleaning cycle is running, rather than during a drink. The owner's manual gives the same step sequence as for code 161, since both are about water flow, and nothing else on the machine changes. That sequence uses restarts between steps. A closed or throttled water tap, a supply that has dropped in pressure, a brewing unit with blocked surfaces or a flow meter that is not counting can all starve the cleaning cycle. Because cleaning is how the machine stays hygienic, an interrupted program should be repeated once the water issue is dealt with.
Affected models and control systems
This applies to the WMF 1500 F with internal storage, per the WMF 1500 F user manual section 8.2.
Code numbers and their meaning can change between control generations. We match the full model and control before acting on a code.
What you may notice
- Cleaning program stopping part way
- Code 162 during cleaning
- Little water coming out during the rinse
- Cleaning tablet not fully dissolved
Possible causes
Listed in WMF's documentation
- Water tap and supply
- Cleaning program steps followed in the order the manual gives
- Brewing unit and water path
- Flow meter
Other likely causes — what usually sits behind error code 162 on this control. A technician confirms which one it is before any part is replaced.
- Shut-off valve under the counter turned down after plumbing work
- Kinked or squashed supply hose behind the machine
- Limescale narrowing the brew path in hard water
Safe checks before calling for service
- Make sure the water tap is open and the supply is steady.
- Follow the same step sequence the owner's manual gives for code 161, switching off and on between steps.
- Start the cleaning program again.
- Check that the hose behind the machine is not kinked.
- Call us if code 162 does not clear, and tell us how far the cleaning got.
How a technician diagnoses error code 162
- Read the code and ask at which step cleaning stops.
- Verify the tap, hose and inlet filter for flow.
- Measure water pressure at the machine inlet.
- Inspect the brewing unit for blockages and scale.
- Test the flow meter signal during a water-only run.
- Repair the restriction, then complete a full cleaning cycle.
- Pressurized hot water and the pump circuit are inside the housing.
- The flow meter is wired to the control board and cannot be checked without opening the machine.
- Cleaning programs depend on the machine's own settings, which a technician should verify.
How error code 162 differs from similar codes
Code 162 follows the same steps as 161, but it appears during the cleaning program on the WMF 1500 F rather than during brewing.
Technical reference
- Document
- WMF 1500 F User Manual, 8.2 Error messages p.82-84
- Edition
- Series 1975 33 4512 5010, 07.2026
- Models / control
- WMF 1500 F (Internal Storage)
- Section
- 8.2 Error messages, pp. 82-83 (error number table on p. 83)
- Checked
- October 2026
We use the maker's document to read the code and do not reproduce it. Always confirm the complete model and control before applying these steps.
Related WMF super-automatic coffee error codes
Do I have to finish the cleaning?
Yes. An interrupted cleaning should be repeated once the water issue is fixed.
Is 162 the same as 161?
Both are about water flow. 161 is during brewing, and 162 is during cleaning.
Can I serve drinks meanwhile?
Possibly, but the machine still needs its cleaning, so do not skip it.
Need help with WMF error code 162?
A technician confirms the cause on site and gives you the price in writing before any work starts.