Circulation (drive) motor fault

The pump area holds standing water and mains-voltage terminals. Disconnect power at the panel and bail the sump before touching any connector.
Cut power at the breaker for ten minutes, then restore it and start a rinse-only program to see whether E01 returns immediately or after the wash pump energizes
Pull the Thermador dishwasher forward and remove the base tray to reach the circulation motor housing mounted under the sump
Unplug the motor connector and read winding resistance across the drive leads — a healthy BSH pump reads roughly five to fifteen ohms; open or wildly high means a dead winding
Rotate the impeller by hand through the sump opening to confirm it is not jammed by a glass shard or bearing seizure
If the motor tests good, inspect the control board driver section near the motor relay for scorched traces before condemning either part
Pro Diagnostic Tip
On Thermador Star-Sapphire units the circulation motor and the diverter share one sump module — confirm the diverter disk is not the true stall point before ordering the pump, since a stuck diverter throws E01 as a secondary symptom.
Repair Difficulty
Professional OnlyEstimated Repair Cost
$300–$650
Parts + labor. Free diagnosis with repair.
Parts That May Need Replacement
Bearing puller set ($120), drum spider wrench ($85), multimeter ($85), and diagnostic software. Our technician arrives with $3,000+ in professional tools — your diagnostic is free.
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Error code E01 is a high-severity issue that can cause further damage to your dishwasher if left unresolved. A licensed technician can diagnose and fix it the same day.
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Thermador error code E01 indicates: Circulation (drive) motor fault. This is a high-severity issue affecting your dishwasher.
Cut power at the breaker for ten minutes, then restore it and start a rinse-only program to see whether E01 returns immediately or after the wash pump energizes Then, Pull the Thermador dishwasher forward and remove the base tray to reach the circulation motor housing mounted under the sump Then, Unplug the motor connector and read winding resistance across the drive leads — a healthy BSH pump reads roughly five to fifteen ohms; open or wildly high means a dead winding There are 2 more steps — see the full troubleshooting guide above. This repair typically requires professional tools and expertise.
Besides the error code on the display, common signs include: Wash arms never spin; Program halts a few minutes after starting; Dishes come out completely unwashed. If you notice any of these symptoms, check your dishwasher's display panel for error code E01.
Repair costs for Thermador E01 typically range from $300 to $650 depending on the specific cause and parts needed. EasyBear offers free diagnosis when you proceed with the repair. Call (415) 795-7300 for a same-day appointment.