- Switch the dishwasher off and isolate power before opening the filter area.
- Remove and clean the drain filter and clear any visible debris from the sump area.
- Check the drain hose for kinks, crushing, or a blockage at the sink waste connection.
- Run a short cycle and confirm the machine drains fully at the end.
AEG uses al6 for a drain or outlet fault. The dishwasher still has water inside when it expects the tub to empty, so the cycle stops to protect the machine.
- The dishwasher stops and shows al6 near the end of the wash or rinse cycle.
- Water remains in the bottom of the tub.
- You may hear the pump running longer than normal without the water clearing.
- Blocked drain filter, sump, or drain pump area.
- Kinked, crushed, or partially blocked drain hose.
- Sink spigot or waste connection still blocked after installation work.
- Drain pump problem if the machine cannot clear the water after the basic checks.
- Check whether the dishwasher was recently installed, moved, or reconnected to the sink waste.
- Confirm the sink connection is open and any blanking plug has been removed.
- Make sure the drain hose routing matches the installation guidance and is not sagging or trapped.
- If the fault returns after the filter and hose checks, the drain pump or related wiring may need service.
| Checkpoint | What to confirm | Good result | If it fails |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drain filter | Filter and sump area are clear | Water drains away | Clean again and remove trapped debris |
| Drain hose | Hose is open, straight, and not crushed | Cycle finishes normally | Correct hose routing or blockage |
| Sink connection | Waste spigot is open and not capped | Normal draining resumes | Clear the connection |
| Repeat test | Short cycle drains fully | Fault stays away | Drain pump or service issue likely |
- Isolate power before reaching into the filter or sump area.
- If there is broken glass or sharp debris inside, clear it carefully.
Book service if al6 returns after the filter, hose, and sink connection checks, or if the pump sounds abnormal and the machine still cannot empty the water.
Does al6 always mean the pump is faulty?
No. Many drain codes are caused by a blocked filter, clogged hose, or sink connection issue rather than a failed pump.
Why did the code appear after installation?
A capped sink spigot, bad hose routing, or a kinked drain hose can trigger a drain fault on the first few cycles.