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Error code reference

Cove Dishwasher Error Code 050116

Wash pump drive system

Cove codesCove dishwasher codes

Wash pump drive system: MOT1 (wash pump motor) overload error.

First step from the service manual

Check for a blockage inside the wash pump.

The complete diagnostic procedure includes additional test steps, resistance specifications, wiring diagram references, and component test points.

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What 050116 means on a Cove dishwasher

Error code 050116 on a Cove dishwasher indicates an overload condition in the wash pump drive system, specifically affecting MOT1, the main wash pump motor. An overload error means the motor control circuitry has detected that the motor is drawing excessive current or is working under a mechanical load beyond its designed operating range. This protection mechanism is built into the system to prevent motor burnout and downstream electrical damage.

The wash pump is responsible for circulating water through the spray arms during the wash and rinse cycles. When something restricts the impeller or prevents the motor from spinning freely, the motor must work harder, drawing more current. The drive system monitors this load and triggers error 050116 when the overload threshold is exceeded. This can happen suddenly due to a foreign object entering the pump, or gradually due to wear or buildup.

The first diagnostic step is to inspect the wash pump for a physical blockage. Common culprits include broken glass, food debris, bone fragments, or small utensils that have passed through the filter and lodged against the impeller. Beyond blockages, a seized or failing motor bearing, a worn impeller, or a damaged motor winding can also produce an overload condition. Electrical causes such as a faulty motor control board are possible but less common and should be investigated after mechanical causes are ruled out.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of 050116

  1. 01

    Blockage inside the wash pump

    Wiring / connection

    A foreign object such as broken glass, a bone fragment, a small utensil, or accumulated food debris can lodge against the pump impeller, mechanically restricting rotation and causing an overload. Remove the lower spray arm and filter assembly to access and inspect the pump inlet for obstructions.

  2. 02

    Clogged or restricted filter assembly

    Wiring / connection

    A heavily clogged filter can starve the pump of water flow or force the pump to work against excessive back pressure, increasing motor load. Remove and thoroughly clean the filter screen and housing to rule this out.

  3. 03

    Worn or seized wash pump motor bearings

    Part replacement

    Over time, the motor bearings in MOT1 can wear or corrode, causing increased mechanical resistance during operation. A grinding noise before the error appears or a motor shaft that does not spin freely by hand are indicators of this failure.

  4. 04

    Damaged or worn impeller

    Part replacement

    A cracked, warped, or debris-damaged impeller can create uneven load on the motor, triggering the overload protection. Inspect the impeller for visible damage once the pump is accessed.

  5. 05

    Faulty motor control board

    Part replacement

    If no mechanical cause is found and the motor itself tests within normal parameters, the motor control board may be misreading current draw or failing to regulate power delivery correctly, producing a false or premature overload signal.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about 050116

What does 050116 mean on a Cove dishwasher?
Error code 050116 indicates an overload error on MOT1, the main wash pump motor. The dishwasher's drive system has detected that the motor is operating under excessive load and has shut it down as a protective measure. This is most commonly caused by a physical blockage inside the wash pump, though motor wear or a control board fault can also be responsible.
How do I fix error code 050116 on my Cove dishwasher?
Start by removing the lower spray arm and filter assembly to inspect the wash pump for any foreign objects or debris lodged against the impeller. Clear any blockages you find, clean the filter thoroughly, and run the dishwasher again. If the error returns after clearing any obstruction, the pump motor or control board may need professional evaluation and possible replacement.
Will resetting my Cove dishwasher clear error code 050116?
A reset may temporarily clear the error code, but if the underlying cause is still present, the code will return as soon as the dishwasher attempts to run the wash pump again. Always address the root cause first. A reset alone is not a repair and should only be used to confirm whether the issue has been resolved after performing diagnostics.
Is it safe to use my Cove dishwasher when error 050116 is displayed?
No, you should not attempt to run the dishwasher while this error is active. The wash pump motor is in an overload condition, and continued operation could cause permanent motor damage or create an electrical hazard. Resolve the fault before resuming normal use.
How much will it cost to repair error code 050116 on a Cove dishwasher?
If the cause is simply a blockage, there may be no parts cost at all, just the time to clear the obstruction. If the wash pump motor needs replacement, parts and labor costs typically range from $150 to $400 depending on the component and service rates in your area. A motor control board replacement can push costs higher, generally in the $200 to $500 range including labor.

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