Siemens Sf 55m551 Operating Instructions

							en11
Adjusting  
the height of the basket *
* depending on model 
If required, the height of the upper utensils  
basket  1 can be adjusted to provide 
more space for tall utensils 
either in the upper or lower basket. 
Appliance height 81 cm 
Select one of the two following procedures  
according to the design of the top basket 
for your appliance model:
Top basket with side levers
–Pull out thetop basket  1 out. 
–To  lower the basket, press in the left 
and then the right 
lever on the outside of the basket. In 
doing so, hold the sides of the basket 
along the upper edge to prevent it from 
suddenly dropping. –To
raise the basket, hold 
the basket on the sides of the upper 
edge and lift it up.
– Before re-inserting the basket again,  ensure that it is at the same 
height on both sides. Otherwise, 
the appliance door cannot be closed 
and the upper spray arm will not be 
connected to the water circuit. 
Top basket with upper and lower  
roller pairs
– Pull out the top basket  1 out. 
– Remove the upper basket and re- attach it to the upper (stage 2) or lower  
(stage 1) rollers.
Top basket Bottom 
basket
Setting 1 max. ø 20 cm 28 cm 
Setting 2 max. ø 25 cm 23.5 cm
    
						

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12
You can use tablets as well as powder  
or liquid detergents for dishwashers, but 
never use washing up liquid. The dosage 
can be individually adjusted with powder 
or a liquid detergent according 
to the degree of soiling. Tablets contain 
an adequately large amount of active 
ingredients for all cleaning tasks. Modern, 
powerful detergents predominantly 
use a low-alkaline formulation with 
phosphate and enzym
es. Phosphates 
bond the lime in the water. Enzymes break 
down starch and remove protein. 
Phosphate-free detergents are less  
frequent. These have a slightly weaker  
lime bonding capacity and require 
a higher dosage. To remove coloured 
stains (e.g. tea, tomato sauce), oxygen-
based bleaching agents are usually used. 
Note 
To ensure a good washing result, always  
follow the instructions on the detergent 
packaging! 
If you have further questions,  
we recommend that you contact 
the detergent manufacturers’ helpline.
ã= Warning
Read and observe the safety information  
and instructions for use on the packaging  
for cleaning and rinsing agents.
Adding detergent
– If the detergent dispenser  9 is still 
closed, press the lock  1b to open 
the detergent dispenser. 
Pour detergent into the dry detergent  
dispenser 9. Dosage: see 
manufacturer’s instructions 
on the packaging.  
The graduated detergent  
dispenser 9 helps you add 
the correct amount of powder or liquid 
detergent. 
Usually 20 ml–25 ml are adequate  
for normal soiling. If using tablets, one 
tablet is adequate.
– Close cover on the detergent  dispenser. To do this, (1) push the 
dispenser cover shut and (2) press 
gently on the end until the catch 
engages audibly. 
If using tablets, please refer  
to the manufacturer’s packaging where  
to put the tablets (e.g. cutlery basket, 
detergent dispenser, etc.). Even 
if using tablets, ensure that 
the detergent dispenser cover 
is closed.Detergent
 
						

							en13
Tip 
If the utensils are only lightly soiled,  
slightly less than the indicated amount 
of detergent is usually adequate.  
Suitable detergents and care products  
can be purchased online via our website  
or via customer service (see back page). 
Combination detergent
Apart from conventional detergents (Solo), 
a number of products are offered with 
additional functions. These products 
contain not only the detergent but also 
rinse-aid and salt replacement substances  
(3in1) and, dependin
g on the combination 
(4in1, 5in1, etc.), additional components  
such as glass protection or stainless steel 
cleaner. Combination detergents function 
only up to a specific degree of hardness 
(usually 26° Clarke). Over this limit salt 
and rinse-aid must be added.  
As soon as combined detergents  
are used, the rinse programme is adjusted 
automatically to ensure the best possible 
rinsing and drying result. Notes 
– You will obtain optimum rinsing 
and drying results by using solo  
detergents and applying salt and rinse 
aid separately.
– If programmes are short, tablets  may not have full cleaning effect due to 
different dissolving properties 
and there may even be undissolved 
detergent residue. It is recommended 
to use washing powder for these 
programmes.
– The Intensive programme (on some  models) requires one tab only. When 
using washing powder, you can apply 
some of this cleaning agent to the 
inside of the appliance’s door.
– Even if the rinse-aid and/or salt refill  indicator is lit, the rinse programme will 
run correctly with combined 
detergents.
– If using detergents in a water-soluble  protective cover: Take hold of the 
cover with dry hands only and put 
the detergent into an absolutely 
dry detergent dispenser only, otherwise 
the detergent may stick.
– If you switch from combined  detergents to solo detergents, ensure 
that the water softening system 
and amount of rinse aid have been 
set to the correct value.
 
						

							en 
14
The max. possible number of programmes is illustrated i
n this overview. 
The corresponding programmes and their arrangement can be found on the fascia.
Programme selection
You can select a suitable programme  
according to the type of utensils and  
degree of soiling.
Information for test institutes
Test institutes can request the conditions 
for running comparison tests by sending 
an e-mail to  
[email protected].  
Quote the appliance number (E­Nr.) 
and the production date (FD) which you  
can find on the rating 
plate 9*on the appliance door.
Overview of programmes
Type of utensils Type of soiling Programme Possible additional  optionsProgramme sequence
pots and pans,  non-sensitive  utensils 
and cutlery very adhesive burned-
in or dried-on food 
remnants containing  starch or protein ²
Intensive 70°
allPrerinse
Clean 70°
Intermediate rinse
Final rinse 70° Dry
Ú
Normal 65° Prerinse
Clean 65°
Intermediate rinse
Final rinse 70°
Dry
mixed utensils  and cutlery part dried, common 
household food  remnants â
Eco 50° Prerinse
Clean 50°
Intermediate rinse Final rinse 65°
Dry
sensitive utensils,  cutlery, 
temperature-
sensitive plastic  and glasses slightly adhesive, 
fresh food remnants ê
Gentle 40° allPrerinse
Clean 40°
Intermediate rinse Final rinse 55° Dry
ò
Quick 45° Timer programming Clean 45°
Intermediate rinse Final rinse 55°
all types of utensils cold rinsing, 
intermediate cleaning ú
Prerinse Timer programming Prerinse
 
						

							en15
* depending on model 
Additional options can be set with the  
buttons 
@.
Ÿ
 Express Wash/ Speed 
Perfect *
The >>Express Wash/ Speed Perfect
						

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16
End of programme
The programme has ended  
when the value‹ 
is indicated on the numerical display `.
Switching off the appliance
Short time after the end of the programme: 
– Switch off the main switch  (.
– Open the door.
– Turn off the tap (not applicable if Aqua- Stop fitted).
– Remove the utensils when they have  cooled down.
ã= Warning
At the end of the programme please open  
the door fully and not partially 
when emptying the dishwasher. Any 
escaping water vapour could damage 
sensitive worktops.
Interrupting the programme
– Switch off the main switch  (.
TheLEDs go out. Theprogramme 
is saved.  
If the door was opened on an  
appliance which has a warm water 
connection or is heated, first leave 
the door ajar for several minutes 
and then close. Otherwise, expansion  
(pressure) may cause the appliance  
door to spring open or water to run 
out of the appliance.
– To continue the programme,  switch on the main switch ( again.
Terminating the programme  
(Reset)
– Only when the main switch is on:
Rotate programme selector 8 
to the Reset position. 
The digital display ` indicates ‹ 
after approx. 3 sec.
– The programme sequence lasts  approx. 1 min.
– Switch off the main switch  (.
Changing the programme
After you have switched the appliance on,  
it is possible to change the programme 
within 2 min. 
If you want to change the programme  
afterwards, the appliance waits until 
the initiated programme section 
(e. g. washing) ends. The remaining time 
comprises the remaining time  
of the previous programme section  
and the remaining time of the new 
selected programme.
Intensive drying
The final rinse uses a higher temperature 
which improves the drying result. 
The running time may increase slightly. 
(Caution if utensils are delicate!) 
– Close the door. 
– Hold down button + and press main 
switch ( until the digital display 
illuminates. 
– Release both buttons. The factory-set value ‹  (off) or ‚(on) 
is lit on the digital display `.
To change the setting: 
– By pressing the button +, you can 
switch intensive drying on ‚or off ‹.
–Switchoffthemain switch  (.
The set value is saved. 
 
						

							en17
A regular inspection and maintenance of  
your machine will help to prevent faults. 
This saves time and prevents problems.
Overall condition of the machine
– Check spray arm for grease and 
limescale deposits.
If you find such deposits: 
– Fill detergent dispenser with detergent.  Start the appliance without utensils in  
the programme with the highest rinsing 
temperature.
Clean the appliance with detergents/ 
appliance cleaners which are particularly  
suitable for use with dishwashers. 
– Regularly clean door seal with a damp  cloth.
Never use a steam cleaner to clean your  
dishwasher. The manufacturer is not liable 
for any consequential damage. 
Regularly wipe the front of the appliance  
and fascia with a damp cloth; water and a 
little washing up liquid are adequate. Do 
not use sponges with a rough surface or 
abrasive detergents, as these could 
scratch the surfaces. 
Stainless steel appliances: To prevent  
corrosion, avoid using sponge cloths or 
wash them out thoroughly several times 
before using for the first time.
ã= Warning
Never use other chlorinated household  
detergents! Health hazard!
Special salt and rinse aid
– Check the refill indicators  P and 
X . If required, refill salt and/or rinse 
aid.
Filters
The filters 1J keep large foreign 
objects in the rinsing water away from 
the pump. These foreign objects may 
occasionally block the filters. 
– After each wash cycle check the filters  for residue and clean if required.
– After unscrewing the coarse microfilter,  you can take out the filter group.
– Remove any residue and clean filters  under running water.
– Re-install filter system in reverse  sequence and ensure that the arrow  
marks are opposite each other after 
closing the filter system.Maintenance and care

 
						

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18
Spray arms
Limescale and contaminants in the rinsing  
water may block nozzles 
and bearings on the spray arms 12 
and 1:.
–Check outlet nozzlesonthespray  arms for blockages.
– Unscrew the upper spray arm  12.
– Remove the lower spray arm  1: 
upwards.
– Clean spray arms under running water. 
– Re-engage or screw on spray arms. The majority of  faults which could occur in  
daily operation can be rectified by the 
user. This ensures that the appliance is  
quickly available for use again. The  
following overview will help you locating 
the causes and gives helpful advise to 
eliminate them. 
Note 
If the appliance stops during dishwashing  
or does not start for no obvious reason, 
first run the Abort programme function 
(Reset).  
(See chapter entitled “Dishwashing”)
ã=
Warning
Don’t forget: Repairs may be carried out  
by technicians only. If a component has to 
be replaced, ensure that only original 
spare parts are used. Improper repairs or 
use of non-original spare parts may cause  
considerable damage and put the user at  
considerable risk.
Troubleshooting
 
						

							en19
Waste water pump
Large food remnants in the rinsing water  
not retained by the filters may block 
the waste water pump. The rinsing water 
is then not pumped out and covers 
the filter.  
In this case: 
– First disconnect the appliance from  the power supply.
– Remove the filters  1J.
– Scoop out water, use a sponge if  required.
– Loosen screw on the cover (Torx T 20)  and remove the cover.
– Check inner compartment and remove  any foreign objects.
– Re-insert cover and screw tight.
– Re-insert the filters and screw tight.
... when the appliance is  
switched on
The appliance does not start. 
– The mains fuse has tripped. 
– The appliance plug has not been  inserted.
– The appliance door has not been shut  properly.
... on the appliance
Lower spray arm rotates sluggishly. 
– Spray arm blocked. 
The door is difficult to open. * 
– Child-proof lock is activated.  The deactivation instructions  
areatthebackintheenvelope. 
* depending on model
Cover on the detergent dispenser cannot  
be closed. 
– Detergent dispenser overfilled or  mechanism blocked by sticky  
detergent residue.
Detergent residue in the detergent 
dispenser. 
– Dispenser was damp when filled. 
“Check water supply” display H lights 
up.
–Tap turned off. 
– Water supply interrupted. 
– Supply hose kinked. 
– Filter in the water supply blocked.
– Switch off the appliance and pull  out the mains plug. 
–Turnoff thetap.  
– Clean filter in the supply hose.  
– Reconnect power supply.  
–Turnon thetap.
– Switch on the appliance.



 
						

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20
– Water is left in the appliance at the end 
of the programme. 
–Waste water hose  is blocked or kinked.
–Waste water pump blocked,  cover on the waste water pump  
is not locked in position  
(see Waste water pump).
–Filters blocked. 
– The programme has not yet ended.  Wait until programme  
ends or implement “Reset” 
function.
Refill indicator for salt  P and/or rinse-
aid  X  is not lit.
– Refill indicator/s switched off. 
– Adequate salt/rinse-aid available. 
Refill indicator for special salt P is lit.
–No salt. 
Refill with special salt.
... during the wash cycle
Unusual foam formation. 
– Handwash liquid in the rinse aid dispenser. 
Spilled rinse aid causes excessive  
frothing, therefore please remove with  
a cloth.
Appliance stops during the wash cycle. 
– Power supply interrupted.
– Water supply interrupted. 
Filling valves making striking noises 
– Caused by the installation of the water  line and has no effect on the function  
of the machine. Remedial action is not 
possible.
Knocking/rattling noise during rinsing 
– Spray arm is striking utensils. 
– Utensils not arranged correctly.
... on the utensils
Food residue on the utensils.
– Utensils placed too closely together,  utensils basket overfilled.
– Too little detergent. 
– Rinse programme too weak. 
– Spray arm rotation obstructed. 
– Spray arm nozzles blocked. 
–Filters blocked. 
– Filters incorrectly inserted. 
–Waste water pump blocked. 
– Top basket on right and left not set to  same height.
Tea or lipstick residue is not completely  
removed. 
– The detergent has an inadequate  bleaching effect.
– Too low rinsing temperature. 
– Too little/unsuitable detergent. 
White stains on the utensils/glasses  
remain milky. 
If phosphate-free detergents are used with  
hard tap water, white deposits may be 
deposited more easily on utensils and  
the container walls.  
– Too little/unsuitable detergent. 
– Too weak programme selected. 
– No/too little rinse aid. 
– No/too little special salt. 
– Water softening system set to the  wrong value.
– Salt dispenser lock not fastened. 
Contact the detergent manufacturer,  
in particular if:  
– the utensils are very wet at the end of  the programme.
–limescale forms.