Zanussi built-in ZDT6894 black sponge

Hi all,

Ive been having a problem with this dishwasher, it produces an AL6 on a frequent basis (draining but not filling), a workaround I have been using is to switch off the machine between programs and the program completes.

However this wasn’t working recently, so as I was fiddling I noticed that a small piece of oblong black sponge was loose on the top of the machine, it looks like it comes from a gap in the plastic tubing that is present down the left side at the top of the machine and is just stuffed in there. I stuffed in back in place and this seems to have cured the AL6.

However the black sponge is disintegrating and will probably need replacing. Can anyone explain what this sponge is and it’s purpose? With the sponge removed there is a flow of air escaping from the gap. Also alongside the sponge is square tubing that is connected loosely, seems to be a drain of some sort, it comes from the back centre top of the machine (from some kind of pump?).

Cheers,

Tim.