There is nothing more frustrating than unpredicted problems with your Bunn coffee maker when instead of a cup of coffee, you receive just steam or water. Quite often, coffee makers stop working if the one-way valve gets clogged, but there are also dozens of other possible problems.
Luckily, coffee maker repair typically isn’t a complicated task even for those who don’t have relevant experience. Try the troubleshooting tips from the tables below and see for yourself!
Leaking water from top
Be sure that the handle is positioned properly. Check it and twist it preferably to the five o’clock position.
Clean the bottom part of your coffee maker and be sure there are no grounds or debris on the rubber gasket.
Do not overfill the filter basket with coffee. If there is an optimal amount of coffee and it still leaks, check the group head gasket and the seal at the filter basket’s top: they could have gotten damaged or worn out.
Wont turn on
There are several reasons why it won’t:
- Faulty or damaged motor
- Clogged or blocked pump
- Damaged grinder
- Faulty pressure pump
- Faulty or damaged temperature sensor
- Problems in the brewing unit
Also, your machine could have stopped working due to burnt-out fuse or fuser sensor. It is advisaeble to check the water supply and nozzle for clogs.
The coffee machine may stop functioning because the fuser sensor or fuse has burned out. It is also worth checking how the water supply works, as a clogged nozzle, filter can cause improper operation of the device or its failure.
Bunn VPR VPS coffee maker troubleshooting
| PROBLEM | PROBABLE CAUSE | REMEDY |
|---|---|---|
| Water is not hot | 1. Limit Thermostat or Thermal Cut-Off CAUTION - Do not eliminate or bypass limit thermostat/thermal cut-off. Use only BOM replace- ment part. Limit Thermostat - #29329.0001 Thermal Cut-off - #04776.0000 | Limit Thermostat or Thermal Cut-Off for testing procedures. |
| 2. Control Thermostat | Control Thermostat for testing procedures. | |
| 3. Tank Heater | Tank Heater for testing procedures. | |
| Spitting or excessive steaming | 1. Lime Build-up CAUTION - Tank and tank components should be delimed regularly depending on local water conditions. Excessive minerai build-up on stainless Steel surfaces can initiate corro- sive reactions resulting in serious leaks. | Inspect the tank assembly for excessive lime deposits. Delime as required. |
| 2. Control Thermostat | Control Thermostat for testing procedures. | |
| Dripping from sprayhead | 1. Lime Build-up CAUTION - Tank and tank components should be delimed regularly depending on local water conditions. Excessive minerai build-up on stainless steel surfaces can initiate corro- sive reactions resulting in serious leaks. | Inspect the tank assembly for excessive lime deposits. Delime as required. |
| 1. Dispenser | The dispenser must be completely empty before starting a brew cycle. | |
| Beverage overflows dispenser | 1. Filter Type | BUNN® paperfilters must be used for proper extraction. |
| Weak beverage | 2. Coffee Grind | A fine or drip grind must be used for proper extraction. |
| 3. Sprayhead | A six-hole stainless steel spray head must be used for proper extraction. | |
| 4. Funnel Loading | The BUNN® paper filter must be centered in the funnel and the bed of grounds leveled by gentle shaking. | |
| 5. Water Temperature | Place an empty funnel on an empty dispenser beneath the sprayhead. Pour-in a pitcher of tap water and check the water temperature im- mediately below the sprayhead with a thermometer. The reading should not be less than 195°F. Adjust the control thermostat to increase the water temperature. Replace if necessary. | |
| Dry coffee grounds remain in the funnel | 1. Funnel Loading | The BUNN® paper filter must be centered in the funnel and the bed of grounds leveled by gently shaking. |
| Brewer is making unusal noises | 1. Tank Heater | Remove and clean lime off the tank heater. |
| Cool beverage serving temperature | 1. ON/OFF Warmer Switch | ON/OFF Warmer Switch for testing procedures. |
| 2. Warmer Element(s) | Warmer Element(s) for testing procedures. |
Bunn Smart Wave Series coffee maker troubleshooting
| RED LED FLASHES | DISPLAY | DESCRIPTION | ACTION |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ER 1 | TEMP SENSOR SHORTED | CALL SERVICE |
| 2 | ER 2 | TEMP SENSOR OPEN | |
| 3 | ER 3 | HEATING TOO LONG | |
| 4 | ER 4 | REFILL TOO LONG | CHECK WATER SUPPLY |
| 5 | ER 5 | HIGH TANK LEVEL-DURING BREW | DELIME |
| 6 | ER 6 | CHECK "ENABLE BREW ON/OFF SWITCh | CHECK SWITCH |
| 7 | ER 7 | CHECK "BREW A7LARGE" SWITCH | |
| 8 | ER 8 | CHECK "BREW B7LARGE" SWITCH | |
| Not Applicable | ER 9 | CHECK "HIDDEN" SWITCH |
Bunn SINGLE SERVE POD BREWER coffee maker troubleshooting
| PROBLEM | SUGGESTIONS |
|---|---|
| Brew Button Flashes Red | • Internal hot water tank must be filled with water. |
| Brew Button is Red | • Your mochine is brewing. Press the Brew Button again to stop the brew process. |
| Indicator Light is Green | • Water is hot and ready to brew. |
| Indicator Light is Red | • Water is heating. |
| Indicator Light Flashes Red | • The Brew Button was pressed but the water is heating. Wait for indicator light to turn green and press Brew Button again. |
| Indicator Light Flashes Green | • Add water. NOTE: Make sure that a cup is positioned on the Drip Tray under the Pod Drawer prior to pushing Brew Button. |
| • If water with low mineral content such as distilled water is used, the sensors may not detect the water. Tip the brewer to drain the water out of the Pour-ln Bowl and add tap water, drinking water or bottled water with a higher mineral content. | |
| Indicator Light Flashes Red and Green | • Pod Drawer is not fully inserted. Press in the Pod Drawer to lock into place. |
| Pulse Button is Red | • The Pulse option is activated. Press the Pulse Button again to deactivate. |
| Brewer doesn't turn on | • Make sure brewer is plugged into a working outlet. |
| • Press Brew Button to begin brew (Brew Button will be illuminated). | |
| Coffee/tea is not brewing | • Make sure brewer is plugged into a working outlet. |
| • Make sure brewer is filled with water. The hot water tank needs to be filled to begin brewing (indicator light will flash green). | |
| • Make sure Pod Drawer is fully inserted (the indicator light will alternately flash red and green if it is not fully inserted). | |
| • If indicator light flashes red. brewer is heating water to proper brew temperature in approximately 2 minutes. When the light is green, press Brew Button. | |
| • Press Brew Button to begin brew (Brew Button will be illuminated). | |
| Takes too long to brew | • Mineral deposits may be present in your brewer. See Deep Cleaning |
| and Cleaning the Sprayhead | |
| Brewer only brews water | • Make sure a pod is in the Pod Drawer. |
| Water speed varies during brew | • The Pulse Brew Button has been pressed. During the brew, water flow will vary to properly steep tea or for stronger coffee. |
| Water leaks out around the Sprayhead | • The Sprayhead may be clogged, loose or the seal may be damaged. Please refer to Cleaning the Sprayhead. Reassembling the Sprayhead/ Seal and Inspecting the Sprayhead Seal |
| The Pod Holder will not come out of the brewer | • The pod in the Pod Drawer may be swelled to a point where the drawer does not slide out easily. Wait 10 minutes for the pressure to drop and try carefully removing the Pod Drawer ogain. |
| Water leaks out around the. Pod Drawer | • Make sure the pod is fully seated in the Pod Drawer cavity. |
| Off taste is detected | • Perform Basic Cleaning and Deep Cleaning |
| • Remove used pods from pod drawer after each brew. Do not leave used pods in the pod drawer for extended periods of time. |
Bunn OL coffee maker troubleshooting
| Problem | Probable Cause | Remedy |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment will not operate. | 1. No power or incorrect voltage | (A) Connect the brewer to the power source. |
| (B) Check the terminal block for the proper voltages. | ||
| (C) Check circuit breaker/fuse. | ||
| Brew cycle will not start. | 1. No water | Check plumbing and shut-off valves. |
| 2. Water Strainer | (A) Direction of flow arrow must be poinling towards brewer. | |
| (B) Remove the strainer and check for obstructions. Clear or replace. | ||
| 3. Water Level Switch and Overflow Safety Switch | Refer to Service Water Level Switch and Overflow Safety Switch for testing procedures. | |
| Brew cycle will not start, (cont.) | 4. On/Off Brew Station Warmer Switch | Refer to Service On/Off Brew Station Warmer Switch for testing procedures. |
| 5. Start Switch | Refer to Service Start Switch for testing procedures. | |
| 6. Relay | Refer to Service Relay for testing procedures. | |
| 7. Solenoid Valve | Refer to Service Solenoid Valve for testing procedures. | |
| Water flows into fill basin continuously (On/Off brew station warmer switch ’OFF*). | 1. Solenoid Valve | |
| Water flows into fill basin continuously (On/Off brew station warmer switch "ON*). | 1. Start Switch | Refer to Service Start Switch for testing procedures. |
| Water is not hot. | 1. Limit Thermostat. Do not eliminate or bypass limit thermostat. Use only B.O.M. replacement part #29329.1000 | Refer to Service Limit Thermostat for testing procedures. |
| 2. Control Thermostat | Refer to Service Control Thermostat for testing procedures. | |
| 3. Tank Heater | Refer to Service Tank Heater for testing procedures. | |
| Decanter warmer is not hot. | 1. Warmer Switches | (A) The Warmer Switches must be in the ON position for the warmer to operate. |
| (B) Refer to Service Warmer Switch (es) for testing procedures. | ||
| 2. Decanter Warmers | Refer to Service Warmers for testing procedures. | |
| Spitting or unusual steaming from sprayhead. | 1. Control Thermostat | Refer to Service Control Thermostat for testing procedures. |
| 2. Lime build-up. Tank and tank components should be delimed regularly depending on local water conditions. Excessive mineral build-up on stainless steel surfaces can initiate corrosive reactions resulting in serious leaks. | Inspect the tank assembly for excessive lime deposits. Delime as required. | |
| Warmer plates too hot, solenoid coil smoking, or water in tank heats excessively fast. | 1. Brewer wired to wrong voltage | |
| Inconsistent beverage level in decanter. | 1. Improper water pressure | Check the operating water pressure to the brewer. It must be between 20 and 90 psi. |
| 2. Syphon system | Water should flow freely from the sprayhead and then stop abruptly. The brewer must be level from frontto-back to syphon properly. | |
| Dripping from sprayhead. | 1. Syphon system | |
| 2. Solenoid Valve | Refer to Service Solenoid Valve for testing procedures. | |
| Beverage overflows decanter. | 1. Beverage left in decanter | The brew cycle should be started only with an empty decanter under the funnel. |
| Weak beverage. | 1. Type of paper filters | BUNN® paper filters should be used for proper extraction. |
| 2. Coffee | A sufficient quantity of fine or drip grind coffee should be used for proper extraction. | |
| 3. Sprayhead | B.O.M. sprayhead #01082.0000 should be used to properly wet the bed of ground coffee in the funnel. | |
| 4. Funnel loading | The BUNN® paper filter should be centered in the funnel and the bed of coffee leveled by gentle shaking. | |
| 5. Water temperature | Place a funnel over an empty decanter on the warmer beneath the sprayhead. Place the On/Off brew station warmer switch in the upper position, press the start switch, and check the water temperature immediately below the sprayhead with an accurate thermometer. The reading should not be less than 195° F. Adjust the control thermostat slightly clockwise to increase the water temperature. | |
| Brewer is making unusual noises. | 1. Solenoid Valve | The nut on top of the solenoid valve must be tight or it will vibrate during operation. |
| 2. Plumbing lines | Plumbing lines should not rest on the counter top. | |
| 3. Water supply | (A) The brewer must be connected to a cold water line. |
Bunn coffee maker BTX B troubleshooting
| Problem | Suggestions |
|---|---|
| Coffee not coming out | • Initial set up required. |
| • Make sure lid is closed. | |
| • Evaporation can occur overtime - reservoir may need to be refilled. | |
| • Requires a minimum of 4 cups (20 oz) to begin brewing. | |
| • Check sprayhead holes, clean if necessary. | |
| Brewed only partial decanter | • Evaporation can occur overtime - reservoir may need refilled. |
| • Some water is always absorbed by the coffee grounds and filter. You may need to adjust water input accordingly. | |
| Funnel is overflowing | • Use BUNN paper filters. |
| • Sprayhead is missing. | |
| • Decaffeinated, fine grind coffee or softened water is used. See bottom of to order correct sprayhead or paper filters. | |
| Coffee is cold | • Plug in brewer and turn on vacation switch on side of brewer. Allow 15 minutes for water to heat to proper temperature. |
| Coffee is not staying hot | • Warmer switch should be in the “on” position. (BX, GRX, NHBX) |
| • If using a BTX with thermal carafe, pre-heating will increase the time your coffee will stay warm. | |
| Loud rumbling noise | • Normal while water is heating. |
| • May be time to delime. | |
| Waterflow begins before lid is closed | • Make sure lid is fully open. |
| • Brewer is not designed to hold water in upper tray for an extended period of time. | |
| • Remove top lid to ensure rocker arm is snapped in place and rubber stopper area is thoroughly cleaned. | |
| Deliming tool doesn’t go in all the way | • Refer to deliming instructions (step 3) |
| Brewer leaks | • For repair information, go to www.bunn.com, Home Coffee Brewers or call 800-352-2866. |
Bunn CDBCF Airpot coffee maker troubleshooting
| FLASHES | CAUSE | THINGS TO CHECK |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dry Plug - In Fault - Sheath of temperature probe dry for 10 minutes after power-up | Water Pressure |
| Temperature probe wiring | ||
| Rll valve wiring, function, & strainer | ||
| Green wire between tank and circuit board | ||
| 2 | Low Tank Level Fault - Level probe dry for 7 minutes after fill valve is energized | Water pressure Level probe wiring Temperature probe wiring Rll valve wiring, function, & strainer |
| 3 | Low Water Temperature Fault - Sensor in tank is calling for heat for 30 minutes or more | Tank heater wiring & function Temperature probe wiring |
| 4 | Tank Sensor Disagreement - Level probe detects water, but dry plug-in probe dry | Temperature probe wiring Level probe wiring |
| Green wire between tank and circuit board | ||
| 5 | Temp Sensor Out-of-Range - High | Sensor not connected to circuit board |
| 6 | Temp Sensor Out-of-Range - Low | Sensor wires shorted together or to chassis |
Bunn HG coffee maker troubleshooting
| PROBLEM | SUGGESTIONS |
|---|---|
| Brewer does not turn on | • Make sure brewer is plugged into a working outlet. |
| • Press the On/Off button to begin brew (red light will be illuminated). | |
| Coffee is not brewing | • Make sure brewer is plugged into a working outlet. |
| • Make sure brewer is filled with water. A minimum of 4 cups (20 oz.) is needed to begin brewing. | |
| • Make sure brewer clock is set. | |
| • Press the On/Off button to begin brew (red light will be illuminated). | |
| • Check to see if Auto-Start time was programmed accurately. | |
| Brew time is longer than usual | • Check sprayhead holes for debris. Clean sprayhead and perform deep cleaning. |
| Brew funnel overflows | • Be sure filter basket is properly inserted. |
| • Use BUNN paper filters - they are taller to prevent overflow. | |
| • Be sure sprayhead is in place. | |
| • If overflow continues, contact BUNN for a flow restrictor sprayhead. | |
| Warmer plate stays on after brewing phase | • Warmer plate automatically shuts off after 2 hours. To shut off manually, push the On/Off button (red light will turn off). |
| Programmed | • Make sure AM/PM was accurately selected. |
| Auto-Start did not work | • Reprogram for Daylight Savings Time or a power outage if needed. |
| • Make sure Auto-Start button is illuminated. | |
| Digital display flashes between time and ‘CLE’ | • Perform deep cleaning. |
| Rumbling noise | • Normal while water is heating. |
| • Will occur if you pour fresh water into unit immediately after brewing. | |
| • Will occur if you pour fresh water into unit when the warmer is still on from previous brew. |
Bunn CWT 15-APS coffee maker troubleshooting
| PROBLEM | PROBABLE CAUSE | REMEDY |
|---|---|---|
| Brew cycle will not start | 1. ON/LOWER Switch is off. | Turn on switch. |
| 2. No power | (A) Turn on main power switch. | |
| (B) Check that the power cord is securely plugged into outlet. | ||
| (C) Check circuit breakers or fuses. | ||
| 3. No water | (A) Water lines and valves to the brewer must be open. | |
| (B) Check for plugged water filter | ||
| Water is not hot | 1. Heater switch turned off. | Turn on switch |
| Inconsistent beverage level | 1. Lime Build-up | (A) Use deliming spring. |
| (B) Clean sprayhead. | ||
| 2. Water Pressure fluctuating. | Have a pressure regulator In- stalled. | |
| Consistently low or high bever- age level. | 1. Timer adjustment. | Adjust timer. |
| Spitting or excessive steaming | 1. Lime Build-up | (A) Use deliming spring. |
| (B) Clean sprayhead. | ||
| Dripping from sprayhead | 1. Syphon System | The brewer must be level or slightly lower in front to syphon properly. |
| Brew cycle starts when ON/ LOWER Switch is turned on. | Auxiliary brew start switch on TWINS inadvertently activated. | Move objects away from brewer. |
| Weak beverage | 1. Filter Type | BUNN® paperfilters must be used for proper extraction. |
| 2. Coffee Grind | A fine or drip grind must be used for proper extraction. | |
| 3. Sprayhead | A clean spray-head must be used for proper extraction. | |
| 4. Funnel Loading | The BUNN® paper filter must be centered in the funnel and the bed of ground leveled by gentle shaking. | |
| 5. Water Temperature | Place an emptyfunnel on an empty dispenser beneath the sprayhead. Initiatea brew cycle and check the water temperature immediately below the sprayhead with a ther- mometer. The reading should not be less than 195°F (76°C). Adjust the control thermostatto increase the water temperature. Replace if necessary. | |
| Dry coffee grounds remain in the funnel | 1. Funnel Loading | The BUNN® paper filter must be centered in the funnel and the bed of grounds leveled by gently shaking. |
| 2. Sprayhead | A clean spray-head must be used for proper extraction. |
Bunn CW-APS coffee maker troubleshooting
| PROBLEM | PROBABLE CAUSE | REMEDY |
|---|---|---|
| Brew cycle will not start (CWT- APS, CWTF-APS, CWT-TS, CWTF- TS, CWT-TSR &CWTF-TSR) | 1. No water | Water lines and valves to the brewer must be open. |
| 2.Nopowerorincorrectvoltageto the brewer | (A1) Check the terminal block for 120 volts across the black and white terminals on two wire 120 volt brewers. | |
| (A2) Check the terminal block for 120 volts across the red and white terminals and the black and white terminal on three wire 120/240 volt brewers. | ||
| (A3) Check the terminal block for 200 volts on ’B Series" brewers or 240 volts on ’A Series" brewers across the red and black termi- nals. | ||
| (A4) Check the terminal block for 100 volts on ’B Series" brewers across the white and black terminals. | ||
| (B) Check circuit breakers or fuses. | ||
| Brew cycle will not start (cont.) (CWT-APS, CWTF-APS, CWT-TS, CWTF-TS, CWT-TSR &CWTF- TSR) | 3. ON/OFF Switch | Refer to Service - ON/OFF Switch for testing. |
| 4. Start Switch | Refer to Service - Start Switch for testing procedures. | |
| 5. Timer | Referto Service-Timerfortesting procedures. | |
| 6. Solenoid Valve | Refer to Service - Solenoid Valve for testing procedures. | |
| 7. Water strainer/flow control (.222 GPM) | (A) Direction of flow arrow must be pointing towards brewer. | |
| (B) Remove the strainer/flow con- trol and check for obstructions. Clear or replace. | ||
| Water is not hot | 1. Tank Heater Switch | Refer to Service - Tank Heater Switch fortesting procedures. |
| 2. Limit Thermostat CAUTION - Do not eliminate or bypass limit thermostat. Use only BOM replacement part #29329.1000 | Refer to Service - Limit Thermostat for testing procedures. | |
| 3. Control Thermostat | Refer to Service - Control Thermostat fortesting procedures. | |
| 4. Tank Heater | Refer to Service - Tank Heater for testing procedures. | |
| Inconsistent beverage level in dis- penser | 1. Strainer /flow control (.222 GPM) (CWT-APS, CWTF-APS, CWT-TS, CWTF-TS, CWT-TSR & CWTF-TSR | (A) Direction of flow arrow must be pointing towards the brewer. |
| (B) Remove the strainer/flow con- trol and check for obstruction. Clear or replace. | ||
| 2. Syphon System | The brewer must be level or slightly lower in front to syphon properly. | |
| 3. Lime Build-up CAUTION-Tankand tankcompo- nents should be delimed regularly depending on local water condi- tions. Excessive mineral build-up on stainless steel surfaces can initiate corrosive reactions result- ing in serious leaks. | Inspect the tank assembly for excessive lime deposits. Delime as required. | |
| 4. Water Pressure (CWT-APS, CWTF-APS, CWT-TS, CWTF-TS, CWT-TSR & CWTF-TSR) | The water pressure to the brewer must be at least 20 psi (138 kPa). | |
| Consistently low beverage level in the dispenser (CWT-APS, CWTF- APS, CWT-TS, CWTF-TS, CWT- TSR & CWTF-TSR) | 1. Timer | Timer must activate solenoid for at least two minutes and fifteen seconds. |
| 2. Strainer/flow Control (.222 GPM) | (A) Direction of flow arrow must be pointing towards brewer. | |
| (B) Remove the strainer/flow control and check for obstructions. Clear or replace. | ||
| Spitting or excessive steaming | 1. Lime Build-up CAUTION-Tankand tankcompo- nents should be delimed regularly depending on local water condi- tions. Excessive mineral build-up on stainless steel surfaces can initiate corrosive reactions result- ing in serious leaks. | Inspect tank assembly for excessive lime deposits. Delime as required. |
| Weak beverage | 1. Filter Type | BUNN® paper filters must be used for proper extraction. |
| 2. Coffee Grind | A fine or drip grind must be used for proper extraction. | |
| 3. Sprayhead | A six-hole stainless steel spray- head must be used for proper extraction. | |
| 4. Funnel Loading | The BUNN® paper filter must be centered in the funnel and the bed of ground leveled by gentle shak- ing. | |
| 5. Water Temperature | Placean empty funnel on an empty dispenser beneath the sprayhead. I nitiate a brew cycle and check the water temperature immediately below the sprayhead with a thermometer. The reading should not be less than 195°F. Adjust the control thermostat to increase the watertemperature. Replace if necessary. | |
| Dry coffee grounds remain in the funnel | 1. Funnel Loading | The BUNN® paper filter must be centered in the funnel and the bed of grounds leveled by gently shaking. |
| Brewer is making unusal noises (CWT-APS, CWTF-APS, CWT-TS, CWTF-TS, CWT-TSR, CWTF-TSR) | 1. Solenoid | The nut on the solenoid must be tight or it will vibrate during operation. |
| 2. Plumbing Lines | Plumbing lines should not resting on the countertop. | |
| 3. Water Supply | (A) The brewer must be connected to a cold water line. |