When it comes to coffee machine repair, Siemens troubleshooting tables you can see below are an excellent guide. As every lineup has its distinctive features, there are separate tables for each range, including EQ series, TK series, and TE series.
Siemens TE series coffee machine troubleshooting
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Display shows refill Bean container although the bean container is full, or the grinding unit does not grind the beans | Beans are not falling into the grinding unit (beans too oily) | Gently tap the bean container. Change the type of coffee if necessary. When the bean container is empty, wipe it with a dry cloth. |
| No hot water dispensed | The milk frother is soiled. | Clean the milk frother |
| Too little or no milk froth. | 1) The milk frother is soiled. 2) Build-up of limescale in the appliance 3) Milk unsuitable for frothing. 4) The milk frother is not correctly assembled | 1) Clean the milk frother 2) Descale the appliance as described in the instructions 3) Use low-fat milk (1.5 % fat). 4) Wet the milk frother parts and press together firmly |
| Coffee dispensing slows to a trickle or stops completely. | 1) Coffee is ground too finely. Pre-ground coffee is too fine. 2) Build-up of limescale in the appliance. | 1) Adjust the grinding unit to a coarser setting. Use coarser pre-ground coffee. 2) Descale the appliance as described in the instructions. |
| Coffee has no "crema" | 1) Unsuitable type of coffee. 2) The beans are no longer fresh 3) The grinding setting is not suitable for the beans | 1) Use a type of coffee with a higher proportion of robusta beans 2) Use fresh beans 3) Adjust grinding setting to fine |
| Coffee is too "acidic" | 1) The grinding setting is too coarse or the pre-ground coffee is too coarse 2) Unsuitable type of coffee | 1) Adjust the grinding unit to a finer setting or use finer preground coffee 2) Use a darker roast. |
| Coffee is too "bitter". | 1)The grinding setting is too fine or the pre-ground coffee is too fine. 2) Unsuitable type of coffee. | 1) Adjust the grinding unit to a coarser setting or use coarser pre-ground coffee. 2) Change type of coffee used. |
| Display shows Error Call hotline | The appliance has a fault. | Please call the hotline. |
| The water filter does not stay in position in the water tank | The water filter is not mounted correctly. | Firmly press the water filter straight down into the tank connection. |
| Display shows Check water tank | 1) Water tank has been incorrectly inserted or the new water filter has not been rinsed according to instructions. 2) Carbonated water in the water tank. | 1) Insert the water tank correctly or rinse the water filter according to instructions and then switch on. 2) Fill the water tank with fresh tap water |
| The coffee grounds are not compact and are too wet | The grinding setting is too fine or too coarse, or not enough ground coffee has been used | 1) Adjust the grinding unit to a coarser or finer setting, or use 2) level measuring spoons of ground coffee |
| Display shows Clean brewing unit | 1) Brewing unit is soiled 2) Too much pre-ground coffee in the brewing unit 3) The brewing unit's mecha- nism is stiff | 1) Clean brewing unit 2) Clean brewing unit (pour in no more than 2 level measuring spoons of ground coffee) 3) Remove and clean the brewing unit |
| Coffee or milk froth quality varies considerably | Build-up of limescale in the appliance | Descale the appliance as described in the instructions |
| Water dripped onto the inner floor of the appliance when the drip tray was removed | Drip tray removed too early. | Wait a few seconds after the last drink was dispensed before removing the drip tray |
| Display shows Insert brewing unit | Brewing unit is missing or was not recognised. | Switch off the appliance with the brewing unit in place, wait three seconds and switch on the appliance |
| Restore the unit to its original factory settings ("Reset"). | You changed some settings and want to discard them | Turn off the unit with the power on/off switch O / I. Press and hold the e off / j and the h button and turn the appliance on with the power on/off switch O / I. Confirm by pressing the start button start. The factory settings are now activated. |
Siemens CT series (built in) coffee machine troubleshooting
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Strongly fluctuating coffee or milk froth quality (e.g. fluctuation in quantity or milk froth spraying) | 1) Build-up of limescale in the appliance 2) The suction pipe is blocked | 1) Descale the appliance according to the instructions 2) Clean the suction pipe |
| Drinks cannot be dispensed | Beverage outlet or one of the 3 connections are blocked | Clean the beverage outlet and the connections |
| The drink runs out at the entire outlet during dispensing | Lower part of the beverage outlet is missing | Attach the lower part. |
| Too little milk froth, none at all, or the milk system is not taking in any milk | 1) Build-up of limescale in the appliance 2) Beverage outlet or one of the 3 connections are blocked 3) Milk not suitable for foaming 4) Beverage outlet or the milk tubes are not correctly assembled 5) The suction pipe is blocked | 1) Descale the appliance 2) Clean the beverage outlet and the connections 3) Do not use milk that has already been boiled. Use cold milk with a fat content of at least 1,5% 4) Moisten the individual parts and put them together again 5) Clean the suction pipe |
| The personally selected volume is not reached. Coffee dispensing slows to a trickle or stops completely | 1) Coffee is ground too finely. Preground coffee is too fine 2) Heavy build-up of limescale in the appliance | 1) Adjust the grinding level to a coarser setting. Use a coarser ground coffee 2) Descale the appliance according to the instructions. |
| Hot water milky or tastes of coffee | 1) Hot water milky or tastes of coffee 2) Milk or coffee residue in the beverage outlet | 1) Remove the milk tube from the milk container 2) Clean the beverage outlet |
| Coffee has no "crema" | 1) Unsuitable type of coffee 2) The beans are no longer fresh 3) The grinding level is not suitable for the beans | 1) Use a type of coffee with a higher proportion of robusta beans 2) Use fresh beans 3) Adjust the grinding unit to a finer setting. |
| Coffee is too "acidic" | 1) The grinding level is too coarse. Preground coffee is too coarse 2) Unsuitable type of coffee | 1) Adjust the grinding unit to a finer setting. Use a finer ground coffee. 2) Change the type of coffee |
| Coffee is too "bitter" | 1) Coffee is ground too finely. Preground coffee is too fine. 2) Unsuitable type of coffee | 1) Adjust the grinding level to a coarser setting. Use a coarser ground coffee 2) Change the type of coffee |
| Coffee tastes burnt | 1) The brewing temperature is too high 2) Coffee is ground too finely. Preground coffee is too fine 3) Unsuitable type of coffee | 1) Reduce the temperature. 2) Adjust the grinding level to a coarser setting. Use a coarser ground coffee 3) Change the type of coffee |
| Coffee is too "weak" | 1) Coffee strength selected is too weak 2) Ground coffee jammed in the coffee drawer | 1) Raise the strength of the coffee. 2) Remove the ground coffee drawer, clean and dry thoroughly |
| Ground coffee sticks in the coffee drawer | 1) Ground coffee sticks together 2) Coffee drawer is damp | 1) Do not press the ground coffee firmly into the coffee drawer 2) Remove the ground coffee drawer, clean and dry thoroughly |
| The water filter does not stay in position in the water tank | The water filter is not mounted correctly | Firmly press the water filter straight down into the tank connection |
| Bean container sticks when inserting | There are beans in the housing | Remove the beans. |
| The coffee grounds are not compact and are too wet | The grinding setting is too fine or too coarse, or not enough ground coffee has been used | Adjust the grinding unit to a coarser or finer setting, or use 2 level measuring spoons of ground coffee |
| Grinding level adjustment is stiff | Too many beans in the grinding unit | Dispensing a drink from coffee beans. Only make any subsequent changes to the grinding level in small steps |
| Brewing unit cannot be inserted | 1) Brewing unit is in the wrong position 2) Brewing unit is locked | 1) Insert the brewing unit according to the instructions 2) Unlock the brewing unit |
| Protective cover of the brewing unit cannot be properly attached | Brewing unit is not locked | Lock the brewing unit |
| Display shows "12:00" | Power failure or appliance switched off at mains | Re-enter values; do not switch the appliance off at the mains or select the "Off" option in the Clock display menu |
| Display shows "Milk container connected?" despite connected milk container | 1) Container is outside the range of the sensor 2) Material e.g. milk carton is not recognised | 1) Position the container at the right edge 2) Confirm the display request with "Yes" or use the enclosed milk container |
| Display shows, for example: "Fault: E0510" | The appliance has a fault | Proceed according to the display screen |
| Display shows "Fill bean container" although the container is already full, or the grinder is not grinding any beans | Beans are not falling into the grinding unit (beans too oily) | Gently tap the bean container. Possibly change the type of coffee. When the bean container is empty, wipe it with a dry cloth |
| Display shows "Clean brewing unit" | 1) Brewing unit is soiled 2) Too much ground coffee in the brewing unit 3) The mechanism of the brewing unit is stiff | 1) Clean the brewing unit 2) Clean the brewing unit. Do not place more than two level measuring spoons of ground coffee in the drawer 3) Clean the brewing unit |
| Display shows "Refill with still water or remove filter " | 1) Water tank wrongly inserted 2) Carbonated water in the water tank 3) Float is stuck in the water tank 4) New water filter not rinsed according to instructions, or water filter used or defective 4) Air in the water filter | 1) Insert water tank correctly 2) Fill the water tank with fresh tap water 3) Remove the tank and clean thoroughly 4) Rinse the water filter according to the instructions and then switch on, or use a new water filter 5) Dip the water filter into water until no more air bubbles escape, replace the filter |
| Problem Display shows "Refill with still water or remove filter " Display shows "Empty drip trays" despite them being empty | Drip tray is soiled and wet | Clean and dry the drip tray thoroughly |
| Display screen reads "Insert drip trays" even though drip tray in use | Inside of appliance (tray holder) dirty | Clean the inside |
| Water dripped onto the inner floor of the appliance when the drip tray was removed | Drip tray was removed too soon | Wait a few seconds after the last drink was dispensed before removing the drip tray |
| Display shows "Please press on/off" | 1) Appliance is too warm 2) Dirty brewing unit | 1) Leave the appliance to cool down 2) Clean the brewing unit |
Siemens EQ series coffee machine troubleshooting
| Problem | Reason | Remedial action |
|---|---|---|
| The appliance no longer responds | Fault in the appliance. | Pull out the mains plug, wait 5 seconds, plug it back in |
| Coffee or milk froth quality varies considerably | Build-up of limescale in the appliance | Descale the appliance in accordance with the instructions. |
| The individually selected per-cup quantity is not reached. Coffee dispensing slows to a trickle or stops completely | 1) Grinding level is too fine. 2) Heavy build-up of limescale in the appliance 3) Air in the water filter | 1) Set a coarser grinding level. 2) Descale the appliance as described in the instructions 3) Immerse the water filter into water until no more air bubbles escape; insert the filter again. |
| No coffee dispensed, only water. | 1) An empty bean container is not detected by the appliance. 2) The coffee shaft on the brewing unit is blocked. 3) Beans are not falling into the grinding unit (beans too oily). | 1) Pour in coffee beans Note: The appliance will adjust to the coffee beans upon the next dispensing process 2) Clean the brewing unit. 3) Gently tap the bean container.Possibly change the type of coffee. When the bean container is empty, wipe it with a dry cloth |
| Coffee has no "crema" | 1) Unsuitable type of coffee 2) The beans are no longer freshly roasted 3) The grinding level is not suitable for the coffee beans | 1) Use a type of coffee with a higher proportion of robusta beans 2) Use fresh beans 3) Set a finer grinding level |
| The coffee is too "acidic" | 1) Grinding level set too coarse 2) Unsuitable type of coffee | 1) Set a finer grinding level. 2) Use a darker roast. |
| The coffee is too "bitter" | 1) Coffee is ground too fine 2) Unsuitable type of coffee | 1) Set a coarser grinding level 2) Change the type of coffee |
| The coffee tastes "burnt". | 1) Coffee is ground too fine 2) Unsuitable type of coffee | 1) Set a coarser grinding level. 2) Change the type of coffee |
| Milk/blended milk drinks too hot. Milk froth too thin, loud sucking noise. | Too little milk in glass or cup. | Use more milk or adjust frothing time |
| Milk/blended milk drinks too cold | Too much milk in glass or cup. | Use less milk or adjust frothing time. |
| No milk/milk froth dispensed | The milk frother is soiled. The milk frother is not inserted in the milk | Clean the milk frother in the dishwasher. Use more milk, check whether the milk frother is inserted in the milk. Slide the outlet system right down |
| The water filter does not stay in position in the water tank. | The water filter is not mounted correctly | Immerse the water filter into water until no more air bubbles escape; insert the filter again. Firmly press the water filter straight down into the tank connection. |
| Water dripped onto the inner floor of the appliance when the drip tray was removed | Drip tray removed too early | Wait a few seconds after the last drink was dispensed before removing the drip tray. |
| The brewing unit cannot be removed. | The brewing unit is not in the removal position (e.g. frost protection activated) | Switch the appliance on again |
| The appliance cannot be oper- ated, display messages chang- ing | The appliance is in demo mode. | Hold the k button for at least 5 seconds to deactivate demo mode |
| The grinder will not start | The appliance is too hot. | Wait 1 hour so the appliance can cool down. |
| Display shows "Close door" despite door closed | 1) The door is not properly closed. 2) The appliance is too hot | 1) Press the door firmly closed 2) Wait 1 hour so the appliance can cool down |
| Display shows: "Empty trays" despite empty drip tray - what to do? | Emptying is not detected when the appliance is off. | When the appliance is switched on, remove and re-insert the drip tray |
| Display shows "Fill water tank" despite full water tank | 1) Water tank wrongly inserted. 2) Carbonated water in the water tank 3) Float is stuck in the water tank. 4) New water filter not rinsed according to the instructions. 4) Air in the water filter. 5) Water filter is old | 1) Insert water tank correctly 2) Fill the water tank with fresh tap water 3) Remove the water tank and clean thoroughly 4) Rinse the water filter according to the instructions and then switch on. 4) Immerse the water filter (opening up) in water until no more air bubbles escape; insert the filter again 5) Insert a new water filter |
| Display shows "Fill water tank" and LEDs flashing. | 1) Water tank is missing or not inserted correctly 2) The pipe system in the appliance is dry 3) Air in the water filter | 1) Insert water tank correctly 2) Fill the water tank with fresh tap water. Do not fill up with carbonated water 3) Immerse the water filter (opening up) in water until no more air bubbles escape; insert the filter again. |
| Display shows "Clean brewing unit". | 1) Brewing unit is soiled 2) The brewing unit's mechanism is stiff. | 1) Clean the brewing unit 2) Clean the brewing unit |
| Display shows "Incorrect voltage" | Incorrect voltage in building | Operate the appliance at 220V-240V only |
| Display shows "Device too cold" | The ambient temperature is too cold | Operate the appliance at temperatures >5°C. |
| Display shows "Restart appliance", LEDs flashing | Brewing unit very heavily soiled, or brewing unit cannot be removed. | Switch the appliance off and back on again. Clean brewing unit if possible |
| Display shows "Restart appliance"; LED does not light up | Fault in the appliance | Restart appliance |
Siemens TK series coffee machine troubleshooting
| Fault | Cause | Remedial action |
|---|---|---|
| ADD BEANS displayed despite full bean container. | 1) Grinding unit has still not been filled automatically. 2) Degree of grinding is set too fine and the coffee strength rotary knob selected is VERY MILD | 1) Press ON button 2 5 again. 2) Set a coarser degree of grinding and/or select stronger coffee. |
| No hot water or steam discharge | Froth nozzle 13 is blocked | Clean froth nozzle 13 thoroughly |
| Froth insufficient or too runny | 1) Nozzle 13 is blocked 2) Blocked choke 13g or blocked rotary knob 13a. 3) Unsuitable milk | 1) Clean froth nozzle 13 thoroughly 2) Thoroughly free milk residue from individual parts. 3) Use cold semi skimmed milk |
| Coffee is running a drop at a time. | 1) Degree of grinding too fine 2) Preground coffee too fine | 1) Set coarser degree of grinding. 2) Use a coarser ground coffee |
| Coffee has no "crema" | 1) Unsuitable type of coffee. 2) Beans no longer fresh. 3) Degree of grinding not appropriate for coffee beans. | 1) Change the type of coffee. 2) Use fresh beans. 3) Optimise degree of grinding. |
| Grind unit is not grinding coffee beans | Beans are not falling into the grinding unit (too oily) | Gently tap the bean container. Possibly change the type of coffee. If bean container is empty, wipe out with a dry cloth |
| Descaling programme is not starting | 1) Current programming is set to: FILTER YES/NEW or FILTER CHANGE displayed. 2) System too hot. | 1) Set programming to FILTER NO/OLD Never descale with inserted filter 2) Let out some of the hot water |
| Cleaning programme does not start | 1) System too hot 2) Display FILTER CHANGE | 1) Let out some of the hot water 2) Change filter |
| Grinding unit is making loud noise | Foreign objects in the grinding unit (e.g. grit which also occurs in superior types of coffee) | Contact Hotline. Note: Preground coffee can still be prepared |
| Display ERROR 1 | Appliance too cold | Wait until the appliance has warmed up to room temperature |
| Display ERROR 5 or ERROR 8 | Technical fault. | Switch off the appliance for at least 10 seconds with the mains switch. |
The German conglomerate company Siemens is known as the EU’s largest industrial manufacturing company. The range of electronics and electrical engineering products and services it provides is very diverse, from gas and steam turbines to heavy duty motors.
The company manufactures several types of coffee machines, including fully automatic bean-to-cup coffee centers.