Display shows E5 and the coffee maker shuts off or will not start; sometimes accompanied by a beeping alarm.

Safety first: Unplug the coffee maker and do not attempt to operate it until the fault is investigated. Internal shorts can pose a fire risk.

Basic reset:

• Unplug the unit for at least 15 minutes to allow capacitors to discharge.
• Plug back in and attempt to set the clock and start a simple brew cycle with water only.

Inspect for moisture and contamination:

• Remove the top cover/control panel (usually held by screws under the water reservoir lid and at the back).
• Check the control PCB for signs of coffee or water spills, sticky residue, or corrosion.
• If present, gently clean the board with isopropyl alcohol (90%+) and a soft brush, then allow to dry completely before reassembly.

Check for obvious damage:

• Look for burnt components, cracked solder joints, or bulging capacitors on the control board.
• Inspect the wiring from the board to the heating element and pump (if equipped) for melted insulation or charring.

When to replace:

• If E5 persists after cleaning and reset, and there is visible damage or no output to the heater, replace the main control PCB with a model-specific Black+Decker replacement.
• If you detect a burnt smell from the heater wiring or relay area, consider replacing both the control PCB and inspecting/replacing the heating element assembly.

Warning: Board-level repair (component replacement) is not recommended for untrained users. Replacing the entire PCB is safer and more reliable.