Bunn coffee maker displays E04 and stops mid-brew or will not start brewing at all.
Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
Possible Causes
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety: Unplug the brewer and shut off the water supply (for plumbed-in models) before servicing the fill system.
Steps:
- 1. Check water supply: Confirm the water shutoff valve is fully open. Inspect the supply line for kinks. Verify adequate water pressure (typically 20–90 psi for Bunn commercial brewers).
- 2. Clean inlet screen: At the water inlet fitting or solenoid valve, remove and clean the small mesh screen. Mineral debris can restrict flow and trigger E04.
- 3. Inspect water level probe: Many Bunn models use a stainless steel level probe in the tank. Remove the probe and clean mineral scale with white vinegar or a descaling solution and a non-abrasive pad. Rinse thoroughly and reinstall.
- 4. Test fill solenoid: With the unit unplugged, check the resistance of the fill solenoid coil. A typical reading is 200–1000 Ω depending on model. An open coil indicates a failed solenoid valve that must be replaced.
- 5. Check wiring and connectors: Ensure the level sensor and solenoid connectors are fully seated on the control board and not corroded.
- 6. Descale tank: If heavy scale is present, perform a full descale of the internal tank following Bunn's instructions. Scale can insulate the probe and cause false level readings.
Note: After cleaning or replacing components, restore water, plug in, and allow the tank to refill and heat. The E04 code should clear once normal fill is detected.
Repair Difficulty
Required Part
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