ADD WATER / CLEAN (alternating)
Cuisinart Combined Scale and Water Level Fault

Display alternates between “ADD WATER” and “CLEAN” and the unit beeps but will not brew.

Advertisements

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.

Advertisements

Possible Causes

Severe scale causing overheating and false water level readings, Partially blocked water inlet or outlet, Failing thermistor or thermostat, Control board misreading sensor inputs

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Unplug the coffee maker and allow it to cool completely.

  • Inspect and reseat reservoir: Remove, rinse, and firmly reseat the water reservoir. Ensure it is filled to the proper level.
  • Perform an intensive descale: Use a strong 1:1 vinegar-water solution and run multiple clean cycles back-to-back, allowing 20–30 minutes of soak time between cycles.
  • Check for leaks or overheating signs: Look under the unit for signs of water leakage or discoloration around the heater area (without opening the sealed base). If you see burn marks or melted plastic, discontinue use.
  • Reset and test: After descaling and rinsing, plug in and test with plain water. If the alternating messages persist, internal sensors or the control board may be damaged.
  • Do not bypass safety: Do not attempt to bypass thermostats or sensors. Contact a professional technician or Cuisinart support for further evaluation.
Advertisements

Repair Difficulty

Hard 4/5

Required Part

Thermistor / Temperature Sensor
Check Price on Amazon

We may earn a commission from links on this page.

Advertisements