PRIME
Keurig
Airlock or Inlet Blockage in Water System
Display shows “PRIME” and brewer will not brew; pump sounds strained or runs dry.
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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.
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Possible Causes
Empty or improperly seated reservoir, Air trapped in inlet line, Clogged inlet screen or filter, Weak or failing inlet pump
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Unplug the brewer before removing the reservoir or tilting the unit.
- Reseat and refill reservoir: Fill the tank to the MAX line with water, then firmly reseat it on the base.
- Clear airlock: With the unit unplugged, remove the reservoir and use a turkey baster or squeeze bottle to force water into the inlet port on the base. Reinstall the reservoir and plug in, then run a brew cycle without a K-Cup.
- Clean inlet screen: Inspect the bottom of the reservoir for a mesh screen or valve. Rinse and gently scrub with a soft brush to remove debris.
- Run multiple water-only brews: Sometimes several cycles are needed to fully prime the pump and clear air.
- If PRIME persists and pump is noisy: The inlet pump may be failing or blocked internally. This requires disassembly and likely replacement of the pump assembly.
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Repair Difficulty
Medium
3/5
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