Error 4
Nespresso Control Board General Fault / Self-Test Failure

Machine will not start; all LEDs blink rapidly or a general fault icon appears

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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

Failed main control PCB, Shorted internal component (pump, heater, motor) detected by board, Corrupted firmware, Shorted low-voltage power supply on PCB

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Disconnect power before opening the machine. Internal capacitors can retain charge; avoid touching the board while powered.

Initial reset:

  • Unplug the machine for at least 15 minutes to allow capacitors to discharge.
  • Plug back in and attempt a factory reset if your model supports it (consult user manual for button sequence).

Component isolation:

  • Open the housing and visually inspect the main control PCB for burn marks, bulging capacitors, or cracked solder joints.
  • Disconnect non-essential loads one at a time (pump, heater, motor) and power on briefly to see if the error clears. Only do this if you understand mains safety.
  • If the error disappears when a specific component is disconnected, that component may be shorted and must be replaced.

Board inspection:

  • Check the low-voltage section (transformer or SMPS) for signs of failure.
  • Reseat all connectors to the board.

If the board shows visible damage or the error persists with all loads disconnected, replacement of the main control PCB is typically required. Firmware reprogramming is not generally user-serviceable on Nespresso machines.

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Repair Difficulty

Professional Required 5/5

Required Part

Main Control PCB
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