E4
Oster Carafe / Drip-Stop Switch Fault

Display shows E4 and the coffee maker beeps and refuses to start brewing.

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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

Misaligned carafe not depressing drip-stop lever, Stuck or broken drip-stop microswitch, Debris or dried coffee blocking drip-stop mechanism, Damaged carafe sensor wiring

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Unplug the coffee maker before inspecting the drip area.

Check carafe position:

  • Ensure the glass carafe is fully seated on the warming plate and pushed all the way back so it engages the drip-stop lever under the filter basket.
  • Remove and reinsert the carafe a few times to free any sticking parts.

Clean the drip-stop mechanism:

  • Open the filter basket area and locate the spring-loaded drip-stop plunger at the bottom of the brew basket.
  • Clean around the plunger with warm soapy water and a small brush to remove dried coffee residue.
  • Operate the plunger by hand (with the unit unplugged) to ensure it moves freely.

Internal switch check (advanced):

  • Remove the bottom cover to access the carafe / drip-stop microswitch (usually located near the front, aligned with the carafe position).
  • Verify the switch actuator moves when the carafe is inserted.
  • Test the switch with a multimeter for continuity when pressed. Replace if it does not change state.

If cleaning and reseating the carafe do not clear E4, the drip-stop switch or its wiring is likely faulty and should be replaced.

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Repair Difficulty

Medium 3/5

Required Part

Drip-Stop Microswitch
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