Display shows E04 and the brew group cannot be removed or inserted; machine may be stuck in a cycle.

Safety first: Turn off the machine, unplug it, and wait for internal parts to cool before attempting to remove the brew group.

Step-by-step checks:

• Remove drip tray and dreg drawer: Take out the drip tray and used coffee container to gain better access.
• Gently release brew group: If the brew group is stuck, do not force it. Reinsert the drip tray partially and turn the machine on to allow it to attempt a reset. Then power off and try removing the brew group again.
• Manually reset brew group: With the brew group removed, ensure the funnel and piston are in the neutral position (refer to Saeco manual). Manually move the lever to align marks if present.
• Clean and lubricate: Rinse the brew group, remove coffee residues, and apply food-grade silicone grease to the rails and piston seals.
• Reinsert correctly: Slide the brew group straight in until it clicks. Do not tilt or force it.

When to call a technician: If the brew group cannot be removed or reinserted without force, or E04 persists, the internal drive mechanism or locking tabs may be damaged and should be inspected by a service center.