Display shows E1 and brewing will not start or stops immediately on a Sunbeam digital drip coffee maker.

Safety first: Unplug the coffee maker and let it cool completely before inspecting any internal parts. Never work on the unit while it is connected to power.

• 1. Check water reservoir level and seating
  • Remove the water reservoir and fill it to at least the MIN line with clean water.
  • Reinstall the reservoir firmly so it sits flat and fully engages the inlet port and any sensor tabs.
  • Wipe the bottom and sides of the reservoir to remove scale or debris that might block the sensor.
• 2. Inspect the reservoir float
  • Look inside the reservoir for a small plastic float that moves up and down.
  • Make sure it moves freely; if it is stuck, clean mineral deposits with a 1:1 white vinegar and water solution, then rinse thoroughly.
• 3. Reset the unit
  • With the reservoir correctly installed, plug the machine back in.
  • Press and hold the power or brew button for 10–15 seconds to clear temporary faults (if your model supports this).
• 4. Check for sensor wiring issues (advanced)
  • Unplug the unit again.
  • If you are comfortable with basic disassembly, remove the bottom cover (usually Phillips screws) to access the wiring harness from the reservoir sensor to the control board.
  • Look for loose connectors, corrosion, or broken wires and reseat any loose plugs.
• 5. When to stop
  • If E1 persists after cleaning and reseating the reservoir, the water level sensor or main control board is likely defective. At this point, replacement of the sensor assembly or control board is recommended and may require a professional technician.