Display shows E3 and the coffee maker will not heat water.
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.
Possible Causes
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Unplug the coffee maker. Heating circuits carry mains voltage; do not work on them while powered.
- Basic reset: Unplug the unit for 10 minutes, then plug back in and try again. Sometimes an overheat trip will reset after cooling.
- Check for obvious damage: Smell for burnt odor and look through any vents for signs of scorching near the base where the Tristar heating block is located.
- Access heater (advanced): Remove the bottom cover. Locate the aluminum thermoblock or stainless steel boiler with two thick wires connected. Inspect the spade connectors for looseness or corrosion and reseat them firmly.
- Thermal fuse inspection: Many Tristar coffee makers have an inline thermal fuse wrapped in fiberglass sleeving on the heater lead. Check if it appears burnt or open (requires a multimeter). If open, replace with the same temperature and current rating; never bypass it.
Warning: If you are not experienced with mains electrical work, do not attempt to replace the heater or thermal fuse yourself. Contact a qualified appliance technician.
Repair Difficulty
Required Part
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