keurig 2.0 problem solving

Keurig Troubleshooting: How To Fix 10 Common Problems

Fluent In Coffee is reader-supported. We may earn a small commission if you buy via links on our site. Learn more .

I remember in high school when all the cool kids’ parents had Keurigs in their homes.

While Keurigs have become a lot more common and accessible today, they’re not without their flaws.

From time to time, they do break down, and when that happens, you need to know how to fix them.

To help you out, I’ve put together a complete Keurig troubleshooting guide so you can avoid any future issues.

Keep reading for the solutions to some common Keurig coffee maker problems!

Table of Contents

1. Keurig Is Not Turning On

There are three reasons why your Keurig might not turn on when you press the power button:

You didn’t plug the machine in the right way.
Your power outlet is malfunctioning.
You fail to push the coffee machine’s power button directly.

First, start by ruling out whether or not the machine is plugged in correctly. Check whether the machine is connected to a power outlet. If it’s correctly connected, the power outlet could be to blame.

If it is but it’s still not turning on, try to plug other appliances into the same outlet. You know it’s the outlet’s fault when they don’t turn on either.

To solve this, plug your Keurig into a different power outlet.

On the other hand, if your outlet is fine and the machine is properly connected, make sure you’re pushing the power button correctly.

For Keurig 2.0s or Keurig Pluses, the power icon is found on the LCD screen’s lower right corner. You need to tap that, and a welcome note should appear, meaning you’ve turned on the machine.

2. Keurig Is Not Brewing

The main reasons why your Keurig doesn’t brew are due to air bubbles and debris in the machine’s inner tubing.

To get debris out of your Keurig, try running the machine without a K-cup in it.

You can also use a descaling solution, such as a few drops of white vinegar in water, to help flush out the machine. This helps get rid of calcium scaling in the device.

Just make sure to flush your machine out with clean water afterward to get rid of the vinegar!

If air bubbles are to blame, on the other hand, you’ll want to pour water into the machine’s reservoir until it reaches the brim.

Then, unplug the machine and shake it a few times. This helps dislodge air bubbles from your Keurig and gets it running again.

Finally, misaligned parts could be to blame for your Keurig not working. If this is the case, just double-check that the K-cup, water tank, cup holder, handle, and lid are all properly attached.

And of course, don’t forget to check whether you have fresh water in the water tank.

Related Reading : Keurig Frother Not Working: 8 Problems And Easy Solutions

3. Keurig Coffee Tastes Bad

Does your coffee taste bad every time you brew it with your Keurig?

If so, a few things could be to blame:

You haven’t cleaned your machine in a while
You’re using tap water instead of filtered water
You’re using low-quality K-cups

The easiest fix here is to switch from using tap water to filtered water. Filtered water helps slow down the build-up of scale and coffee grounds. This build-up can affect how your coffee tastes.

If you already use filtered water, you might want to try switching your K cup pod. Sometimes, using low-quality coffee can lead to burnt or overly acidic flavors in your drink.

Finally, you can always run the descaling system on your machine.

Descaling may vary depending on your Keurig model. So, it’s always best to check the manual that comes with your machine to make sure you’re doing it correctly.

In general, however, you’ll descale your machine like this:

Remove water from the reservoir and the drip tray.
Remove coffee pods and filter.
Add a 1:1 water and Keurig descaling solution ratio to the machine’s water tank.
Run a descaling cycle depending on the instructions of your model.
Run a few cycles of water-only rinsing.

With that, you should have your coffee tasting the way you like once again!

4. Keurig Doesn’t Heat the Water

If you’re making a hot cup of coffee with your Keurig but it comes out cold, there are a few things that could be going on:

A malfunctioning heat system because of a damaged water pump
Calcium and coffee grounds clogging in your Keurig

A malfunctioning water pump causes the main heat system to shut down. This prevents overheating.

To fix this, clean your machine. Also, clean the tank’s bottom, especially the valve and the machine where the tank is placed.

Another possible solution is holding the brew button to restart the machine.

If neither of those solutions works, your water pump may be damaged. If that’s the case, you’ll need to get in touch with Keurig support to get a replacement part.

5. Keurig Is Leaking

When your Keurig is leaking , it usually either leaks from the bottom of the machine or during the heating process.

Let’s start by talking about leakage from the bottom of the machine. A few reasons why your machine might leak from the bottom include:

Damaged or overfilled water reservoir
Damaged o-ring
Damage to the internal water tank

To fix these issues, you’ll generally just have to get a replacement part. However, you can also try making sure not to overfill the water reservoir.

Also, make sure that the water from the water reservoir is cold.

When it comes to leaks while the machine is heating up, the reasons why you’re getting leaks are a bit different.

Here are a few common reasons for leaks along with their solutions:

Overfilled water reservoir: make sure not to pour any water past the maximum line on the machine.
Clogged coffee maker: descale the coffee machine by flushing it out with a water and vinegar solution.
Loose upper gasket: tighten the gasket using a wrench or if it’s damaged, replace it.
The puncture needle has debris accumulation: wipe down the puncture needle to remove coffee grounds and debris.

These quick fixes should put a stop to your leaks in no time!

6. Keurig Lights Are Blinking

Blinking lights on your Keurig coffee machine has different solutions, depending on what Keurig model you have. For a Keurig Classic, you can try pressing these buttons simultaneously:

If all these buttons continue blinking, try following these steps:

Make sure the water reservoir is correctly positioned.
Run a 6 or 8-ounce water-only brew. If the machine dispenses the right amount of water, the lights should stop blinking
If the issue persists, change your charcoal filter and place it back inside the brewer.
Run another couple of water-only brews. Keep running water-only brews until the machine pours the right amount of water

The procedure is different for a Keurig Platinum. For this machine, try following these steps:

Turn off the brewer
Press and hold the machine’s auto-off button.
If your brewer has two size options, press and hold their buttons simultaneously.
For models with three size options, press the medium and large size buttons altogether.
Release all the buttons when all the lights stop blinking and go off.
The brewer will start by itself. If not, turn it on and start brewing your coffee.

Another possible cause of Keurig lights flashing is the charcoal filter needing replacement. If that’s the case, go ahead and replace the charcoal filter.

What if you descaled your Keurig, but descale light stays on ? Resetting your machine might solve the issue.

7. Keurig Dispenses Too Much or Too Little Coffee

Another common Keurig problem is if your Keurig is dispensing too much or too little coffee.

If your Keurig is dispensing too much coffee, you can first try cleaning the puncture needle using a paper clip. If this trick doesn’t solve the problem, follow the steps below:

Unplug the machine.
Remove the water tank.
Get your machine, and go to the sink.
Turn your Keurig brewer upside down.
Slap your machine’s base using your palm several times. This can help remove debris.
Reassemble back your Keurig.
Run one water-only cleansing brew cycle.

On the other hand, if your Keurig dispenses too little coffee, other problems could be to blame. Usually, this is because it’s clogged.

If it’s clogged, you’ll want to clean all entrance and exit needles. You’ll then need to run a few water-only brews a few times.

If the problem persists, descale the machine to remove buildup in the line.

8. Keurig Coffee Leaves Grounds in The Cup

Sometimes, your Keurig coffee maker may leave some coffee ground in your cup.

One reason your cup might have coffee grounds in it is that you’re using distilled or softened water in your machine. Try switching to bottled water and run a few water-only brew cycles before adding a new k-cup to the machine.

Another reason you might find grounds in your cup is if you have a clogged exit needle. Clean it and run several water-only brews.

Also, using a reusable filter with the wrong grind size can also cause this to happen. Make sure to read the instruction manual to check what grind size is compatible with the filter.

In general, you should only use coarsely ground coffee with reusable filters.

9. Keurig Shows “Add Water,” But It’s Full

Sometimes, your machine might tell you to add water even though the reservoir is full. If this happens, it could be due to:

A poorly positioned water reservoir
A clogged water filter
A dirty machine

Of course, you should start with the easiest fix. That would be repositioning the water reservoir. Make sure its magnetic contacts are touching those on your Keurig coffee maker.

If repositioning doesn’t work, clean the water filter and water reservoir. You can use warm water with a few drops of dishwashing liquid to clean the filter.

After that, wipe down the reservoir with a damp cloth. Check the machine’s filter and make sure it’s clean and not clogged.

Also, try checking and cleaning the valve underneath the machine as it can also get clogged.

Remember that a clogged valve can also cause problems. Don’t forget to clean your machine’s exit needles, too!

10. Keurig Keeps Turning Off

When your Keurig keeps on turning off on its own , it’s impossible for you to brew your cup of joe.

This problem often stems from your models’ auto-on/off or energy-saver features and differs a bit depending on your Keurig model.

With the Keurig Mini, you may find that the machine turns off on its own after 90 seconds. If it turns off immediately, however, you’ve got a different problem.

If that’s the case, you’ll want to check that the magnets are correctly aligned on your water tank. When they’re not properly aligned, the machine may turn off independently.

For newer machines, you can actually disable the auto-off feature. This will prevent the machine from switching itself off before you use it.

If the feature is enabled, you’ll see a green indicator illuminated, which means the brewer will shut off after two hours. To turn it off, press the Auto-off button, which will switch off the green indicator light.

For newer models, you can actually switch this feature off on the LCD menu. Just press the left button multiple times until it says ‘off’.

How to Reset a Keurig Machine

It’s easy to reset your Keurig machine when you have newer models. You can simply select the factory reset option in the LCD menu.

But you don’t have that advantage if you have one of the older or less expensive models, such as K-Slim and K-Mini.

If that’s the case, you’ll need to follow these steps:

Turn off your Keurig machine and unplug it. Remove its water tank.
Keep it unplugged for a while with an unattached reservoir.
After minutes to a few hours, plug your machine back in.
Turn on your Keurig coffee maker. Reattach and position the water reservoir.

If the procedure above does not work, try this method:

Unplug and plug your machine back in.
Open the lid and close it.
Press and hold the power button.
While pressing the on/off button, press the small, medium, and large cup size buttons.
The machine will pump on its own to prime itself.
It should be functioning properly now.

How to Contact Keurig Support

When you have exhausted all possible measures to try to fix your Keurig and you’ve still got problems, it’s time to contact Keurig customer service.

The best way to contact customer support is by calling their phone line at 1-866-901-2739 . The customer hotline is available seven days a week.

You can also connect with a Keurig representative by live chat. You can also submit a ticket on their website explaining your issues.

Once they receive your ticket, a customer representative will contact you via email.

So, did you find this Keurig troubleshooting guide helpful?

I sure hope so!

Even when things seem dire, you can usually implement these tips and have your machine working again.

And, if all else fails, you can always reset your machine or contact Keurig customer support.

Now, if your machine doesn’t have any problems and you just need a guide to using the machine, I’ve got your back there.

Check out this guide for all you need to know!

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

As you found this post useful...

We are sorry that this post was not useful for you!

Let us improve this post!

Tell us how we can improve this post?

How Long Does It Take For Coffee To Kick In? 3 Quick Tips

Why Is My Nespresso Vertuo Next Not Working? 4 Best Fix

Is Cold Brew Less Acidic? How To Compare Coffee Acidity

How To Make Pumpkin Cold Foam? (Easy & Delicious Recipe)

Keurig Descale Light Stays On: 3 Cautionary Issues

Nespresso Troubleshooting: How To Solve Common Problems

stainless steel coffee container with beans

The Best Coffee Container: Top 6 Reviewed

Jura D6 Review: Is This Coffee Machine Any Good?

FluentInCoffee.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases by linking to Amazon.com and other affiliated sites.

Keurig 2.0 Stuck on Preheating Mode (Problem Solved!)

Ever found yourself in a situation where your Keurig is stuck on preheating mode, and you’re left yearning for that much-needed caffeine kick? Well, you’re not alone. This is a common issue faced by many Keurig 2.0 users, but the good news is, it’s usually easy to fix.

So, let’s dive right in and get that coffee flowing again!

Table of Contents

Why Keurig 2.0 Stuck on Preheating

First things first, let’s understand what we’re dealing with. Typically, your Keurig 2.0 enters a preheating stage which usually takes no longer than three minutes. When your Keurig is stuck in preheating mode, the machine has trouble reaching the necessary temperature to brew your coffee. This could be due to a variety of reasons, such as a clogged water line, scale buildup, or even a faulty heating element.

How to Fix Keurig 2.0 Stuck on Preheating Issue

If your Keurig is stuck on preheating mode, here are some detailed steps to troubleshoot and fix this issue:

Check the Water Reservoir

Ensure that your water reservoir is properly seated and filled with enough water. If it’s not correctly in place or if the water level is too low, your Keurig might have trouble exiting the preheating mode. Fill it up to the MAX line with fresh water and make sure it’s seated correctly, then try brewing again.

Perform a Power Cycle

Sometimes, all your Keurig needs is a good ol’ reboot. Unplug your coffee maker, wait a few minutes, then plug it back in and try brewing again. This resets the machine and can often solve minor glitches like being stuck on preheating mode.

Obstructions in the Water Suction Port

Ever noticed a small white button at the back of your Keurig machine? That’s the water suction port. Over time, limescale build-up or other debris can obstruct this port, causing the preheating process to malfunction.

The remedy? Remove the water tank and gently push this white button a few times. If it feels stiff or unresponsive, try using vinegar to dissolve the limescale. Leave the vinegar in place for about 20 minutes, then rinse it out with water. This process usually helps restore the suction port to full functionality.

Clogged Water Lines or Nozzles

The water lines in your Keurig machine are responsible for transporting water from the reservoir to the brewing chamber. These lines can get clogged over time with the aforementioned scale build-up or even coffee grounds, which can interfere with the water heating process.

The water nozzle, responsible for distributing water evenly during brewing, can also get jammed due to mineral build-up or debris. This obstruction can cause your Keurig to remain stuck in preheating mode.

Use a descaling solution (you can buy this online) and run it through your machine according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This helps dissolve any mineral build-up and clear the water lines and nozzle.

Clogged K-Cup Puncture Needles

Coffee lovers, did you know your Keurig 2.0 has two silver needles that can get blocked with coffee residue or mineral build-up? If you notice your machine stuck on preheating, this could be one of the reasons.

To clear the blockages, turn off the machine. Then, remove the K-cup holder from your machine (most models allow you to do this) and clean it under warm running water. Be careful for the exit needle as it’s sharp – you can use a paper clip or a similar tool to gently dislodge any clogs.

You can also use Keurig Rinse Pod to clean these needles.

Clean the Entrance Needle

You’ll need an orange maintenance accessory for this step. This is a handy needle-cleaning tool designed specifically for Keurig machines. If you don’t have one already, don’t worry! They’re easily available online, including on platforms like Amazon, and usually cost only a few dollars.

Power off your Keurig.
Fill the silicone bulb of the tool with water
Place it in the K-cup holder.
Push it down firmly, then raise and lower the machine’s handle five times. This flushes water through the entrance needle and helps clear any clogs.

Hot Water to the Rescue

If all else fails, the simplest solutions can prove to be unexpectedly effective, and using hot water in your Keurig is one such method. When all other troubleshooting steps don’t seem to work and your Keurig remains stubbornly stuck in the preheating phase, here’s a last-ditch effort that might just save the day.

Disconnect the machine, heat some water until it’s almost boiling, and then carefully pour it into the water tank. This can often jump-start the preheating process and get your machine back on track.

This method has worked for some coffee lovers when their Keurig was stuck in the preheating phase. However, it’s important to note that this is a temporary fix. If this method works for your Keurig, it indicates there could be a more serious underlying issue, such as a problem with the machine’s heating elements.

Also, it’s important to note that Keurig officially recommends using only cold water in the tank , so this method should be used at your own discretion and risk. If your machine consistently requires this workaround to function, it would be a good idea to reach out to Keurig’s customer service or a professional appliance repair service for further assistance.

Addressing More Advanced Issues

Now, while the previously mentioned fixes can solve many of the common problems leading to a Keurig machine getting stuck in the preheating mode, more complex issues can be at play. These issues may lie deeper within the inner workings of your Keurig 2.0 and typically involve the machine’s internal wiring or sensors.

Loose Internal Wiring

In some cases, you may find a loose white wire located on the top left side of your machine, an issue that can prevent your Keurig from preheating appropriately. Dealing with this requires a level of technical know-how, and it’s not advisable for the average user to tackle. If you do encounter this problem, it’s best to reach out to a professional or get in touch with Keurig’s customer service for guidance and assistance.

Malfunctioning Temperature Sensor

Your Keurig machine is equipped with several internal sensors designed to regulate the brewing process. One such sensor is the temperature sensor, a crucial component responsible for ensuring the water reaches the correct heat level before brewing commences. If this sensor is malfunctioning, it could incorrectly perceive the water as not hot enough, resulting in the machine remaining indefinitely in the preheating mode.

Electrical Issues

The issue can sometimes be traced back to problems with the machine’s electrical components, such as a faulty heating element (responsible for heating the water) or other wiring concerns. A machine stuck in preheating mode could, for example, be due to a loose wire causing a disruption in normal function.

While these issues could potentially be resolved with some DIY repair work, attempting to fix them yourself can void the warranty of your brewer. Furthermore, it’s worth noting that delving into the electrical components of your machine can be risky if you’re not a trained professional.

Therefore, the most advisable course of action when facing these more advanced problems is to reach out to Keurig Customer Support. Their trained professionals can guide you through the troubleshooting process or recommend service options to ensure that your Keurig machine is safely and efficiently returned to its optimal brewing condition.

Seek Professional Help

While DIY troubleshooting can be an effective way to handle most minor problems with your Keurig, there are times when the issue is more complex and requires expert intervention. If your Keurig remains stubbornly stuck in preheating mode despite all your best efforts, it might indicate a more severe problem, like a malfunctioning heating element or sensor.

Keurig’s customer service team is well-trained and knowledgeable about the common and not-so-common issues that may arise with your coffee machine. They can provide guidance over the phone to help you diagnose and potentially resolve the issue. If the problem can’t be fixed at home, they can provide information on warranty coverage, repair options, or even replace your machine if necessary.

Wrapping Up

So there you have it, folks! A simple guide to fixing a Keurig stuck on preheating mode. Remember, when troubleshooting your Keurig, a little patience and regular maintenance can go a long way. Now, go enjoy that well-deserved cup of coffee!

What causes a Keurig to get stuck on preheating mode?

The issue can be due to a clogged water line, scale buildup, or a faulty heating element.

How can I prevent my Keurig from getting stuck on preheating mode?

Regular cleaning and descaling can help prevent this issue. Also, consider using filtered or bottled water to reduce the risk of scale buildup.

What should I do if my Keurig is still stuck on preheating mode after cleaning and descaling?

If the issue persists, it might be due to a faulty heating element. In this case, you might need to contact Keurig customer service or a professional repair service.

We write everything about coffee and espresso machines for a few years. Our goal is to provide you with helpful content that you can trust based on our own personal experiences, information from manufacturers, and tips and tricks shared by coffee and espresso machine users online.

Philips 3200 vs 5400: Which Espresso Machine Reigns?

Is Your Nespresso Coffee Not Hot Enough? (Say No More)