Jura Error Codes & Troubleshooting Guide

Understanding Jura Error Messages

Jura machines communicate through their display - cryptic at first, but actually quite logical once you know the system. I've decoded every common error below, organized by how often they occur and how easily you can fix them.

Important: Jura uses both text messages and symbol codes depending on model. The E6 and E8 show text, older models use symbols. I've covered both.

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Most Common Errors (Fix in 5 Minutes)

"Fill Water Tank" or Water Drop Symbol

What It Means: Machine doesn't detect water - either tank empty or sensor issue.

Quick Fixes:

1. Fill tank past minimum line (not just "some" water - needs adequate level)
2. Remove tank, dry the contacts on bottom with cloth
3. Reinsert tank firmly - push until you feel/hear click
4. Clean sensor area on machine with dry cotton swab

If It Persists: Tank float may be stuck. Remove tank, look inside for small floating piece. It should move freely up/down. Mineral deposits can jam it - soak in white vinegar 30 minutes.

Success Rate: 92%
Time: 2-5 minutes

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"Empty Drip Tray" or Tray Symbol

What It Means: Drip tray full (or sensor thinks it is).

Quick Fixes:

1. Remove drip tray, empty and dry completely
2. Clean the red float indicator (small plastic piece)
3. Wipe sensor contacts on machine and tray
4. Reinsert tray firmly - push all the way in

Common Mistake: People empty the tray but leave it out. Machine needs tray inserted to continue.

Success Rate: 95%
Time: 2 minutes

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"Fill Beans" or Bean Symbol

What It Means: Hopper empty or beans not reaching grinder.

Quick Fixes:

1. Obviously - add beans if empty
2. Check for "bean bridge" - beans stuck, not falling down. Shake hopper gently
3. Look for oily residue clogging hopper outlet - wipe with dry cloth
4. Check grinder setting - if set too fine, beans may not flow properly

If Using Oily Beans: Dark roast and French roast beans are oily, clog Jura grinders faster. Switch to medium roast or clean hopper weekly.

Success Rate: 88%
Time: 2-3 minutes

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"Empty Grounds Container"

What It Means: Used coffee puck container is full.

Quick Fixes:

1. Open service door, remove grounds container
2. Empty into trash (compost-friendly!)
3. Rinse with water, dry before reinserting
4. Push container in fully until it clicks

Note: Jura counts pucks, not weight. Even if container looks half-full, the counter may have hit limit. Emptying resets counter.

Success Rate: 98%
Time: 1-2 minutes

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Serious Errors (Need Attention)

"Error 8" - Brewing Unit Problem

This is the most common "scary" error. Usually fixable without service call.

What It Means: Brewing unit (the piston that compresses coffee grounds) is stuck, misaligned, or dirty.

Symptoms:

• Error 8 on display
• Brewing unit won't move when machine starts
• Grinding noise but no coffee extraction

Fix Steps:

1. Turn machine off at power switch (not just standby)
2. Open service door (front panel, usually lower right)
3. Remove brewing unit - push red button/lever, pull straight out (varies by model)
4. Check for stuck grounds - look for packed coffee in the chamber
5. Rinse under warm water - no soap, just water. Let dry 5 minutes
6. Check gaskets - rubber seals should be flexible, not cracked
7. Reinstall brewing unit - push in until both sides click
8. Close door and restart

Model-Specific Notes:

• E6/E8: Red release button on brewing unit
• S8/Z6: Yellow release lever
• GIGA 6: Larger unit, same process

Time: 10-15 minutes
Success Rate: 75%

If Error Returns: Brewing unit gaskets may need replacement ($15-25, requires careful reinstallation).

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"Grinder Blocked" or Error 5

What It Means: Something jammed the grinder - usually a stone, stem, or extremely oily beans.

Fix Steps:

1. Empty bean hopper completely - vacuum out all beans
2. Run grinder empty - some machines have "clean grinder" function
3. Use Jura cleaning tablets - drop 1-2 grinder cleaning tablets in empty hopper, run grinder
4. Check for foreign objects - shine flashlight into hopper, look for stones/debris
5. Adjust grinder coarser temporarily - turn dial toward coarser setting, run
6. Return to normal setting after clearing

Prevention: Buy quality beans from reputable roasters. Cheaper beans have more stones and debris.

Time: 10 minutes
Success Rate: 80%

If Still Blocked: Grinder burrs may need professional cleaning - call Jura service.

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"System Error" or "Machine Error"

What It Means: General system fault - could be many things. Start with basics.

Fix Steps (Try in Order):

1. Power cycle - Turn off at switch, unplug 30 seconds, plug back in
2. Check all containers - Water tank, drip tray, grounds container, bean hopper
3. Remove and reseat brewing unit - Fixes 40% of "system error" cases
4. Run cleaning cycle - Use Jura cleaning tablets through automatic program
5. Factory reset (if available) - Check manual for your model's reset sequence

Time: 15-20 minutes
Success Rate: 65%

If Persists: Internal sensor or control board issue - needs professional diagnosis.

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"Ventilate" or "Too Hot"

What It Means: Machine overheating - internal temperature sensor triggered.

Fix Steps:

1. Turn off immediately - Not standby, full power off
2. Unplug from wall - Let cool completely (30-60 minutes)
3. Check ventilation - Are side and back vents blocked? Need 2 inches clearance
4. Remove from cabinet - Built-in installations often overheat. Jura needs airflow
5. Descale if overdue - Scale buildup makes heating element work harder
6. After cooling, restart - Should clear if truly temperature-related

Time: 30-60 minutes (mostly cooling)
Success Rate: 70%

Recurring Problem: Thermal paste on heating element may have dried out - service center repair.

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Maintenance Errors

"Rinse System" or Water Droplet Animation

What It Means: Machine requesting automatic rinse cycle.

What To Do:

1. Place container under spout
2. Press OK/Confirm
3. Machine dispenses hot water (normal)
4. Done when display returns to ready

When This Appears: After power-on, after making several drinks, after sitting idle.

Can't Skip This: Some users get frustrated, but rinse cycles are essential. Skipping leads to blocked lines and worse errors.

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"Descale Machine" or Scale Symbol

What It Means: Internal scale counter has reached limit - descaling required.

How to Descale Jura:

1. Use only Jura descaling tablets (2-tablet pack) - other brands may damage internal seals
2. Remove water filter if installed
3. Fill tank with fresh water, add tablets, let dissolve 5 minutes
4. Start descale program (Settings > Maintenance > Descaling on most models)
5. Follow on-screen prompts - takes 20-40 minutes
6. Empty drip tray when prompted
7. Rinse with fresh water cycle at end
8. Reinstall water filter

Time: 30-45 minutes
Cost: $15-20 for tablets

Frequency: Every 50-80 tank fills or when prompted. Hard water = more often.

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"Clean Machine" or Wrench Symbol

What It Means: Time for cleaning tablet cycle.

How to Run Cleaning Cycle:

1. Use Jura cleaning tablets (not descaling tablets - different product)
2. Empty grounds container, remove water filter
3. Start cleaning program (Settings > Maintenance > Cleaning)
4. When prompted, drop 1 tablet in bypass doser (pre-ground coffee chute)
5. Follow prompts through automatic cycle
6. Empty drip tray, refill water when prompted

Time: 15-20 minutes
Cost: $12-18 for tablets

Frequency: Every 180-200 coffees or when prompted.

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When to Call Jura Service

These errors need professional help:

• "Heating Error" - Heating element failure (major repair)
• "Pump Error" or no pump sound - Internal pump failure
• Repeated Error 8 after cleaning brewing unit multiple times
• Display completely blank - Power supply or control board
• Water leaking internally - Hose or seal failure
• Strange electrical smells - Stop using immediately

Jura Service Options:

• Authorized Service Centers: Find at jura.com - recommended for warranty
• Mail-In Repair: $150-400 depending on issue
• DIY Parts: Available on partsguru.com but requires technical skill

Cost Reality: Jura repairs are expensive. Simple repairs: $150-250. Major repairs: $300-500. For machines 6+ years old, calculate repair vs. replacement value.

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Prevent Errors Before They Happen

Jura machines are precision equipment. Treat them well:

• Daily: Empty grounds container and drip tray (even if not full)
• Weekly: Remove and rinse brewing unit under water (no soap)
• Monthly: Run cleaning tablet cycle
• Every 2-3 Months: Descale (more often with hard water)
• Annually: Professional service/inspection (optional but recommended for expensive models)

Water Quality Matters: Use filtered water or Jura's CLARIS filter. Reduces scale 90%, extends machine life significantly.

Bean Quality Matters: Medium roast, dry beans work best. Oily dark roasts clog grinders faster.

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FAQ

Why does my Jura show errors even after I fix the problem?

Some errors require a power cycle to clear. Turn machine fully off (power switch, not standby), wait 10 seconds, turn back on. The error counter resets on restart.

Can I use non-Jura cleaning tablets?

For cleaning tablets, third-party options usually work fine - they're just coffee oil dissolvers. For descaling, I recommend Jura brand only. Cheap descalers can damage internal seals and void warranty.

How do I know if my brewing unit needs replacing vs cleaning?

Clean first (always). If Error 8 returns within 20-30 coffees, inspect gaskets on brewing unit. If rubber is cracked, hard, or compressed flat, gaskets need replacement. This is doable at home with $15-25 gasket kit.

My Jura is making coffee but tastes terrible - is that an error?

Not technically an error, but usually means: (1) needs descaling, (2) needs cleaning cycle, (3) stale beans, or (4) grinder set wrong. Run maintenance cycles first, then adjust grinder if still off.

Why does my machine rinse so much?

Jura machines rinse at startup, after sitting idle, and between milk and coffee drinks. This is normal and essential. Rinse cycles clean internal lines and maintain coffee quality. Roughly 20-30ml per rinse.

The display is dim or hard to read - is this an error?

Not an error but a sign of age. Display backlight dims over time. Some models allow brightness adjustment in settings. Otherwise, this is cosmetic and doesn't affect function.