Are you craving your refreshing morning coffee, but your Keurig brewer won’t fulfill your need? Instead of gurgling and making your desired shot, it blinks the error code 2.
The Keurig error code 2 indicates a problem with the preheat tank This issue affects your Keurig coffee machine’s ability to brew.Before heading out to a nearby coffee shop, let’s explore the causes behind the Keurig error code 2 and its fixes.
Note that this guide applies to different Keurig coffee machine models.
Here are a few of these models:
- Keurig K-Supreme
- Keurig K-Supreme Plus
- Keurig K-Supreme Smart
- Keurig K-Duo
- Keurig K-Mini
- Keurig K-Carafe
- Keurig B60
- Keurig Vue
- Keurig B60
- Keurig K200
- Keurig K300
What Does Error Code 2 Mean on a Keurig Coffee Machine?
- Meaning: When you spot an error code 2 on your Keurig brewer, you should realize the presence of a preheat tank malfunction. This tank should heat water to heat the ideal brewing temperature. This process should happen before the water reaches the K-cup.
- Safety Feature: This error code acts as a safety mechanism that protects the machine from overheating or burning.
- Impact on Use: This error code forces your Keurig brewer to stop operation. This means you are unable to enjoy your brewed coffee at home.
- Warning Signs: Besides the flashing 2 error code, you might anticipate problems with the preheat tank if you notice changes in the coffee temperature. Getting lukewarm water in your coffee instead of hot water should be alarming. Also, you might hear unusual grinding or clicking noises during the brewing cycle. Sometimes, a faulty tank causes internal leaks.
- Importance of Addressing: Taking fast action to clear the error code 2 restores your brewer’s performance and prevents more complex repairs.
Why Does Your Keurig Machine Throw Error Code 2?
The Keurig error code 2 temporarily ends your daily coffee routine. Aside from the water tank, other components like limescale buildup, and the heating element could be responsible for triggering the code.
Let’s explore these culprits in detail:
1. Limescale Buildup
Water comes to the water reservoir with different minerals. These minerals travel with water to the preheat tank. Over time, these calcium deposits accumulate inside the pre-heat tank. Thick buildup can act as an insulation layer. It prevents the tank from efficiently heating the water.
Besides the limescale buildup, other debris and sediments can clog the water tank. This sort of debris can restrict water flow and prevent proper heating
The presence of clogs makes the machine keep heating water without reaching the desired temperature. Eventually, the brewer triggers the error code 2 to prevent any further damage and potential overheating.
2. Defective Heating Element
The heating element of your Keurig coffee machine is essential for heating the water. In fact, the preheat tank relies on this element to raise the water temperature to the desired brewing point. A burnt or malfunctioning heating element won’t heat water. Without hot water, the brewing process will fail and the error code will flash on the brewer’s display.
3. Clogged Exit Needle
This needle should pierce the K-cups (coffee pods) and dispense your brewed hot coffee. Gradually, coffee grounds, mineral deposits, or debris can clog this needle and limit the flow of hot coffee. In severe cases, this clogging can lead to overflowing. This happens when water can’t dispense through the needle opening.
4. Blocked Water Filter
While less likely to trigger the Keurig error code 2, a blocked filter prevents water from reaching the preheat tank. When there is insufficient water inside the tank, it won’t heat water efficiently. So, the overall brewing experience will be incomplete.
5. Obstructed Water Line
The water line is a thin tube that connects the water tank to your Keurig machine. This line creates a passage for water to flow from the water tank to the preheat tank. Similar to a blocked filter, a blocked line won’t directly trigger the Keurig error code 2. However, it stalls the required amount of water from reaching its destination.
How To Reset Keurig Coffee Machine Error Code 2
Before addressing the potential causes behind your Keurig error code 2, try resetting your coffee machine. This step helps restore the brewer’s functionality if the error is associated with temporary glitches.
Here’s how to reset or reboot a Keurig coffee machine error code 2:
- Turn off the machine from its power button.
- Unplug it from the power cord.
- Detach the water tank from the machine.
- Leave it like this for around 15 minutes.
- Reinstall the tank and plug the machine back on.
- Run the brewer to determine whether the resetting worked.
How To Fix Keurig Error Code 2
Before making a call to a Keurig repair technician, try these DIY fixes to revive your coffee routine. Here’s an overview of the possible Keurig error code 2 fixes:
1. How To Fix Limescale Buildup
A preheat tank is behind the water tank. If you notice white or chalky residue inside the tank, try descaling it. A descaling process can remove this type of buildup before you know it. Your brewer comes with a descaling solution, or you can look for a recommended product in the user manual.
To start a descaling procedure, fill the water tank with the solution and run a cleaning cycle. Then, remove the tank to thoroughly rinse it.
2. How To Fix Defective Heating Element
The heating element is attached to the Preheat tank. Before attempting to troubleshoot the heating element, not that you will need to disassemble the machine. If you are not certain of your ability to do this, contact a professional technician. So, if you are sure of your ability, here’s what to do:
- Remove the water tank. This is important to prevent potential spills.
- Bring a screwdriver to remove the machine’s outer casing.
- Once you have access to the heating element, you should inspect it for damage signs.
- If you have electrical knowledge, you can test the element with a multimeter.
- If the element fails the test, replace it with a new one.
3. How To Fix Clogged Exit Needle
This needle is part of the pod holder (the K-cup holder). Look for it at the bottom of the holder. It is a thin, small, and sharp point. Cleaning an exit needle is a simple DIY troubleshooting process. Start by removing the holder to have clear access to the needle. Then, all it takes is inserting a paperclip into the needle’s opening to remove any stuck debris. Lastly, run a brew cycle without coffee.
4. How To Fix Blocked Water Filter
Look for the water filter inside the tank. Depending on your Keurig model, you can find this filter as a separate cartridge, or a built-in component attached to the lid. Remove the filter to clean it under running water. If cleaning doesn’t remove stuck clogs, replace it with a compatible spare part.
5. How To Fix Obstructed Water Line
Cleaning the water line is a bit more complicated compared to cleaning other components. This thin tube reaches various internal components. A few models have an external water line that doesn’t require much effort to access. To clean it you can use a small brush or a pipe cleaner. Sometimes, flushing the whole line with a cleaning solution can be more effective.
However, if your Keurig model has an internal line that isn’t visible, you will need to disassemble the casing and other internal components standing in the way. In this case, contacting a repair technician is better to avoid breaking or wrong manipulation of the interiors.
Remember that addressing any of these issues requires disconnecting the brewer from its power source for safety and protection from electrical hazards.
Conclusion
A persistent Keurig error code 2 denies you your beloved morning caffeine fix. But you shouldn’t give in to such frustration. While indicating a problematic preheat tank, you can find easy solutions for it. Causes include limescale buildup, a defective heating element, a clogged exit needle, a blocked water filter, or an obstructed water line.
Try descaling, cleaning the needle yourself, or resetting the brewer. If that fails, Keurig customer service or manual can offer further assistance to diagnose and fix the problem.
Experiencing other problems with your Keurig? Take a look at this troubleshooting guide on Keurig won’t turn on after descaling.
Adrian is an ISCET licensed professional that has completed the National Appliance Service Technician Certification Exam and has the expertise to diagnose and repair any appliance. He is well-versed in the latest technologies and techniques and is always up-to-date on the latest industry standards.
