Keurig coffee makers are one of the most popular brands on the market, and for good reason. They make a great cup of coffee with little effort. However, sometimes Keurigs can be a bit temperamental and may start flashing lights for no apparent reason. In this blog post, we’ll explore some possible causes of the Keurig flashing lights issue and how to fix it. Stay tuned!

What is the Keurig?

The Keurig is a single-serve coffee maker that uses pre-packaged coffee pods (called K-cups) to brew a fresh cup of coffee. It’s a popular choice for homes and offices because it’s easy to use and doesn’t require any messy grinding of beans.

How Does the Keurig Work?

The Keurig uses a simple principle of injecting hot water into a sealed pod of coffee grounds. This causes the coffee to expand and forces the water through a small hole in the pod. The water then passes through a small filter and into your cup.

What are the different flashing lights on a Keurig mean?

The Keurig flashing lights problem is when the lights on your Keurig coffee maker start flashing and won’t stop. This can be a frustrating issue, as it may mean that your coffee maker is not working properly. Here’s a quick rundown of what each light means:

• Power light: This light will be solid when the coffee maker is plugged in and turned on. If it starts flashing, it usually indicates that the coffee maker is not getting enough power or there is an issue with the outlet.
• Heat light: This turns on when the coffee maker is heating up. If it starts flashing, it usually means that the coffee maker is in overheating protection mode and needs to be turned off for a few minutes to cool down.
• Brew light: When the coffee maker is brewing, it turns on. If it starts flashing, it usually means that there is an issue with the brew cycle. That means if this light is off, the machine is not heating up properly and will not brew coffee.
• Add water light: This light turns on when the water reservoir needs to be refilled. If it starts flashing, it usually means that the coffee maker is not getting enough water or there is an issue with the water line.
• Descale light: It indicates that the machine needs to be descaled. Descaling is an important part of Keurig maintenance, and you’ll need to do it every once in a while to keep your machine running smoothly.
• Frother light: This light turns on when the frother is turned on. If it starts flashing, it usually means that there is an issue with the place position, the attachment to the base, and the amount of milk in the frother.

An 8-bit PIC microcontroller at 20MHz lies beneath all of that plastic, with the aim of making your coffee exactly right. This unit can get nervous from time to time, which is why you may observe flashing or blinking lights.

How to fix all lights on Keurig flashing

If the Keurig flashes all lights, there could be an issue with the power, water, or brew cycle,  the issue likely is the charcoal filter in your tank not being replaced often enough. The frequency of replacement varies based on the hardness of your water but should be every 2-3 months. In contrast, the problem may be with the needle.

To fix this, follow these steps:

- Take out the water reservoir and throw away the water. Examine the valve located at both the bottom of the tank and on the machine’s base for anything obstructing it; remove them if found.

- Fill the tank with new water and replace it. Make sure the connection is secure, especially if you’re using a large container or one that’s elevated on a stand.

- Carefully turn the cup over to expose the bottom and remove any pod from the brewer’s head. Fill an empty measuring cup with water only for a brew cycle (do not use coffee, tea, or anything else). If all of the liquid pours out correctly, your brewer is no longer broken!

- If this does not work, check the water filter. Remove and run a fresh water-only cycle if you have one. Replace your filter if the correct amount dispenses after doing so. Your brewer should be ready to brew with no further maintenance needed.

- If you have not used a filter, or if the water volume was not measured accurately when replacing the filter, then try running a cold water brew cycle three more times.

- If you have not yet achieved the desired amount by your third attempt, clean the exit needles and go through another brew cycle. You can find further instructions in the next section.

- If the lights stay on after this, call for assistance. Make a note of how much water was released during the last cycle.

What are some tips for troubleshooting Keurig flashing lights?

If you’re having trouble with your Keurig coffee maker and it starts flashing lights, don’t panic! There are several things you can do to troubleshoot the issue. Here are some tips:

1. Check the power source

Make sure that your coffee maker is plugged into a working outlet. If it’s not, plug it in and see if the lights stop flashing.

2. Check the water reservoir

Make sure that the water reservoir is full and there are no leaks in the water line. So, fill it up and see if the issue is resolved.

3. Check the brew cycle

The Brew Rite filter needs to be clean and there are no coffee grounds or other debris blocking the flow of coffee. On the other hand, try unplugging the coffee maker and then plugging it back in. This should reset the brew cycle and fix the issue.

4. Turn off the coffee maker

Sometimes, the coffee maker just needs to be turned off for a few minutes to reset. So, try unplugging the coffee maker and then plugging it back in after a few minutes. Once it’s cooled down, you can turn it back on and see if the issue is resolved.

5. Descale the coffee maker

If the descale light is flashing, descale the machine according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This process will remove built-up calcium and other minerals from the machine, and it should be done every few months.

6. Check the frother

If the frother light is flashing, check to see if the frothing screen is clean and unobstructed by milk or any other liquid.

How to reset a Keurig that is flashing lights

There are a few things you can try in order to reset your Keurig coffee maker:

• Unplug the coffee maker and then plug it back in.
• Tuck away the easy-to-use grease gun and press and hold the auto-off button.
• Press and hold both cup-size buttons at the same time (based on your cup size, select the appropriate size)
• When all the lights go out, let go of the buttons.
• If the brewer is not running, press the power button.

How to descale a Keurig - a step-by-step guide

1. Start by unplugging the machine and removing all removable parts, such as the water reservoir and drip tray.

2. Make a descaling solution by mixing equal parts water and vinegar.

3. Fill the water reservoir with the descaling solution and place it back on the machine.

4. Place a mug on the drip tray and press the brew button. Let the solution run through the machine until it stops automatically.

5. Discard the used solution and rinse out the water reservoir.

6. Refill the reservoir with fresh water and repeat the brew cycle to flush out any remaining vinegar taste.

7. Wash all removable parts in warm, soapy water and dry thoroughly before putting them back on the machine.

The best Keurig coffee makers for every budget

Here are some of the best Keurig coffee makers for every budget:

• The Keurig K-Elite is an option for those who want a high-end coffee maker with features like customizable settings and a strong brew option.

• The Keurig K-Classic is a great choice for those who want a basic coffee maker that brews a delicious cup of coffee quickly and easily.

• The Keurig K-Select is a good choice for those who want a coffee maker with more than one brewing size option and an easy-to-use control panel.

• The Keurig K200 is for those who want a compact coffee maker that still brews plenty of coffee.

• The Keurig K55 is an excellent option for those who want an affordable coffee maker that still brews a great cup of coffee.

• The K575 is perfect with more features and options. It has a color touch screen display, five temperature settings, and can brew up to four cups at once.

Related: Keurig Won’t Turn On – Why Is This Happening? 

Conclusion

While there could be a number of reasons why your Keurig flashing lights, we’ve outlined the most common causes and solutions. If you continue to experience problems with your Keurig, or if the machine is out of warranty, please contact us for assistance. Thanks for reading!

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