Last update September 3rd, 2022
Is the coffee running cold from your Dolce Gusto? The coffee machine no longer heats the water? It’s a common problem, but it doesn’t have to be difficult to diagnose and repair.
Follow our guide to fixing a Dolce Gusto that makes cold coffee!
Why is my Dolce Gusto no longer heating the water?
The problem is one of the thermostats
Most models have two thermostats:
- The “regulation” thermostat stops heating the water when it reaches the required temperature: if it is damaged, it will no longer perform its function and the water will remain warm or cold, so you will have to change it.
- The so-called “safety” one, which cuts off the power supply to the heating element if the temperature exceeds a maximum value: overheating can be triggered by limescale blocking the heating element’s pipes. In this case, the water will no longer heat up and your Dolce Gusto will need to be descaled.
The problem is related to a failure of the temperature sensor
This component has two functions:
- it measures the temperature of the water;
- it informs the electronic board.
If the sensor is defective, the water flows lukewarm or cold, if this is the case, the sensor must be replaced by a new one.
The resistance is defective
It is the resistance that heats the water and when it is defective, the water flows cold. It can also be scaled, so before changing it, start a descaling procedure, you will find the procedure in the paragraph below. If the water still runs cold after descaling, the heating element must be replaced with a new one.
Repairing a Dolce Gusto that no longer heats up
Checking the temperature sensor
Unplug your coffee machine and take a multimeter in ohmmeter mode. Here is the procedure for testing a temperature sensor (room temperature test):
- Disconnect the probe from the electronic board;
- Place the multimeter’s tips on the probe’s terminals;
- the ohmmeter must display the ohmic value of the probe (consult your manual or the manufacturer’s website to know it).
If the value found does not correspond to that of the probe, it must be changed for a new one.
Checking the thermostats
Unplug your coffee machine and take a multimeter to test the continuity of the thermostat.
- Disconnect the thermostat terminals;
- Place the tips of the multimeter on the terminals of the thermostat;
- If you find “0” or hear a beep, the thermostat is functional;
- if the multimeter does not display anything or if there is no beep, the thermostat is defective, change it for a new one.
Test and change the resistance
Start by taking a multimeter and unplugging the coffee machine.
You need to disassemble your coffee maker to remove the resistor. You will need to remove the side covers, and disconnect the resistor. Place the tips of the multimeter across the resistor, you should find a value greater than zero or hear a beep. If this is the case, the resistor is not at fault, you should look for the temperature sensor instead. If this is not the case and you do not find a value or hear a beep, the resistance should be replaced with a new one.
Descaling a Dolce Gusto
Here’s how to descale the Dolce Gusto:
- Press the on/off switch for five seconds, when the button flashes green and orange, the machine is in descaling mode.
- Put half a liter of water with descaler in the water tank.
- Press the “hot water” button, let half the water run, then press the “cold water” button and let the second half run.
- Leave the descaler on for two minutes.
- Rinse by filling the tank with water and running it in the hot water position and then in the cold water position.
- The on/off button is green when the descaling is complete.
Using vinegar instead of descaler is feasible, it works: this solution is often discouraged by the manufacturers, because, according to them, it damages the machine and leaves a bad taste in the coffee. It should only be used in an emergency.
I’ve tried all the recommended repairs and my Dolce Gusto still won’t heat up
If you have tried everything and the water still runs cold, the problem may be the electronic board. This component controls the functions of the Dolce Gusto, including the resistance, the pump, etc. You can change it yourself or contact a technician to have it done. The repair may be covered if the machine is still under warranty.
Take advantage of amazon offers on Dolce Gusto
If after all these checks or changes of parts the machine still doesn’t work, it’s time to change it for a new or used one, and don’t forget to take the old one to the waste disposal!