Last update September 3rd, 2022
Your Dolce Gusto won‘t turn on when you want to make your morning coffee? You are desperately trying to start your coffee machine, but it won’t turn on. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of identifying the source of the problem and repairing your Dolce Gusto that won’t turn on.
Causes of a Dolce Gusto that won’t turn on
Check the power supply
It may seem obvious, but it’s a good idea to check that your coffee maker is properly connected. If it is, check that the circuit has not tripped. Once you’ve ruled out these two reasons, you’ll have to check the condition of the plug: plug in another electrical appliance. If it works, the problem with the Dolce Gusto that won’t light up is not coming from there. However, if it doesn’t start, the plug is defective.
Also check the condition of the cord that powers the coffee machine (don’t forget to unplug it from the socket first). If you find small cracks, damage or general wear and tear, it is best to change it, as a faulty cord can be dangerous.
The switch is faulty
If the problem with the Dolce Gusto does not come from the power supply, the switch may be to blame. To check the switch, it must be disassembled and tested, as described in the following paragraph.
Dolce Gusto’s safety devices are activated
If the Dolce Gusto no longer lights up, check that
- the water tank is full and properly inserted;
- the float, if your machine has one, is not stuck;
- the capsule collection tray is not full;
- the water collection tray is not full.
The Dolce Gusto needs to be descaled
During use, limescale builds up in the water system and interferes with the operation of the machine. If you don’t descale regularly, the components can become damaged and your Dolce Gusto will break down more often.
If your Dolce Gusto no longer lights up, a clog of limescale can prevent the water from circulating and put your machine at risk. So remember to descale your machine regularly several times a year. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions to find out how often.
The procedure for descaling a Dolce Gusto is described in the next chapter.
The machine’s safety thermostat is on
What is the purpose of the thermostat in a Dolce Gusto? It’s simple: it limits and maintains the temperature at around 95 C. If the thermostat is not working, the water is not heated properly and the Dolce Gusto will not start. If you have checked all the above points, the problem with the Dolce Gusto that no longer lights up may be due to the thermostat, which needs to be changed.
Repairing a Dolce Gusto that won’t turn on
Test the electrical switch when a Dolce Gusto won’t turn on
Start by unplugging your machine and disconnecting the switch. Take a multimeter in the ohmmeter position and place the pins on the terminals of the switch: you should find a value in one of the two positions. If you don’t find anything, the switch is defective and should be replaced by a new one.
Descaling a Dolce Gusto
Here’s how to descale your Dolce Gusto:
- Press the on/off button for five seconds, it will flash green and orange, this informs you that the machine has gone into descaling mode.
- Fill the water tank with half a liter of water and descaler.
- Press “hot water” and let half of the water run out, then press “cold water” and let the tank empty.
- Let the descaler work for two minutes.
- Rinse the machine with clean water by running it in the hot water position and then cold water.
- The on/off button will turn green when the descaling is complete.
Using vinegar instead of descaler is possible and also works: however, this solution is not recommended by the manufacturers, as it would damage components and leave a bad taste in the coffee. It should only be used occasionally or in an emergency.
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I’ve tested everything and my Dolce Gusto won’t light up anymore. What can I do?
There are three ways to repair your broken Dolce Gusto and get back to making good coffee:
- the electronic board is defective: this is the board that controls the functions of the coffee maker (pump, ignition, heating, etc.). If you’ve checked everything and the machine still won’t turn on, you’ll have to change it yourself or call a professional repairman;
- call in a repairer to identify the fault and change the defective part: use the warranty if it is still active to have the repair taken care of;
- If there is nothing left to do to repair it, all you have to do is change it for a new one or a second-hand one, and don’t forget to take it to the waste disposal centre.
