Last update September 3rd, 2022
Is your Dolce Gusto flashing abnormally? Is it flashing red or orange? In any case, you can’t use it to make a good coffee. Let’s take a look at the reasons for a flashing Dolce Gusto and how to fix it.
Why is my Dolce Gusto flickering?
The Dolce Gusto flashes and then goes out
If, when you press the on/off button on your coffee maker, it flashes and then goes out instead of turning green, the circuit board or the capacitor is defective. You have to change the electronic board for a new one (the easiest way) or just change the capacitor (possible if you are a handyman). The procedure is described in the next chapter.
The Dolce Gusto flashes orange and yellow
The flashing orange and yellow light indicates that the Dolce Gusto needs to be descaled. Descaling should be done frequently (see the manufacturer’s instructions) to prevent limescale build-up in your machine, damage to its components and to extend its life.
The Dolce Gusto flashes red and green alternately
This is a sign that your water tank is empty, so simply fill it up and the machine will start working again.
Solutions for a flashing Dolce Gusto
Descale the coffee machine
This is a very easy operation that should not be neglected or you will suffer frequent breakdowns:
- Press the power button for five seconds to activate the descaling mode: when it flashes orange and green, the machine is in descaling mode.
- Fill your water tank with half a litre of cold water and descaler. You can use vinegar but it is often not recommended by the manufacturers because it damages the parts of the machine and leaves a bad taste to the coffee. However, in case of emergency, if you don’t have any descaling product, it can be considered from time to time.
- Press the hot water button to let about half of the water flow then press cold water and let the other half flow out.
- Let it act for two minutes, then put water back into the tank, run it again in the hot water position and then in the cold water position.
- Once the descaling is complete, the on/off button will turn green again.
Changing the electronic board or the capacitor of a Dolce Gusto
If you’re a do-it-yourselfer, you can change the circuit board or the capacitor in your Dolce Gusto. The simplest but most expensive procedure is to change the circuit board.
Unscrew the 4 screws under the tank and remove the plastic cover. The electronic board is in front of you, disconnect it and plug in the new one.
A cheaper solution is to replace the capacitor. Take a Phillips screwdriver, a torx, a soldering iron and some tin.
Once the electronic board is disconnected, remove the electronic board, you then have access to the capacitor. It is then necessary to desolder it and re-solder the new one (be careful to solder in the same direction as the old one). Reassemble the board and the cover and your machine is ready.
The Dolce Gusto is still flashing, what can I do?
If it’s flashing red, see our guide to repairing a red flashing Dolce Gusto. If not, you can call in a professional repairman, or you can invoke the warranty if it is still valid. And as a last resort, buy another new or used coffee machine and don’t forget to take the old one to the waste disposal center.