A04
DeLonghi Coffee Machine
Severity:What Does This Error Mean?
Drip tray is full or hasn't been seated properly.
Slide it out, empty the water and used grounds, rinse it, and slide it back in firmly.
Watch for the float indicator on top — that's how you tell at a glance that it's full without pulling it out.
One of the easiest DeLonghi alarms to clear.
Affected Models
- DeLonghi Magnifica S
- DeLonghi Dinamica
- DeLonghi Eletta
- DeLonghi PrimaDonna
- DeLonghi La Specialista
Common Causes
- Drip tray genuinely full (most common)
- Drip tray slid out but not back in fully
- Float on the tray sensing residual water in the slot
- Drip tray rails dirty — sensor doesn't engage
- Used coffee grounds drawer separately full (some models combine the two)
How to Fix It
-
Pull the drip tray out fully.
Slide it forward until it stops, then lift slightly and pull all the way out.
It comes out of the front of the machine.
Have a sink or counter ready — there's water in there. -
Empty water and grounds.
Pour the water away first, then tip the grounds drawer (the smaller container inside) into the bin.
Some models combine these into one tray; others have a separate grounds drawer above.
Both need emptying for the alarm to clear. -
Rinse the tray.
Run water through the tray to wash out coffee oils.
Skip soap — water is enough.
Dry the outside with a cloth, especially the edges where it slides into the machine. -
Wipe the slot.
Look into the empty slot on the machine.
Wipe any drips with a damp cloth.
Coffee residue building up on the rails can confuse the sensor that detects the tray being seated. -
Slide the tray back in firmly.
Push until it stops and you feel it engage.
The float should be visible from above — if it's standing tall, the tray's empty enough.
The alarm clears within seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often does the drip tray need emptying?
Daily for regular users.
The tray fills with the residual water from each brew plus the rinse cycle the machine runs at startup.
Even at 2–3 cups a day, you'll need to empty every 1–2 days.
Heavy users (5+ cups daily) empty daily.
Can I run the machine with the drip tray missing?
No — the alarm prevents brewing without the tray.
That's intentional: without the tray, water and grounds drop onto the counter and into the machine's electronics.
The lockout protects you from the mess.