Prime a Keurig Coffee Maker

You may get a "Prime" error message on your Keurig machine when water fails to come out of the reservoir. There are several reasons water may not be coming through. The reservoir could be out of alignment, your reservoir could be dirty, or there could be debris clogging the needle. These are all easily fixed by cleaning your Keurig machine and testing it with a water only brew cycle.

Steps

Cleaning the Water Reservoir

1. Remove the reservoir. You may be getting a "prime" error on your machine due to a dirty water reservoir. Take the lid off of the water reservoir, and remove the water reservoir from your machine.
   • Before you clean your water reservoir, try re-seating it. It is possible that your reservoir is out of alignment. Remove the reservoir and replace it, making sure there are not any air bubbles in the reservoir.
   • If you have a water filter attachment in your water reservoir, remove it, and set it aside.
2. Clean the reservoir. Using a light dish detergent and a non-abrasive cloth, clean the water reservoir. Make sure to clean around the outlets on the inside and outside of the reservoir.<
   • Rinse any remaining soap from the reservoir, and repeat the process. You may need to clean the reservoir a few times to ensure that it is completely free of debris or residue.
   • Let your reservoir air dry to avoid getting any lint in the reservoir.
3. Replace the reservoir. When your reservoir has dried, place it back in your Keurig machine. If you have a water filter attachment, place it in the reservoir before you put the reservoir back.
   • Make sure the reservoir is seated properly, and free of air bubbles.
4. Run a water only cycle. Fill the reservoir with water to the "Max" line. Do not overfill the reservoir. Turn your machine on, and place an empty mug on the tray to catch the water.
   • Do not use a single serve coffee pack for this. Lift and lower the handle, but keep the portion pack holder empty. Press brew to run a water only cycle.
   • Repeat the process several times to flush the machine.

Cleaning the Needles and Holder

1. Turn the power off. Make sure your machine is turned off and unplugged before cleaning the needle and holder.
2. Remove the portion pack holder. To remove the holder from the machine, lift the handle up and firmly grip the top of the holder. Push up with your other hand from underneath the holder until it pops out of the housing.
3. Disassemble the holder. Grip the sides of the holder with one hand, and pull the funnel off the bottom of the holder with the other. If this is your first time removing the funnel from the holder, it may require a little more effort.
4. Clean the hole on the exit needle. Look for a hole on the underside of the portion holder. Take a clean, metal paper clip and straighten it out. Use the paper clip to loosen and remove any particles clogging the hole.
   • You won't be able to poke all the way through exit needle, as the opening is to the side of the hole, and not on top.
5. Clean the funnel and the holder. Rinse both the funnel and the holder under warm running water. Remove any debris from the pieces.
   • The holder has a sharp needle in it, so be careful when washing and rinsing.
   • These pieces can also be put on the top shelf of a dishwasher.
6. Clean the entrance needle. Lift the handle and look on the underside of the brewer head. You should see two holes in the entrance needle.
   • Use your paper clip to remove any debris from the holes of the entrance needle. The entrance needle is sharp, so be careful.
7. Put the portion holder back. Place the funnel back onto the holder by lining up the slots on the sides. Place the holder back into the housing by lining up the tabs on the holder with the opening on the housing. The holder should snap into place when correctly lined up.
   • Hold the brewer handle with one hand to keep the machine steady while inserting the holder.
8. Run a water only cycle. Fill the reservoir with water, and place a mug on the tray. Press brew to run a water only cycle and remove any remaining debris.

Cleaning Filter Screen

1. Turn your machine off. Power down your Keurig machine and unplug it before cleaning the filter screens.
2. Remove the reservoir. Take the water reservoir off the base and pour out any remaining water.
   • If you have a water filter attachment, remove it before pouring out the water.
3. Clean the base port. On the base that holds the reservoir, there should be a small opening. This is the base port. Using a damp cloth, gently clean the port and remove any debris.
4. Clean the water reservoir filter. There is a mesh screen filter in your water reservoir, as well as a port on the bottom of the reservoir. Turn on your sink and run streaming water over the filter on the inside to remove any debris.
   • Place the lid on the reservoir and hold it securely in place with your hand. Shake some water around in the reservoir for a few seconds to give the filter an extra rinse.
   • Turn the reservoir over and run water over the external port. Use your finger to remove any debris inside the port. There is a spring in the port that should be cleaned as well. While the water is running over the port, use your finger to compress the spring a few times to help loosen any build up.
5. Replace the reservoir. Place the reservoir back onto the base. If you have a water filter attachment, place it in the reservoir before placing the reservoir on the base.
   • Fill the reservoir with water and place a mug on the tray. Run a few brew cycles using water only to finish cleaning your machine.

Tips

• If your coffee maker continues to display "Prime," contact Keurig customer service.
• Depending on the model of your machine, you may get a "Prime" message, or you may see a sequence of lights alerting you to an error.
• Before attempting any troubleshooting on your Keurig machine, turn the power off.
• Use clean, filtered water when brewing with your Keurig machine.

Sources and Citations

• Videos provided by Donata White

See also

• Clean a Mr Coffee
• Use a French Press or Cafetiere
• Use a Moka Pot
• Use a Commercial Espresso Machine
• Use a Coffee Maker
• Clean a Keurig
• Use a Keurig Machine
• Descale a Keurig
• Descale a Magimix Coffee Machine
• Clean a Blackened or Burnt Coffee Pot

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