ECM Synchronika: Steam Boiler Not Heating

In this troubleshooting article for the ECM Synchronika, we will show you how to diagnose and fix the steam boiler when the steam boiler will not heat up.

Tools needed:

2.5mm allen key

Multimeter with continuity reading capability

1. The steam boiler switch is off. The first thing to look at if the steam boiler on your ECM Synchronika is not heating is the switch to power the boiler on. This is located directly behind the drip tray, on the right side, and the switch should have the "I" side depressed.

2. The coffee boiler may not be fully heated. If the coffee boiler is not heated the ECM Synchronika will not heat the steam boiler, as it gives priority to the coffee boiler. When starting up the machine, make sure to give it 20-30 minutes to fully heat.

3. The temperature on the PID may have been adjusted by accident. Double-check your settings in your PID to make sure the "T2" temperature is set appropriately. We recommend between 255-265, depending on your preferred steam pressure. Verify which version of the PID you have and check along with the appropriate article below.

PID Settings Article

Updated 2 Bar Pressure PID Settings Article

To continue further, you will need to remove the panels of your machine.

4. The safety switches may have tripped. On the steam boiler, there are 2 safety switches that will trip if the steam boiler heats up too hot. This is a safety feature of the machine and can easily be remedied. To access these safety switches, follow along with our panel removal instructions for the ECM Synchronika and locate the switches right on the top of the steam boiler. Press the black button in the center of each to reset the switches.

5. The element may be faulty. If the safety switch was not tripped, the issue may be in the element of the steam boiler itself. Using a multimeter, if you have one handy, you can check the continuity of the element by testing for resistance. Accessing the element is done through the bottom of the unit, taking off the access panel, and finding the steam boiler easily available for servicing. When taking a resistance reading of the element, set the multimeter to read Ohms (Ω) in the 20Ω range, then unplug the electrical leads and put one probe on each leg of the element. A reading of "OL" or "1." indicates a broken element, which will need to be replaced. A reading between ~10-20Ω indicates continuity, meaning the element is working.

6. The steam boiler solid state relay (SSR) may be faulty. You can perform a quick visual inspection of the steam boiler SSR by taking a look under the machine's right side panel. Power the machine on (re-install the reservoir if necessary) and allow it to fully heat the brew boiler, you will see the brew boiler SSR's red LED light illuminate as it's heating. As soon as the brew boiler reaches its set temperature, the machine should then send the signal to heat to the steam boiler SSR and that red LED will then illuminate. In either case, please reach out to our tech team at tech@clivecoffee.com or submit a troubleshooting inquiry—further testing will need to be done and we'll need to know if the steam boiler SSR LED illuminates or not.