VERIFIED
The code that disappears
You see E31, you step away, and when you return the display is normal. The next cup brews fine. It is tempting to forget the whole thing, but an intermittent code is a real signal. E31 is model-dependent, so the meaning is not fixed, yet the way it comes and goes carries its own information.
What intermittent usually suggests
Faults that clear on their own tend to depend on a condition that changes: temperature, vibration, moisture or voltage. A loose connector, a sensor at the edge of its range, or a heater that cools between attempts all fit. These are harder to find than a fault that is always present, which is why a written record matters. For a coffee machine that means the heater, sensors and connectors in the brew path are tested while warm, not just once when cold.
Build a three-line record
- Date and time the code appeared
- What the machine was doing at that moment
- How long it took to clear, and what you did
A week of such notes shows whether the code clusters at one time of day or one stage of use.
Do not clear it by habit
Pressing buttons or cycling the power at the first sign of the code is natural, yet each reset erases some state. Take a photo of the display first. Then, if the machine is safe to use, carry on and keep recording.
What gets looked at
With intermittent codes, technicians test by stressing the machine: warming it up fully, tapping connectors, running long cycles, and watching for the moment the code returns. The model number determines which parts get that attention.
Outside checks
- Check the plug fits snugly and the cord is not pinched behind the machine.
- Make sure nothing vibrates against the machine, such as a nearby appliance or a loose shelf.
- Reseat the tank and tray.
A real-life example
An owner noticed E31 twice in one week, always when the dishwasher started next to the machine. The kitchen circuit dipped for a second each time. A pattern like that, simple to spot with notes, points the first measurements at supply instead of the machine’s mechanics. A code tied to one stage, such as heating or brewing, points to the parts used in that stage; one tied to household load points to supply.
When to book
Do not wait for the code to become permanent. Intermittent faults are easier to catch while the machine still works. Two or three dated entries are enough to start a diagnosis. After testing, a written estimate is provided, and parts are only ordered with your approval.
Frequently asked questions
It is better to record it. Intermittent faults often become constant over time.
The technician must reproduce the condition. A dated log helps a great deal.
Occasionally, yes, but note the code first. Frequent resets erase useful clues.
A loose connection can create brief interruptions that the control reports, so check the plug and outlet.
Model compatibility: Bertazzoni reuses codes across series and model years, so E31 may mean something different on another appliance or generation. Confirm this against your model’s documentation and record your full model number before acting.
