Lelit Elizabeth error 3

MediumRoastSteam

Allbrews If you put the machine in eco mode (no steam boiler) - do you still have the problem? If not, could it be that the boiler is overfilling (i.e.: scale in the fill sensor)? - Just a guess.

Allbrews

Hi, thanks for your help!

Based on the info provided and with the right “words” in Google, I’ve found the following video which was very helpful:

For me, it turned out that the problem was a ground fault with the “black wire” identified in the video. It is strange that a ground fault suddenly occur after more than 3 years of use… maybe the elf on the shelf…?!?

Allbrews

Hi all, the problem came back.

This time, grounding is not the issue. If I turn off the steam boiler, the pump stops. I found out after a while that if I turn back on the steam boiler when the machine is idling hot, then the pumps run for a short period of time, I hear a click, and then the pump stops.

That makes me think that there might be a problem with the electronics of the solenoid valve. What do you think? How could I test this?

Thanks!

MediumRoastSteam

A video would be helpful. It seems to be related to the steam boiler. I wonder if there’s a bad contact somewhere.

Allbrews

MediumRoastSteam

Hi,

when I start the machine, the problem is the same described in the video of the Dec 17, 2024 post. It is particularly well described between 3m30 and 4m20 of the video.

Since I have not found the problem, what I do is I switch off the steam boiler when I start the machine by putting it in Eco mode.

Then, when the brew boiler is hot, I turn off the Eco mode, and the problem is solved: the solenoid works, the pump stops and the machine works well.

Trust this helps!

MediumRoastSteam

I have watched the videos now. No idea. What I find strange is that it works when the boiler is hot. Why? Is the fill sensor the culprit? Maybe that’s faulty?

Allbrews

It’s clean. Is there a way to test it?

MediumRoastSteam

I just don’t understand how the sensor can be open (letting the pump run) and when idling it behaves itself (even though the water in the steam boiler is still relatively cold).

Surely the control box doesn’t know how long the machine has been on in order to control the boiler filling function?

Maybe @DavecUK can help. I haven’t got a clue.

Clodius

Have you seen this video?

And this one

Allbrews

Yes. The plastic is removed around the probe. The ground is also properly attached. However, I agree that weird bugs are often related to grounding…

MediumRoastSteam

Allbrews However, I agree that weird bugs are often related to grounding…

So, if you do what Mauro did and you remove the blue wire and ground against the chassis… what happens when you turn on the machine cold with the steam boiler on?

I wonder what makes it work when the machine is hot (even though the steam boiler actually isn’t, as it’s been in eco mode).

Clodius

@Allbrews check this video. Around minute 8 the Lelit guy explains how you can mess up the cable from the water level probe

Allbrews

I had time to fiddle a bit and I have new developments.

When I start the machine cold with the small tube going from the solenoid to the steam boiler redirected to a container, I was able to read 120V on the solenoid and no water was going out to the container. Seams that the solenoid was stuck. At some point the solenoid “clicked” and water started to run to the container.

Can a solenoid be repaired or should I replace it? Any guidance on the next steps?

Thanks!

Clodius

Replace. Not worth the hassle even if it’s repairable.

If you have the time and skills you can attempt to take it apart and reassemble

Allbrews

I finally changed the valve. After a few tests, it seems to work.

This is a picture of the old valve. The goo/rust seem to have formed when I had a steam boiler leak some time ago. I wasn’t able to dismantle the valve to check inside; changing it was a good advice. If I don’t post again, the problem is solved!