Gaggia Anima: Blocked or Stuck Brew Unit, E03 Error Code or E04 Error Code

Learn what to do if the brew unit in your Gaggia Anima is stuck or blocked, or if the display is showing an E03 error code or E04 error code.

The machine is sensing that the brew unit motor is working too hard to engage the brew unit. This is a fail-safe built into the machine to prevent itself from damaging the brew unit; the machine will stop working and display an error. This issue is typically resolved through normal maintenance.

1. Restart the machine to clear the error message and reset the brew unit back to the home position so that it can be removed. If the machine is in an active rinse cycle, do not try to remove the brew unit. The rinse cycle must be completed before the brew unit can be removed.
2. Try running a blank bypass shot. To do this just run a normal bypass shot but do not add any coffee. You should just have plain water come out of the spouts. If the machine successfully completes this cycle then we know it's a coffee issue.
3. If this happened when you were using the bypass function specifically, then you may have added too much pre-ground coffee. The machine only accepts about a maximum of 6.5-11.5 grams per shot. The scoop that comes with the machine doses more than this. To make sure you are adding the appropriate amount, take one level scoop of pre-ground coffee and remove a large pinch from it. This should measure about 8 grams of coffee and should work in the machine.

If these steps did not return the brew unit to its home position, follow the procedure listed below to do so using the service menu:

1. Turn the power off from the back of the machine.
2. With the machine still off, hold the ESPRESSO and MENU Button and toggle the power switch in the back of the machine to the ON position.
3. Push the STAND BY button three times. The correct screen should be indicated by "BU" at the top with two sectioned boxes.
4. Push and hold the AROMA STRENGTH button and hold it until it indicates "BU Home = Y"
   • Push and hold ESPRESSO button and hold it until it indicates "BU WORK = Y"
5. Exit test mode by toggling the power switch in the back of the machine off and then on again. The machine should boot up as normal.

This should put the brew unit motor back into its resting position and you should be able to reinsert the brew unit. The machine should then indicate that it is ready for use. When this happens, open the door to the brew unit chamber and you should find that the brew unit is easily removed. Remove the brew unit, rinse it off with cold water and let it dry. After completely drying, the brew unit should also be lubricated. After cleaning and lubricating the brew unit, reinsert it into the machine and try brewing a shot.