Saturday, March 13, 2021

How to Fix Broken Power Button on the Saeco Vienna Plus

I’ve written a lot already about troubleshooting the Saeco Vienna Plus, but I still had a new problem happen to my machine the other day. Somehow the part of the front control panel holding the power button and switch had cracked, allowing the switch to be pushed all the way inside! Initially the switch only pushed in a small amount, so I removed the (no longer operational) button and was pushing the switch with my finger. Then it finally gave way and I was sunk.

Saeco Vienna Plus with cover removed
Saeco Vienna Plus with cover removed

Missing power switch! It recessed into the machine.
Missing power switch! It recessed into the machine.

The Solution

This can be fixed by opening up the machine and hot-gluing the switch in place!

You can open up the machine by following the instructions on my page detailing the replacement of the doser microswitch.

Once the control panel is exposed, check the connections to the power switch, then hold it in place such that the button works again and apply hot glue.

Power switch fully exposed
Power switch fully exposed

Switch held in place
Switch held in place

Hot glue prevents the switch from moving again
Hot glue prevents the switch from moving again

3D-Printed Power Buttons

Long ago my power button started popping off because the round part that holds onto the switch had cracked apart (likely because the switch was starting to move!). I thought the problem was with the button and so 3D-printed a new one from this design (I also found the design for the other buttons but haven't tried it myself). But with this fix I decided to put the original button back in service by just applying a small dab of hot glue in the hole and then setting it in place. No more popping off!

3D-printed power button (top) vs. original (bottom)
3D-printed power button (top) vs. original (bottom)

Notably, once the switch was back in the correct original position, the 3D-printed button no longer worked properly. It looked like this was because the round part that ends up sticking into the switch was too thick — 1/16” in the printed part vs. 1/32” on the original. If I was printing this part again I'd make that change.

Stay caffeinated, friends!

Mike

2 comments :

  1. Hi Mike - I replaced the brew unit in my Seaco Argento (Vienna) with one I found in Germany. Same part number, perfect fit. Powered up fine and I was about to run a test shot. Left the machine with power on for. Few minutes and when I returned all the power lights were out. Now I can't get it to come on. Any suggestions? dannyroberts@shaw.ca

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Just from replacing the brew unit? I would make sure all the interlock switches are being pushed correctly -- try taking out all the usual parts (puck box, water tray, brew unit), clean away any grounds inside the machine, reseat everything, and try again.
      Hope it works!

      Delete

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