Breville / Sage Barista Touch Impress ER16: grinder motor fault

ER16 means: Grinder motor overheated and was shut down for protection.

Short answer. The grinder motor got hot and shut itself down. Almost always this is beans, stones or compacted grounds jamming the burrs, or a grind setting so fine that the motor labours. A worn motor is possible after many thousands of cups.

Part at faultgrinder motor

Severitylow

DIY difficultyeasy

When it appearsany time

How to fix ER16

Stop and let the machine sit for 30 minutes if the code mentions overheating.
Remove the hopper, empty it and check for a stone or a very oily, compacted bean layer at the burr throat.
Lift out the top burr and clean both burrs and the chute with the brush. Never wash burrs; moisture clogs them.
Check the tamp fan / impeller under the burr is fitted and not stuck (Oracle models). A missing fan makes the grinder run continuously.
Set the grind two or three numbers coarser, refit everything, and run a short grind with a small dose of beans.
If the motor hums but does not turn with clean burrs, it has failed. It is a replaceable module.

When to stop and call a repairer

A burning smell means stop and let it cool; do not repeatedly retry a jammed motor.

What it costs

Parts: Nothing for a jam; a grinder motor is $60 to $120.

Service: Out-of-warranty Breville service quotes for internal faults are commonly $300 to $500, sometimes more, plus shipping. Independent espresso repair shops are usually cheaper for a sensor swap.

Worth repairing? Yes. Jams are free to fix; a motor is a fair price against a new machine.

How to check the error log

Unplug the machine. Press and hold the Power button while plugging it back in. When the password screen appears, enter 02015 to open Service Mode, then open the error log.

Clear the log after a repair so you can tell whether the fault has really gone.

Related codes on the same part

ER17 — Grinder motor operation timed out before completing its task

Same fault on other Breville / Sage machines

Barista Touch ER16

FAQ

What does ER16 mean on the Breville / Sage Barista Touch Impress?

Grinder motor overheated and was shut down for protection. The grinder motor got hot and shut itself down. Almost always this is beans, stones or compacted grounds jamming the burrs, or a grind setting so fine that the motor labours. A worn motor is possible after many thousands of cups.

Can I fix ER16 myself?

DIY difficulty: easy. Stop and let the machine sit for 30 minutes if the code mentions overheating. Remove the hopper, empty it and check for a stone or a very oily, compacted bean layer at the burr throat.

How much does it cost to fix ER16?

Nothing for a jam; a grinder motor is $60 to $120. Out-of-warranty Breville service quotes for internal faults are commonly $300 to $500, sometimes more, plus shipping. Independent espresso repair shops are usually cheaper for a sensor swap.

Is it worth repairing?

Yes. Jams are free to fix; a motor is a fair price against a new machine.

Code meanings are compiled from manufacturer service references and repair documentation for the BES881; fixes follow documented repairs and owner reports. Model revisions can differ. If your appliance is under warranty, contact the manufacturer before opening it.