Applies to: Magnifica, Dinamica and PrimaDonna.
How to fix General Alarm (code 1101 / 1512)
- Switch off at the switch on the back, wait 30 seconds, switch on. A one-off clears.
- Open the service door, press the two red buttons and pull out the infuser. Rinse it under running water (no soap), work the piston by hand, and let it dry.
- Look into the cavity: the small sensor window should be clean; wipe coffee dust off it with a dry cloth.
- Refit the infuser until it clicks, with its lever fully down. Close the door and restart.
- If the alarm persists, run a descale cycle; a scaled circuit can trigger it.
When to stop and call a repairer
If the infuser will not move by hand or has a cracked seal, contact De'Longhi support about a replacement for your model.
What it costs
| Parts | Not published by De'Longhi. Ask De'Longhi support or an authorised service centre for a quote. |
|---|---|
| Service | Service prices are not published by the manufacturer. Ask an authorised service centre, and an independent espresso repairer, for a quote. |
| Worth repairing? | Yes, almost always a free fix. |
Beyond the fix
Tips and tricks
- The Magnifica S manual lists an infuser not refitted after cleaning among its alarm causes, so check it is seated and the infuser door is closed. Source: Magnifica S manual, so check your own model.manufacturer manual
Easily confused with
- See the 'Explanation of lights' section of the manual for what each icon combination means on your model.
Further reading
Questions
What does General Alarm (code 1101 / 1512) mean on the De'Longhi Magnifica / Dinamica?
Catch-all alarm: the board detected a fault it cannot isolate, most often the infuser (brew unit) or its sensor. General Alarm is De'Longhi's "something is wrong" message. Third-party repair sites say it is most often the infuser: stuck, dirty, out of position, or coffee dust on the sensor that reads its position. Scale that makes the pump labour is another possible cause. The numeric codes 1101 and 1512 are not in De'Longhi's manuals that we read; we found them only on third-party sites.
Can I fix General Alarm (code 1101 / 1512) myself?
DIY difficulty: easy. Switch off at the switch on the back, wait 30 seconds, switch on. A one-off clears. Open the service door, press the two red buttons and pull out the infuser. Rinse it under running water (no soap), work the piston by hand, and let it dry.
How much does it cost to fix General Alarm (code 1101 / 1512)?
Not published by De'Longhi. Ask De'Longhi support or an authorised service centre for a quote. Service prices are not published by the manufacturer. Ask an authorised service centre, and an independent espresso repairer, for a quote.
Is it worth repairing?
Yes, almost always a free fix.
When does General Alarm (code 1101 / 1512) typically show up?
De'Longhi Magnifica / Dinamicas report General Alarm (code 1101 / 1512) any. That timing is a useful clue when narrowing the cause.
Can I keep using the machine with General Alarm (code 1101 / 1512) showing?
Usually you can finish the drink you are making, but do not ignore it — the underlying fault rarely heals itself. Work through the cheap checks first.
Will General Alarm (code 1101 / 1512) clear on its own?
Often, yes. The first step (switch off at the switch on the back, wait 30 seconds, switch on. a one-off clears) clears a share of cases on its own. If the code comes straight back, the part is genuinely at fault.
How long does the repair take?
Fifteen to thirty minutes with basic tools, once you have the part.