CodeFix
Empty drip tray (tray is empty)Jura

Jura Empty drip tray (tray is empty): drip tray message will not clear

Empty drip tray (tray is empty) means: Prompt to empty the drip tray and grounds container, which can persist after emptying.

Applies to: automatic machines (E6, E8, ENA, S8, J8, Z10, GIGA).

Short answerDespite the wording, this Jura message asks you to empty the tray; it does not mean the tray is empty. Jura's E8 and Z10 manuals say drinks are blocked until you empty the grounds container and drip tray, and that the grounds counter only resets if you empty the container with the machine switched on. If the message stays after emptying, the usual reason is that the container was emptied with the machine off. A tray that is missing or not seated shows a separate message (Drip tray not fitted).
Part at faultdrip tray and grounds container detection
Severitylow
DIY difficultyeasy
When it appearsany

How to fix Empty drip tray (tray is empty)

  1. With the machine switched on, remove the grounds container and the drip tray and empty both.
  2. Refit the tray and container fully and check the display clears.
  3. Do not pull the drip tray out while a drink is being made; the Z10 and E6 manuals warn against it.
  4. If the message still will not clear, contact Jura support. We found no Jura guidance on cleaning contacts or replacing parts.
Flowchart for fixing Empty drip tray (tray is empty): work through each step, stop as soon as the code clearsEmpty drip tray (tray is empty) appears1. With the machine switched on, remove thegrounds container and the drip tray andempty both.Fixed?yesDone2. Refit the tray and container fully andcheck the display clears.Fixed?yesDone3. Do not pull the drip tray out while adrink is being made; the Z10 and E6 manualswarn against it.Fixed?yesDone4. If the message still will not clear,contact Jura support.Still showing?Nothing dangerous here, but do not force thetray or take the machine apart.
The same steps as the list above, cheapest first. Stop as soon as the code clears.

When to stop and call a repairer

Nothing dangerous here, but do not force the tray or take the machine apart.

What it costs

PartsNot published by Jura.
ServiceService prices are not published by the manufacturer. Ask an authorised service centre, and an independent espresso repairer, for a quote.
Worth repairing?Yes.

Beyond the fix

Did you knowA parts seller explains that when the tray fills, water reaches the bottom of the metal contacts on the tray and completes a circuit to the board. That is why wet grounds on the contacts can fake a full tray.

Tips and tricks

  • Empty the grounds container with the machine switched on, the only way Jura's manuals say resets the counter. Jura-parts.com adds waiting about 10 seconds before refitting it.repair guide
  • With the machine unplugged, clean the metal contacts on the tray and the gap behind them with a toothbrush, then dry them well. Wet contacts are common after descaling.technician video
  • Check that the tray seats fully. A technician says a warped tray from the dishwasher can lose contact, although Jura's E8 manual says the insert is dishwasher-safe.technician video

Common mistakes

  • Emptying the container with the machine off. Jura's manuals say the grounds counter resets only when it is on.
  • Refitting the container immediately after pulling it out, which a parts seller says can leave the message in place.

Easily confused with

  • Drip tray not fitted points to a micro-switch or poor seating rather than a full tray.
  • Empty grounds uses the grounds counter and a micro-switch, per a parts seller, so a broken switch can mimic a full container.

Further reading

Questions

What does Empty drip tray (tray is empty) mean on the Jura?

Prompt to empty the drip tray and grounds container, which can persist after emptying. Despite the wording, this Jura message asks you to empty the tray; it does not mean the tray is empty. Jura's E8 and Z10 manuals say drinks are blocked until you empty the grounds container and drip tray, and that the grounds counter only resets if you empty the container with the machine switched on. If the message stays after emptying, the usual reason is that the container was emptied with the machine off. A tray that is missing or not seated shows a separate message (Drip tray not fitted).

Can I fix Empty drip tray (tray is empty) myself?

DIY difficulty: easy. With the machine switched on, remove the grounds container and the drip tray and empty both. Refit the tray and container fully and check the display clears.

How much does it cost to fix Empty drip tray (tray is empty)?

Not published by Jura. 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.

When does Empty drip tray (tray is empty) typically show up?

Juras report Empty drip tray (tray is empty) any. That timing is a useful clue when narrowing the cause.

Can I keep using the machine with Empty drip tray (tray is empty) showing?

Generally yes — Empty drip tray (tray is empty) is more of an annoyance than an emergency. Fix it when convenient; just do not let the cause sit for months.

Will Empty drip tray (tray is empty) clear on its own?

Often, yes. The first step (with the machine switched on, remove the grounds container and the drip tray and empty both) 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.

How reliable is this page?Jura’s own manuals we read define only Errors 2 and 5 and tell you to contact support for any other number. Other meanings on Jura pages come from third-party technician service tables, which number the GIGA and standard lines differently. We mark those as lower confidence. Model revisions can differ: if your machine behaves differently, tell us. See our editorial policy.