Can I fix this myself?

Yes. This is a user-serviceable condition and the steps above are the ones the manufacturer publishes. If it returns straight after you complete them, stop and book service.

Where do these steps come from?

They are transcribed from Philips support article XC000017669. We do not repair machines and we do not publish a fix we cannot cite to the manufacturer.

Will this code clear on its own?

Maintenance prompts clear when the cycle they are asking for is completed in full — stopping partway usually leaves the counter running. Fault codes clear when the underlying condition is corrected, not by power-cycling past them.

Philips Alarm light with flashing start light: Air trapped inside the machine — Causes and Fixes

You can fix thisUpdated August 3, 2026

Philips

Alarm light with flashing start light — Air trapped inside the machine

You can fix this

What the machine is reporting

there is some air trapped inside the machine

Likely causes, most likely first

Water tank run dry
Circuit not primed after filter change

What to do

1. Fill the water tank.
2. Place a cup under the milk frother.
3. Press the flashing start button to dispense hot water.

Source: Philips support article XC000017669. Transcribed from Philips's own published documentation — we do not repair machines and do not publish fixes we cannot cite.

When to stop and call a technician

The machine trips a breaker, smells of burning, or shows scorched wiring.
Water is leaking from inside the chassis rather than from the tank, tray or portafilter.
The fault involves the boiler, a pressure valve, the heating element or the pump itself.
The code returns immediately after a correctly completed reset or maintenance cycle.
The machine is under warranty — opening it yourself usually ends that cover.

Never bypass, disable or remove a safety device — a thermal fuse, pressure relief valve or lid interlock is the part standing between a fault and a fire. Do not open a pressurised boiler or work on mains wiring.

Machines this applies to

Other Philips codes

03 — Brew group too dirty
CALC / CLEAN — Descale prompt
AquaClean light flashing orange — AquaClean filter needs replacing
02 — Machine requires repair
10 — Machine requires repair
15 — Machine requires repair

All Philips error codes →

Frequently asked

What does Philips Alarm light with flashing start light mean?: there is some air trapped inside the machine
Can I fix this myself?: Yes. This is a user-serviceable condition and the steps above are the ones the manufacturer publishes. If it returns straight after you complete them, stop and book service.
Where do these steps come from?: They are transcribed from Philips support article XC000017669. We do not repair machines and we do not publish a fix we cannot cite to the manufacturer.
Will this code clear on its own?: Maintenance prompts clear when the cycle they are asking for is completed in full — stopping partway usually leaves the counter running. Fault codes clear when the underlying condition is corrected, not by power-cycling past them.