Blinking red water light on SAECO ITALIA with full tank of water

Your tank may be full but water is not getting into the system. The only way for the red light to go away is to have water come out of the other end...either the coffee spouts or the steam wand. The word they use for this is "pump priming". Thus, either the motor is not sucking water in or there is blockage. Unless water gets out to the other side, the red light will stay on. Before getting dirty with the system, check the tip of the steam wand...if old milk is blocking that end. You will know this is the case when you turn the steam knob counter clockwise to release water but you only hear a semi-startup on the motor and then abruptly stops while the steam knob simultaneously pops out a little bit. It indicates a "blowback"...that there is blockage at one end of the pipe (ie steam wand). Get the residue out by dipping the wand in a tall glass of hot water...wait for a few minutes and blow it out with using the steam knob. Should be ok after that.--Mabada1

I have an Italia, and while steaming milk it stuttered a bit, then the water warning light started flashing. I refilled the tank (it was not empty), and opened the steam valve, and heard the pump start and got water coming out. The light continues to flash, even though water flow through the wand is good.

Then I did one more thing, since I have the electronics equipment to do it: I checked the actual function of the water flow meter. When I turn on the steam valve, I get rapid pulses from the meter, showing up on the middle lead of the three-wire set from the meter to the control board.

So, the meter is throwing pulses when water flows, and the water flows. Still the red flashing water light. Any clues?

This is an old post but the problem is probably not the water sensor. Are you getting water flow when machine is in prime mode? If not, you probably have a blockage. If water is unable to flow freely; the flow sensor triggers the flashing light.

You can check the flow sensor (small white rectangular box with two hoses attached... with back cover removed it is on the bottom right)

Most likely it isThe primary place of blockage is the line from the heater to the steam wand. Which is easily reached from the back panel (removed)

Turn off power and unplug; release pressure by turning knob (wand) to full. Remove back panel and look at the silver heater (with two hoses attached) Remove the closest host (it goes directly to the steam wand) To remove, carefully remove cotter pin and use a needle nose plier to pull up on the hose (careful not to lose the two red washers) They will need to be put back on the hose when you are done.

Inspect the inside of this hose; most likely this is your blockage. Use a sewing needle or toothpick to dig out the deposits. Reassemble (push the hose down into the heater and hold there while inserting the cotter pin) If you dont get it latched in; the hose can dislodge and spray inside the machine.

Now assemble the rest of the machine; turn steam wand to off. Power on and put machine into prime mode. With any luck you should get water flow from the nozzle now and the light will turn off.

If this fixes it; please get a good descaler and run it through your machine. This is the primary cause of the "water light" blink failure.

There is a magnet on the water tank check to make sure it is moving as you add water. It aligns with a sensor inside the unit. Hope this elps!

I think it´s the water sensor that makes your problem

Run water through the wand. It will clear the sensor.