Why am I getting a "need to prime" message. I have low water flow when I open the hot water/steam valve to prime the machine as per the user guide.

I fixed the same issue by pushing in the water knob "in" towards the machine. Machine than primes normally as the water flow is restored and it resets itself.

This means the water cannot flow through the machine. Normal fix is to prime the machine (turn water dispenser on, fill a cup) or descale the machine. Go through the menu, select descale, enter, then turn the steam knob fully anti-clockwise. You should put the descaling solution in the water tank first.
If you have the auto-descale in the menu then run it. Run the solution through the machine twice. Then rinse well.

Generally you can clear the ventilate error by pressing the button for Hot Water and then opening the steam knob. You should hear the pump run and water should start to flow from the steam wand. If it doesn't, try removing the frother nozzle so just the chrome pipe is showing.

To remove the frother nozzle you slide the outer sleeve off, and then grip the nozzle with one hand while twisting the cap to loosen it. Then it should slide off the metal steam pipe. Or you can check that the tip of the nozzle isn't clogged.

If you have the frother removed and the steam pipe is definitely open and not clogged and you still hear the pump running but no water is coming out, the next step is to prime the pump.

If you still have the squeeze bulb pump that came with the machine, you can use that - or if you don't have it, a turkey baster will work. You want to take the water tank off and set it aside, then pump water into the valve in the center where the tank had been sitting. You choose "Hot Water" and open the steam valve so the pump starts and then pump water into that valve with the Turkey Baster. You should hear the pump catch and start to move the water - when this happens immediately close the steam valve so the pump stops - then replace the water tank (filled with water please) and open the steam valve again and let water run out of the steam wand for several seconds.

That should clear the ventilate message.

Do you hear the pump working but no water flows?

You should select hot water (the third button from the right) and the display should say "hot water" at the same time it is saying VENTILATE --- open the steam valve all the way and the pump should start and you should see water from the steam wand.

If you don't hear the pump at all, then that is a different problem.

If you do hear the pump but still don't get any water with the steam valve open, then you need to prime the pump by using a turkey baster or the accordian pump that came with the Titanium to pump water into the valve where water from the tank goes. Remove the tank and use the turkey baster to pump water into that valve while the pump is running and the steam valve is open all the way with HOT WATER selected. the second water starts to come out the steam valve you want to stop the pump (turn the power off or turn the steam knob shut) and put the water tank back on and make sure there is plenty of water in the tank - then start the pump again by opening the steam valve all the way and let it pump water out the steam wand for a few minutes.

Try this, when you run the hot water cycle to prime machine and it stops putting out water push in on the knob if that works then replace the tap rod assembly or the whole steam valve assembly.

HI
Its your flow meter. If you have a restriction in the intake line the message will not go away. There is a flow meter inside the machine that measures water flow. If the flow meter does not spin when the pump is running, the computer thinks that the pump is not primed. Coffee grounds will get into the intake and restrict the flow meter. If you get a restriction in the water intake (below the water tank, on the machine) the pump may run and water comes out, but the flow meter does not create the jet of water to spin the turbine wheel to send impulses to the computer. You get the ventilate message.
You need to take the flow meter apart and clean it or replace it.

Press hot water button then open valve, then push the valve knob in if that works take it back and tell them that the valve is damaged.

Hi
You may have a flow meter that is bad. If its white plastic check for corrosion at the wire terminals. If your have corrosion change the meter and you should be good to go.

Yes, unfortunately the Via Veneto is a difficult machine to prime, however, I have a simple way to prime the pump if you run into this problem. Simply remove the water tank, fill a clean turkey baster with water, open the steam valve fully then mate the baster tip with the water tank flow valve on the espresso machine. Wrap a towel or paper towel around the flow valve/baster tip then inject the water (agressively, but not forcefully). It's works for me every time.

I have had this machine for four years now, and it is FAB!!! it does have an extra step to it- after you put in coffee and add water to the reservoir, you DO need to prime the pump. So here's what you have to do:

-Fill the reservoir with MORE water then you think you will need, fill the coffee filter with the standard amount of finely ground bean.
-Turn the machine to "on," making sure the "steam" switch and valve (knob) are off.
-Wait till the green "ready" light comes on, then put an empty cup under the steam wand and turn the valve on (the steam switch is still in the off position). Hot water will come out of the steam wand, allow it to flow until the "ready" light blinks off. Discard this.
-close the steam valve, stopping the flow of water.
-turn the "steam" switch into the on position, wait for ready light to come on again.
-put your milk container under the steam wand and froth to your heart's content (this machine makes GREAT frothed milk and you should use a large enough milk container to allow for that! *smile*)
-when you have finished with the frothing, close the valve and flick the "steam" switch back into the off position. You are now ready to make your espresso.
-push either of the two buttons, ie one or two cups, and the espresso will start to flow. There is a way to set the length of time for each of the two buttons, but I have had mine set perfectly for so long i don't know how to do it any more. Sorry!

This has been the best machine I've ever used, and has lasted me for years. I heartily recommend it!