Question 1

i can't get the 24-hour clock to set, the hour buttons just make it blink.

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS You're in the time-setting mode, which is confusing because the interface isn't intuitive. The blinking means it's waiting for you to input the correct time. FIX When the clock is blinking, use the 'HOUR' button to advance to the correct hour. Press the 'MIN' button once to move the cursor to the minutes (the hour will stop blinking, minutes will start). Use the 'MIN' button to advance to the correct minute. Then, press the 'CLOCK' button once to lock in the time and exit setting mode. The blinking should stop. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK A power glitch can corrupt the memory. Unplug the machine for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. The clock will likely flash '12:00'. Now follow the setting steps above from the start. HEADS UP The clock on these basic models doesn't have a backup battery. If you unplug the coffee maker or have a brief power outage, you'll have to reset the time every single time.

Question 2

the 'strong brew' button doesn't seem to make any difference, coffee tastes the same.

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS The 'Strong Brew' function on this model works by slowing down the water flow over the grounds, not by increasing temperature. If the showerhead is clogged or the water path is restricted by scale, it can't modulate the flow properly. FIX Descale the machine (vinegar-water solution as described earlier). A clean, unrestricted water path is essential for the 'Strong Brew' cycle to actually slow the drip rate. After descaling, try it again—you should notice a longer brew time. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK The button or control board itself might be faulty. Test by starting a regular brew, then pressing 'Strong Brew'. You should hear a slight change in the pump's sound (a slower pulse). If there's no audible change, the electronic switch for that function is likely dead. HEADS UP Don't confuse 'Strong Brew' with hotter coffee. It just aims for more extraction from the same grounds. For noticeably stronger coffee, you're still better off just using more grounds in the filter.

Question 3

it makes a loud gurgling or grinding noise during the brew, sounds like it's struggling.

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS That's the sound of the water pump fighting an air lock or trying to pull water through a clog. Air gets trapped in the intake tube if the reservoir was empty or not seated properly. FIX Turn the machine off. Remove the water reservoir, then firmly reseat it, making sure it clicks into place at the bottom. Add fresh water. This often primes the system and pushes the air bubble through. Turn it back on and try a brew. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK The noise could be from a failing pump motor or a clogged intake filter (a small screen at the base of the reservoir inside the machine). If the pump is going out, the noise will get progressively worse and brewing will slow down. HEADS UP That grinding noise is hard on the pump. If it happens frequently, it's a sign the pump is on its way out. Continuing to run it like that will lead to a complete failure where no water comes out at all.

Question 4

the 'clean' light is flashing on my taylor swoden and i can't get it to turn off.

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS The machine's internal timer has hit the descale reminder cycle. It's not an error, just a maintenance nag light based on the number of brew cycles. FIX To reset it, you need to initiate a cleaning cycle. With the machine off, press and hold both the 'Clean' button and the 'On/Off' button simultaneously for about 5 seconds. The 'Clean' light should stop flashing and stay solid, then you can run a vinegar-water descaling cycle as described in the other answer. After that cycle completes, the light should go out. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK If the light keeps flashing after a descale cycle, the reset sequence might not have registered. Try unplugging the machine for a full 5 minutes. This sometimes clears the reminder counter. HEADS UP This light is just a timer, not a sensor. It can't actually detect scale. If you use filtered water, you can ignore the light and just reset it—but you should still descale every few months.

Question 5

my coffee tastes burnt or really weak no matter how much coffee i use, is the machine defective?

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS Probably not defective, just clogged. Mineral scale from hard water builds up inside the showerhead (where the water drips) and the internal tubes, messing up the water flow and temperature. FIX You need to descale. Mix one part white vinegar to two parts water, fill the reservoir, and run a brew cycle without coffee. Stop halfway, let it sit for 30 minutes, then finish the cycle. Run 2-3 cycles with plain water afterward to rinse. This clears out the blockages. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK Check the showerhead itself. Under the lid, there's a plastic piece with small holes. Use a toothpick or pin to gently clear any visible gunk or coffee grounds clogging those holes. Restricted flow there causes weak, uneven brewing. HEADS UP Don't use harsh descaling chemicals like citric acid powder unless specifically says it's okay; they can damage internal rubber seals. Vinegar is the safe bet for this model.

Question 6

water is leaking from the bottom of my coffee maker, not from the carafe or lid.

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS Internal leak. The most likely culprit is a cracked or disconnected water tube inside the reservoir, or a failed seal on the heating element assembly. FIX Unplug it immediately and empty all water. Remove the water reservoir (usually lifts straight up) and inspect the small silicone tube at the bottom that feeds water to the pump. Make sure it's securely connected to the nipple. If it's cracked or loose, that's your leak source. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK The leak could be from the heating element gasket. You'd see mineral scale or rust around the metal boiler plate inside the machine. This is a more serious fix that typically requires disassembly and a new seal, which isn't recommended for most users. HEADS UP Never run a machine you know is leaking from the base. Water hitting the electrical components is a serious shock and fire hazard. If the internal tube looks fine, it's usually more cost-effective to replace the whole unit.

Question 7

the warming plate on my 12-cup taylor swoden gets barely warm, coffee's cold in 20 minutes.

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS Yeah, this one's common. The warming plate on these models is not a high-wattage hot plate; it's designed for 'keep-warm' temps, not reheat. If it's truly cold, the internal thermal fuse might have blown. FIX First, ensure you're using the 'Keep Warm' function. The plate only heats if you press the 'Keep Warm' button after brewing starts (the light should be on). If it's on and still cold, unplug the machine and let it cool completely. Often, the fuse will reset itself after it cools down. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK If it's permanently cold, the thermal fuse (a small safety component on the warming plate circuit) has likely failed. This is not a user-serviceable part on this model and would require replacement of the base unit or a professional repair. HEADS UP These warmers are notorious for not keeping coffee piping hot for more than an hour. If you're a slow drinker, consider a thermal carafe model next time—the glass carafe loses heat fast even with a working plate.

Question 8

my taylor swoden coffee maker just lights up the clock but won't start brewing when i press the button, what gives?

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS This is usually a programming lockout. The machine thinks it's in 'program' mode for a future brew, so brew button is disabled. FIX First, check if the 'PROG' light is on. If it is, press and hold the 'PROG' button for about 3 seconds until the light turns off. That should clear the scheduled brew and give you back control. Then just hit the 'ON/OFF' button to start a regular brew cycle. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK Try a full reset. Unplug the machine, wait a full minute, then plug it back in. This often clears any temporary electronic glitches that can cause the controls to freeze up. HEADS UP It's easy to accidentally bump the 'PROG' button when cleaning the control panel. If this keeps happening, just get in the habit of checking for that little light before you walk away thinking it's broken.

Taylor Swoden 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker, Regular & Strong Brew Drip Coffee Machine for Home and Office, Glass Carafe,

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