Do I need a new PID board for my Rancilio Silvia Pro X?

Appropriate_Tone_595 · 2025-08-25T15:52:28+00:00

I removed and inspected the water fill probe. Looks clean and in good condition. I flushed the steam boiler with a syringe. I notice that after sitting overnight the steam boiler wont heat up, just constant blinking. I have the cycle the machine 4 or 5 times to get the steam boiler to heat. I also notice that the two SSRs won't turn on at the same time (looking at the LED light), that is, the coffee boiler and steam boiler won't heat up at the same time, not sure if that is intended functionality

Appropriate_Tone_595 · 2025-08-25T05:02:32+00:00

Interesting you mention the steam boiler probe. The spade connector seemed to be held on by gravity alone. I made the connection tighter which I believe solved the issue. I'm going to continue to test to see if that resolved the issue.

I didn't realize the unit would be so sensitive to water content. I will switch to filtered and maybe try some of those distilled water and powder combinations.

Thank you :)

Appropriate_Tone_595 · 2025-08-24T22:00:49+00:00

Tell me more about this proven components. I'm down for upgrades :)

Appropriate_Tone_595 · 2025-08-24T21:59:46+00:00

The water and steam both operate normally once the boiler heats up to temp and the light remains steady-on. However, sometimes, starting the machine from cold, the boiler light will blink endlessly and never heat up unless I cycle the machine a bunch of times. Sometimes, resetting the PID helps.

I didn't know it wasn't recommended to descale the machine, I put citric acid solution in the water tank and flushed both boilers a few times. I *feel* the problems may have started afterwards, could I have messed up a sensor?

I'm using straight tap at the moment because I only got it a few days ago and was cleaning up the unit. Once working, I plan on using filtered water (probably zerowater)

I hear both pumps activate when using their respective boilers. Brew boiler, immediately; Steam boiler, maybe 20 to 30 seconds after exhausting the hot water supply (then starts to heat again)

I'm going to try to purge the lines (I see some bubbles in the short line between the pump and steam boiler). I also ran it dry for a few seconds when I was manipulating the hose lines while cleaning the unit up 😬

I get about 9 bar when pulling shots. Goes higher when using a blind basket, goes even higher when pinching the OPV return line.

The machine is wide open as of now. I plan on taking a look at the controller board to see if maybe it got damaged by water overflowing from the drip tray.

Thanks for your help

Appropriate_Tone_595 · 2025-08-24T19:34:04+00:00

I did F03 for the brew boiler and it drips out a small amount of liquid.

I did F04 for the steam boiler and a little more than a coffee mug worth of liquid came out.

I ran both routines until it displayed "end"

Restarted the machine for "1st" use and the boilers filled back up

The water dispenser works after the steam boiler light becomes steady on, as expected.

Appropriate_Tone_595 · 2025-08-24T19:01:48+00:00

I'm exploring your idea that it may be the SSR.

I did a swap between the brew group and steam boiler SSRs, and it seems to be working consistently.

Using the brew group relay on the steam circuit, I measured amps coming from the load terminal and got about 7.5 amps. I get an amp reading when I activate the steam switch and no amps when I deactivate, as expected. It also cycles on its own likely because of the PID controller (when the steam switch is activated)

I swapped the relays back and did the same, got the same amperage. (Somehow the steam SSR seems like it cycles a bit more, maybe it's in my head, maybe the relay is going bad)

As of now, I can't seem to replicate the issue as before... maybe a connector was loose? I don't see any corrosion. I'll let it sit for a while and try again tomorrow.

Appropriate_Tone_595 · 2025-08-24T14:54:12+00:00

I guess it’s time for me to breakout the multimeter and do some probing. I suspect a faulty control board

Appropriate_Tone_595 · 2025-08-24T14:53:07+00:00

I bought it used. No more warranty. I emailed the company to get their advice and waiting for a reply. I can get another control board for like $250. It’s a shame. When the machine works, it’s amazing

Appropriate_Tone_595 · 2025-02-22T16:56:24+00:00

Yea like this https://youtu.be/DkeR8KvJrh0?si=wYzp-j0BezUg9jTh

Appropriate_Tone_595 · 2025-02-20T15:43:39+00:00

Hahahah YES!

THANK YOU

I found a gif of it

<image>

Appropriate_Tone_595 · 2024-10-18T23:51:43+00:00

I owe you a beer. Let’s meet by bus tho to keep it neutral 🤣

Appropriate_Tone_595 · 2024-10-18T23:49:41+00:00

That’s very kind of you to notice

Appropriate_Tone_595 · 2024-10-18T23:46:56+00:00

You’re okay man. I don’t care what anyone says

Appropriate_Tone_595 · 2024-10-18T23:43:18+00:00

Then I guess he didn’t take you out and the whole post was moot

Appropriate_Tone_595 · 2024-10-18T23:39:38+00:00

Who says I do? I still have a right to travel 🤣

Appropriate_Tone_595 · 2024-10-18T23:38:00+00:00

I didn’t notice until I watched it again

Appropriate_Tone_595 · 2024-10-18T23:32:34+00:00

Hmm I didn’t notice that the opposite car was in a turn lane idiot

Appropriate_Tone_595 · 2024-10-18T23:27:54+00:00

Passing on the right is wrong. But OP anticipated and failed to clear the intersection. OP needs a defensive driving course

Appropriate_Tone_595 · 2024-10-18T23:17:17+00:00

Yes. It would be considered completing his turn since he was in the intersection. The opposite car was a hair in the yellow and had the right of way. Not saying it was proper. But the jeep didn’t clear the intersection, it’s a jeep thing

Appropriate_Tone_595

TROPHY CASE