La Marzocco Espresso Machine Prompts: SB Filled? And Groups Bled?
These two prompts are shown during first installation and when settings presets are made, and they are not errors. For the steam boiler prompt, press Enter once the sight glass shows the boiler is full. For the groups prompt, press Enter once the groups have been bled and no air remains.
Low: a setup prompt, not a failure.
- Code
- SB Filled? / Groups Bled?
- Maker
- La Marzocco
- Equipment
- Espresso machines
- Applies to
- Linea PB and Strada AV
What does La Marzocco SB Filled? / Groups Bled? mean?
During first installation, or when a settings preset is applied, the machine needs to be told that the boilers and groups are ready before it heats. The CPU asks SB Filled? And Groups Bled? On the display. The manual explains that neither is an error. For SB Filled?, the steam boiler must be full, which is checked in the sight glass, and then Enter is pressed. For Groups Bled?, Enter is pressed once the groups have been bled and no air remains. Pressing Enter before the steps are done can let the machine heat with air in the groups or with a short boiler, which is why the confirmation is manual. After both are confirmed, the machine goes on to heat as normal.
Affected models and control systems
La Marzocco Linea PB (display software, Operating Manual V3.2) and Strada AV (MAN.16.1.01 V1.0). Boiler names and numbers on the display follow the machine's group and boiler count.
Code numbers and their meaning can change between control generations. We match the full model and control before acting on a code.
What you may notice
- SB Filled? On the display
- Groups Bled? On the display
- Machine waits and does not heat
- Prompts appear after a settings preset
Possible causes
Likely causes — what usually sits behind SB Filled? / Groups Bled? on this control. A technician confirms which one it is before any part is replaced.
- First installation of the machine
- A settings preset has just been applied
- Preset applied after servicing so the prompts appear again
- Boiler not yet full when the operator presses Enter
- Air still trapped in a group after bleeding
Safe checks before calling for service
- Look at the steam boiler sight glass and confirm it is full before pressing Enter at SB Filled?.
- Bleed each group until no air remains.
- Then press Enter at Groups Bled?.
- Watch the machine start to heat.
- If the prompts keep appearing during normal use, note it and tell the technician.
How a technician diagnoses SB Filled? / Groups Bled?
- Confirm the machine is at installation or has just had a preset applied.
- Verify water supply and fill the steam boiler.
- Bleed the groups fully.
- Confirm the prompts and the heating sequence.
- Check any parameter settings affecting the prompts.
- Boilers hold hot pressurized water.
- Bleeding groups can release hot water and steam.
- Presets overwrite machine settings.
How SB Filled? / Groups Bled? differs from similar codes
These prompts differ from the error messages: nothing has failed, and the machine simply waits for confirmation.
Technical reference
- Maker documentation
- La Marzocco owner support
- Edition
- V3.2 - 12/2015 (La Marzocco S.r.l.)
- Models / control
- Linea PB and Strada AV
- Section
- Troubleshooting, printed pp. 104-105 (PDF pp. 104-105)
- Checked
- October 2026
We use the maker's document to read the code and do not reproduce it. Always confirm the complete model and control before applying these steps.
Related La Marzocco espresso machine error codes
Is it an error?
No. The manual says these are prompts.
When do they appear?
During first installation and when presets are made.
What if I press Enter too early?
The machine might heat with air or a low boiler, so check first.
Need help with La Marzocco SB Filled? / Groups Bled??
A technician confirms the cause on site and gives you the price in writing before any work starts.