The shaft seal is the cup shaped seal between the auger and the shaft. it needs replacing on occasion. the message will come up every 6 months to make sure you check it. to clear the message- the "ultra", "gourmet" and "ice" word under the display are buttons. hold down "gourmet" for a few seconds to get into the menu then release. press "gourmet" until you get to "maintenance done" and select yes. press "gourmet" again until you get to "6 month" and select no. press gourmet until you get out of the menu and you're all set!