You have not missed anything. Unplugging for longer than 16 minutes (has 15-minute memory) is the only troubleshooting you can perform. Call Cuisinart to find out if you are still in warranty. All electronics have a failure rate. Cuisinart's is acceptably low, but their coffee makers are the least reliable of all their products. The basic problem with electronic coffee makers is that coffee makers produce high heat, and high heat kills electronics and melts plastic. At least Cuisinart has a 3-year warranty - higher than the industry standard.

Let me put it another way. All coffee makers have a high failure rate. As many Cuisinart coffee makers that break down, the non-Grind-and-Brews still have a 91 rating from Consumer Reports. Consumer Reports doesn't give ANYTHING a 91 rating. A lot break, but you probably won't fare much better by switching to a different brand. The problem with a Cuisinart breaking down is that an expensive unit broke down - you wouldn't be upset if your $15 Mr. Coffee broke every year. The law of averages is on your side - a 2nd Cuisinart will probably last longer.

-Tha Mp3 Doctor