Electric pressure washers are a powerful tool for cleaning, but they can be frustrating when they don’t work. If your electric pressure washer motor isn’t working, there are a few things you can check to troubleshoot the problem. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to identify and fix the issue, so you can get your pressure washer back up and running in no time.
Why Electric Pressure Washer Motor Not Working
1. No Power
– The most common reason for a pressure washer motor not working is that there is no power to the motor. This can be caused by a number of things, including:
– A blown fuse
– A tripped circuit breaker
– A loose connection in the power cord
– A faulty power switch
– To check for power, you can use a multimeter to test the voltage at the motor terminals. If there is no voltage, you will need to find and fix the source of the problem.
2. Faulty Motor
– If the motor is not getting power, but there is power to the pressure washer, then the motor itself may be faulty. This can be caused by a number of things, including:
– A burnt-out winding
– A seized bearing
– A broken shaft
– To test the motor, you can use a multimeter to check for continuity between the motor terminals. If there is no continuity, then the motor is faulty and will need to be replaced.
3. Clogged Inlet Filter
– If the inlet filter is clogged, it can prevent water from flowing to the motor. This can cause the motor to overheat and eventually burn out.
– To check the inlet filter, you can remove it from the pressure washer and inspect it for debris. If the filter is clogged, you can clean it with a brush or replace it with a new one.
4. Restricted Hose
– If the hose is restricted, it can also prevent water from flowing to the motor. This can cause the motor to overheat and eventually burn out.
– To check the hose, you can run water through it and see if it flows freely. If the hose is restricted, you can replace it with a new one.
5. Low Oil Level
– Some pressure washers have an oil reservoir that lubricates the motor. If the oil level is low, it can cause the motor to overheat and eventually burn out.
– To check the oil level, you can remove the oil dipstick and inspect it. If the oil level is low, you can add oil to the reservoir until it reaches the full mark.
How to Troubleshoot: Electric Pressure Washer Motor Not Working
Symptoms
There are a few different symptoms that can indicate that the motor on your electric pressure washer is not working properly. These include:
The pressure washer won’t start at all.
The pressure washer starts but doesn’t produce any pressure.
The pressure washer produces low pressure.
The pressure washer makes strange noises.
The pressure washer leaks fluid.
Causes
There are a number of different things that can cause the motor on your electric pressure washer to stop working. These include:
A faulty motor.
A loose or damaged electrical connection.
A clogged air filter.
A clogged water filter.
A dirty pump.
A problem with the pressure regulator.
Troubleshooting
If your electric pressure washer motor is not working, you can try troubleshooting the problem yourself. Here are a few steps to follow:
1. Check the power cord:
Make sure that the power cord is plugged in securely and that the outlet is working.
2. Check the electrical connections:
Make sure that all of the electrical connections are tight and that there are no damaged wires.3. Check the air filter:
Remove the air filter and clean it with a dry cloth. If the air filter is clogged, it can restrict airflow to the motor and cause it to overheat.
4. Check the water filter:
Remove the water filter and clean it with a garden hose. If the water filter is clogged, it can restrict water flow to the pump and cause the motor to overheat.
5. Clean the pump:
Remove the pump from the pressure washer and clean it with a garden hose. If the pump is dirty, it can cause the motor to overheat.
6. Check the pressure regulator:
Make sure that the pressure regulator is set to the correct pressure. If the pressure regulator is set too high, it can cause the motor to overheat.
If you have tried troubleshooting the problem yourself and the pressure washer motor is still not working, you should take it to a qualified repair technician.
Also Read: Electric Pressure Washer Pump Not Working
FAQs: Electric Pressure Washer Motor Not Working
Why is my electric pressure washer motor not working?
There are a few possible reasons why your electric pressure washer motor may not be working. Here are some of the most common causes:
The motor is overheating: If the motor is overheating, it will shut down automatically to prevent damage. This can happen if the pressure washer is used for too long at a high pressure, or if the air filter is dirty and not allowing enough air to flow through the motor.
The motor is overloaded: If the pressure washer is used to clean surfaces that are too dirty or too rough, the motor can be overloaded and overheat. This can also happen if the pressure washer is used with a nozzle that is too small for the job.
The motor is not getting enough power: If the pressure washer is not plugged into a properly grounded outlet, or if the outlet is not providing enough power, the motor will not be able to start or will not run properly.
The motor is damaged: If the motor has been damaged by overheating, overloading, or lack of power, it will need to be repaired or replaced.
How do I fix an electric pressure washer motor that is not working?
If your electric pressure washer motor is not working, you can try to fix it yourself or you can take it to a qualified technician. Here are some steps you can take to try to fix the motor yourself:
1. Check the air filter: If the air filter is dirty, it can restrict airflow to the motor and cause it to overheat. Remove the air filter and clean it with a brush or compressed air.
2. Check the pressure switch: The pressure switch is a safety device that prevents the motor from starting if the pressure washer is not hooked up to a water source. If the pressure switch is stuck in the open position, the motor will not start. To check the pressure switch, disconnect the pressure hose from the pressure washer and turn on the power. If the motor starts, the pressure switch is defective and needs to be replaced.
3. Check the wiring: Make sure that the power cord is plugged into a properly grounded outlet and that the outlet is providing enough power. If the outlet is not providing enough power, you may need to have it replaced.
4. Test the motor: If you have checked the air filter, pressure switch, wiring, and outlet and the motor still does not work, you may need to have it repaired or replaced.
What are the signs of a bad electric pressure washer motor?
There are a few signs that can indicate that your electric pressure washer motor is bad. These include:
The motor does not start or starts and then stops immediately.
The motor runs but does not produce any pressure.
The motor runs but makes a loud noise.
The motor overheats.
If you notice any of these signs, you should have the motor checked by a qualified technician.
How much does it cost to replace an electric pressure washer motor?
The cost of replacing an electric pressure washer motor will vary depending on the make and model of the pressure washer, as well as the cost of the replacement motor. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $200 for a new motor.
How can I prevent my electric pressure washer motor from breaking down?
There are a few things you can do to help prevent your electric pressure washer motor from breaking down. These include:
Use the pressure washer correctly: Do not use the pressure washer on surfaces that are too dirty or too rough. Use the correct nozzle for the job and do not exceed the maximum pressure rating for the pressure washer.
Maintain the pressure washer regularly: Clean the air filter regularly and check the pressure switch and wiring for damage.
Store the pressure washer properly: When you are not using the pressure washer, store it in a cool, dry place.
By following these tips, you can help extend the life of your electric pressure washer motor.
