Electric Pressure Washer Motor Not Working [How To Troubleshoot]

Your electric pressure washer is one of the most important tools in your home maintenance arsenal. It can quickly and easily clean everything from your driveway to your siding. But what happens when your pressure washer motor stops working

This is a common problem, and it can be incredibly frustrating. Not only can it prevent you from completing important tasks, but it can also be dangerous. If you’re not careful, you could end up spraying yourself with hot water or damaging your property.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to troubleshoot a pressure washer motor that’s not working. I’ll cover the most common causes of this problem, as well as the steps you can take to fix it. By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to get your pressure washer up and running again in no time.

Reasons Why Electric Pressure Washer Motor Not Working

Electric Pressure Washer Motor Not Working

There are a few reasons why an electric pressure washer motor might not be working. Here are some of the most common causes:

A blown fuse

The most common cause of a pressure washer motor not working is a blown fuse. This can happen if the motor is overloaded or if there is a short circuit in the wiring. To check if the fuse is blown, you can look at the breaker box or fuse box. If the fuse is blown, you will need to replace it with a new one.

A bad switch

Another common cause of a pressure washer motor not working is a bad switch. The switch is responsible for turning the motor on and off. If the switch is bad, it will not be able to properly engage the motor, and the motor will not start. To check if the switch is bad, you can disconnect the power to the pressure washer and then use a multimeter to test the switch. If the switch is bad, you will need to replace it.

A bad capacitor

A capacitor is a device that stores electrical energy. In a pressure washer, the capacitor is used to help start the motor. If the capacitor is bad, it will not be able to store enough energy to start the motor, and the motor will not start. To check if the capacitor is bad, you can disconnect the power to the pressure washer and then use a multimeter to test the capacitor. If the capacitor is bad, you will need to replace it.

A bad motor

If the motor itself is bad, it will not be able to start or run properly. There are a number of things that can cause a motor to go bad, including overheating, overloading, and bearing failure. To check if the motor is bad, you can disconnect the power to the pressure washer and then use a multimeter to test the motor windings. If the motor windings are open or shorted, the motor will need to be replaced.

A clogged inlet screen

The inlet screen on a pressure washer is designed to prevent debris from entering the pump. If the inlet screen is clogged, it can prevent water from flowing into the pump, which will cause the motor to overheat and eventually burn out. To check if the inlet screen is clogged, you can remove it and clean it with a brush.

A clogged outlet nozzle

The outlet nozzle on a pressure washer is designed to direct the water stream. If the outlet nozzle is clogged, it can restrict the flow of water, which will cause the motor to work harder than necessary. To check if the outlet nozzle is clogged, you can remove it and clean it with a brush.

How to Troubleshoot: Electric Pressure Washer Motor Not Working

Your electric pressure washer is a powerful tool that can make quick work of cleaning your home, car, and other outdoor surfaces. But what happens when the motor stops working? This can be a frustrating problem, but it’s usually one that you can fix yourself.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps of troubleshooting a pressure washer motor that’s not working. We’ll cover everything from checking the power cord to replacing the pump. So if your pressure washer is acting up, read on for help!

Step 1: Check the Power Cord

The first thing you should do is check the power cord to make sure it’s plugged in properly. If it is, try unplugging it and plugging it back in. You should also check the outlet to make sure it’s working.

If the power cord is plugged in and the outlet is working, but the pressure washer still isn’t starting, move on to the next step.

Step 2: Check the Circuit Breaker

If your pressure washer is plugged into a GFCI outlet, it’s possible that the circuit breaker has tripped. To check this, look for a small button or switch on the outlet. If the button is pushed in, press it to reset the circuit breaker.

If the circuit breaker is not tripped, move on to the next step.

Step 3: Check the Fuse

Some pressure washers have a fuse located inside the motor housing. If the fuse is blown, it will need to be replaced.

To check the fuse, locate the motor housing and remove the screws that hold it in place. Once the housing is open, you should see the fuse. It will be a small, cylindrical object with two metal terminals.

To test the fuse, use a multimeter to check for continuity. If there is no continuity, the fuse is blown and will need to be replaced.

Step 4: Check the Pump

If the power cord, circuit breaker, and fuse are all working properly, the next step is to check the pump.

The pump is located inside the motor housing. To access the pump, you’ll need to remove the screws that hold the housing in place. Once the housing is open, you should see the pump.

The pump is a cylindrical object with a shaft that runs through the center. The shaft is connected to a motor that drives the pump.

To check the pump, you’ll need to remove the belt that connects the motor to the pump. Once the belt is removed, you can turn the shaft by hand. If the shaft turns freely, the pump is working properly.

If the shaft does not turn freely, the pump may be seized. If this is the case, you’ll need to replace the pump.

Step 5: Replace the Motor

If the pump is working properly, the next step is to check the motor.

The motor is located inside the motor housing. To access the motor, you’ll need to remove the screws that hold the housing in place. Once the housing is open, you should see the motor.

The motor is a cylindrical object with a shaft that runs through the center. The shaft is connected to a belt that drives the pump.

To check the motor, you’ll need to remove the belt that connects the motor to the pump. Once the belt is removed, you can turn the shaft by hand. If the shaft turns freely, the motor is working properly.

If the shaft does not turn freely, the motor may be seized. If this is the case, you’ll need to replace the motor.

Conclusion

Troubleshooting a pressure washer motor that’s not working can be a frustrating experience, but it’s usually one that you can fix yourself. By following the steps in this article, you can quickly identify the problem and get your pressure washer back up and running.

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 might not be working. Here are some of the most common causes:

The motor is not getting power: Check the power cord to make sure it is plugged in properly and that the outlet is working. You may also want to check the circuit breaker to make sure it is not tripped.

The motor is overheating: If the motor is overheating, it will automatically shut down to prevent damage. Allow the motor to cool down for a few minutes before trying to start it again.

The motor is clogged: The motor may be clogged with dirt or debris, which can prevent it from turning. Try cleaning the motor housing and the impeller to see if that fixes the problem.

The motor is worn out: If the motor is old or has been used heavily, it may simply be worn out and need to be replaced.

What can I do if my electric pressure washer motor is not working?

If your electric pressure washer motor is not working, there are a few things you can try to fix it. Here are some troubleshooting tips:

Check the power cord: Make sure the power cord is plugged in properly and that the outlet is working. You may also want to check the circuit breaker to make sure it is not tripped.

Clean the motor housing and impeller: The motor housing and impeller may be clogged with dirt or debris, which can prevent the motor from turning. Try cleaning them with a brush or a vacuum cleaner.

Replace the motor: If the motor is old or has been used heavily, it may simply be worn out and need to be replaced.

How can I prevent my electric pressure washer motor from breaking down?

There are a few things you can do to prevent your electric pressure washer motor from breaking down:

Use the pressure washer properly: Do not exceed the maximum pressure rating of the pressure washer, and do not use it on delicate surfaces.

Clean the pressure washer regularly: Clean the pressure washer after each use to remove dirt and debris that can clog the motor.

Store the pressure washer properly: Store the pressure washer in a cool, dry place when not in use.

What should I do if my electric pressure washer motor is still not working after troubleshooting?

If your electric pressure washer motor is still not working after troubleshooting, you may need to take it to a qualified technician for repair or replacement.

Where can I find a qualified technician to repair my electric pressure washer motor?

You can find a qualified technician to repair your electric pressure washer motor by searching online or by asking for recommendations from friends or family. You can also contact the manufacturer of your pressure washer for a list of authorized repair centers.