You might be wondering why is my KitchenAid mixer losing power?
Well, it’s great you stumbled upon this article as we shall be discussing the possible troubleshooting and how to fix it.
KitchenAid mixers have been a top leading brand of mixers as it makes mixing and creaming very effective and fast.
Saving us the strength and extra stress of mixing our batter ourselves.
However, these mixers being electronic devices are prone to damage and other types of issues like power loss.
The easiest way to fix KitchenAid power loss issues is to allow or do a reset of the machine. This can be done by basically allowing the machine to rest for some time.
Why Is My KitchenAid Stand Mixer Losing Power
Several reasons can cause KitchenAid mixers to have power loss. When this happens, the mixer refuses to start.
This can be very frustrating as it hinders our work. Fortunately, not all mixer issues are completely damaging, as with some, an instant solution can be proffered.
Let’s look at the possible causes of the mixer power loss issue.
It should be noted that some of these causes can be a result of our improper maintenance of the mixer.
While others may be a result of long years of use or unknown circumstances.
Overheating
This spawns from the continuous use of the mixer over a prolonged period of time without rest.
Overheating can cause the mixer to stop abruptly and not come on.
This is probably the most common cause of power loss issues in a mixer.
Damaged Power Cord Or Outlet
A faulty or damaged power cord or power outlet could also be the reason why the mixer has refused to start.
A power cord could get damaged internally either due to poor current from the outlet or from pulling the mixer from the cord.
Faulty Speed Control
A faulty speed control could be another reason for your mixer not coming on.
Current flows into the mixer but due to the damage in the speed control, the mixer will be unable to come on.
This can spawn from old mixers with worn-out speed control. Or a mixer falling to the floor or a major hit to the speed control.
Old/ Worn Out Brushes
The brushes in the mixer could get worn out due to years of use as they aren’t built to last forever.
When this happens, the mixer won’t come on until a new set of brushes is replaced properly.
Damaged Motor Or Gears
The motor and gear are the necessary moving parts of a mixer.
Therefore, damage to the motor or gears would require a total and complete change to those parts.
Damages can result in those parts as a result of prolonged unchecked overheating or from unstable electric currents.
Leaking Mixer Oil
The oil in the mixer is necessary for keeping the moving parts of the mixer running, to avoid wear due to friction.
However, due to unforeseen circumstances, there could be a leakage of the oil into other parts of the mixer.
And reduces the amount of oil in the moving parts. Thereby disrupting the functionality of the machine.
How To Troubleshoot A KitchenAid Mixer
When it comes to troubleshooting a KitchenAid mixer, it can be as easy as waiting for the mixer to cool down or performing a reset of the mixer.
To the point of opening up the entire mixer to check for faulty parts.
Should it come to the point of opening the mixer, it is best advised to have a little handy knowledge.
However, we will relate easy steps to take in order to properly troubleshoot your mixer for power faults.
Step #1 Wait And Reset
If your mixers stop abruptly while in use, It is most likely due to overheating.
Simply wait for the mixer to cool off and hit the reset button. If it doesn’t come on, move to the next step.
Step #2 Check Power Outlets and Cords
Check the power outlets and the power cord.
The cord might not be properly connected to the outlet or the current from the outlet is poor or the outlet is damaged.
A good way to check for this is to test other appliances with the outlet or use the mixer in another outlet.
Step #3 Check For Burn Smells
Although this might not be an effective way of troubleshooting, should an inner component or the power cord be burnt? It will mostly give off a burning smell.
Step #4 Check Speed Control
If the speed control is bad, power goes into the mixer but a faulty speed control will prevent the mixer from starting or staying on.
Depending on the cause of the speed control damage, it will either have a loose feel when controlling it, or trouble staying on, or won’t come on at all.
This is a likely indicator that the speed control is damaged.
Step #5 Open Up And Check The Internal Components For Damages
Finally, using a screwdriver and other necessary tools, gently open up the mixer, to check for faults inside the mixer.
Faults like burnt motors, burnt gears, oil spills, and loose wires.
These internal faults might be easy to detect or might require some level of expertise.
How To Fix A KitchenAid Mixer Losing Power Issue
After troubleshooting your mixer for possible power problems, the next thing is to find a befitting solution to the problem.
Generally, unless you have handy skills, it is best to either take it to an authorized technician or contact the company for a possible solution and costs.
However, there are simple fixes that can be done as not all require an expert.
Below are the best ways to fix a KitchenAid mixer with power issues.
Method #1. Dealing With Overheating
This is a very simple technique as this doesn’t require any major solution.
Overheating is caused by using the mixer for a prolonged period or by other factors.
A simple waiting for the machine to cool off and reset should do the trick but if it persists even after a long period of waiting then other solutions can be explored.
Note: The mixer will automatically turn off when overheating become too much to prevent further damage.
Method #2. Changing the Power Cord
After conducting the necessary troubleshooting, and realizing that the problem arises from the power cord.
A good and durable power cord can be bought from any hardware store.
Or you can detach a good power cord from an old or damaged electrical appliance.
- Unplug your mixer from any source of power
- Using a plier, cut the old power cord from the mixer.
- Identify the life, neutral, and earth wire from the mixer. Mostly the life comes in red while the neutral in black or any other color.
- Connect the wire from the mixer to the new power cable accordingly.
- Ensure to knot the copper wire to be in contact.
- Use paper tape, masking tape, or a plastic connector.
- Apply the tape to cover and insulate each of the wires separately.
Note: A good power outlet is very much important. A GCFI outlet will suffice just right.
Method #3. Fixing The Speed Control
The speed control comprises two components, the speed sensor, and the control board.
Either of these components can get damaged, and it’s usually difficult to differentiate which one is faulty until you change them and test the mixer.
Both the speed sensor and the control board can be ordered online. However, the control board is more expensive.
- Unplug the mixer from any source of power
- Loosen the screw that fastens the head of the mixer and opens it up to see the component.
- Locate the speed sensor and change it.
- Run a quick test to know if it’s a fault from the control board
- If the problem persists. Obtain a new control board, repeat the above locate the control board, and change it to the new one.
- Cover the top of the mixer and run another test.
Note: A professional should handle motors and other more complicated problems.
Method #4. Changing Gear Parts
A good way to tell if the problem is a gear part issue is through weird and cracking noise when the mixer is put on.
The mixer comprises 3 moving gear parts interconnected.
A fault in one of the gear parts may lead to the mixer acting funny and refusing to start.
- Open up the top of the mixer.
- Once opened, a black coving by the front of the mixer is where the gears are.
- Open up the black cover, and inspect properly each of the gear parts for possible faults—either worn-out gear teeth or broken gear.
- Thereafter, place an order for the particular gear that is faulty and ensure to state the proper description.
- Depending on your location and where it was purchased from, arrival should take between 1-2 weeks.
- Upon arrival fix the gear properly and apply a reasonable amount of grease.
Note: The proper gear description is needed. Check online for your KitchenAid mixer model number.
Final Words
It is best to prevent the KitchenAid mixer losing power issue, as it could happen at moments when you need it the most.
This will cause a setback to your cooking and baking.
Proper use and frequent service/maintenance will help prevent the cause of KitchenAid power loss.
Also, it is best to consult the help of a professional rather than attempting to fix an issue you aren’t well informed about, as this could lead to further damages if not done properly.